MLB Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Sources: Pirates lead A.J. Burnett talks

February 12

ESPN.com

"The New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates have a framework in place for a possible A.J. Burnett deal and are working through conditions in that framework, baseball sources said Sunday. The Yankees have been engaged in talks with four teams but the Pirates have emerged as the front-runner, sources said. One of the clubs was among teams Burnett can veto per his contract, a source said, and the right-hander was unwilling to give in on that team. It was uncertain what teams were in the bidding for Burnett beyond Pittsburgh. The Pirates and Yankees began their discussions with lots of common ground because New York wants to move Burnett, who is owed $35 million for the next two seasons, and"

Marlins talking numbers with Cespedes

February 12

MLB.com

"Before Yeonis Cespedes left Miami a few days ago, the Marlins apparently gave the Cuban-born outfielder something to think about. While MLB.com has learned that no firm offer has been made, a baseball source confirmed the parties are in the process of exchanging figures. According to reporter Eric Reynoso of Cafe Fuerte, the Marlins have a six-year, $40 million offer on the table for the 26-year-old. The Miami Herald reports the offer is less than $40 million. For months, the Marlins have clearly stated that they are interested in signing Cespedes. An offer was anticipated during his visit to Miami on Wednesday, where he toured the team's new ballpark and met with club officials. Until"

Yankees righthander A.J. Burnett is not angry about trade talks that could send him to Pittsburgh Pirates

February 12

New York Daily News

"A.J. Burnett isn't concerned about his inclusion in ongoing trade talks with the Pirates or the prospect of losing his Yankee pinstripes, his agent said Saturday. "He is getting ready to go to spring training, whether it's with the Yankees, Pittsburgh or anyone else," Darek Braunecker said in a brief phone interview. "A.J. understands this is a business and will do what he has to do. He's healthy and he's looking forward to pitching for somebody." A source familiar with the Yankees thinking added that theres a good chance a deal with the Pirates eventually will get done."

Red Sox add another pitcher

February 12

Boston Globe

"According to Baseball America, the Red Sox have signed right handed reliever Sean White to a minor-league contract. White was in Triple-A with the Rockies last year and did not pitch well, posting a 5.68 earned run average and 1.85 WHIP over 82.1 innings."

Davis taking trade rumors in stride

February 12

Tampa Tribune

"That was Wade Davis who was seen running through Tropicana Field on Friday, giving his legs a workout as he prepares for another season of Rays baseball despite offseason rumors that pointed to the contrary. When asked if he was surprised, Davis said, "Not at all, because I know most of that stuff is not always what you think it is, anyway. The majority of it is all rumors. Most of it isn't legit." Davis spent a good part of his offseason in the Hudson Valley region of New York, where he occasionally checked in on the rumors that had him involved in a number of trade scenarios. "I took a look at them just to see what's going on, but I don't pay attention to them any more," Davis said."

You say you want a resolution?

February 12

Boston Globe

"So what is the status of the Theo Epstein compensation? When you ask, you get, "I don't know.'' The matter is in the hands of the Commissioner's Office, but there is no timetable on when Bud Selig is going to rule on it. This is no small issue; it's one that could have ramifications on future cases. Red Sox officials seem to think they'll know what they'll be getting from the Cubs "before the official start of spring training.'' But is that when pitchers and catchers report, or when the full squad shows up? Since Epstein left his post as Sox GM to become president of baseball operations for the Cubs, the compensation issue has been a strange one."

Pirates, Yankees discuss possible deal for A.J. Burnett

February 11

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Talks between the Pirates and New York Yankees regarding a trade that would bring Yankees starter A.J. Burnett to Pittsburgh were moving forward Friday evening, according to an industry source. First baseman/right fielder Garrett Jones, previously reported as a player the Yankees wanted to acquire in the deal, was not part of the discussions, the source said. It seems the Pirates prefer to assume more of Burnett's salary rather than part with players from their organization. Burnett will earn $33 million over the next two years, the final seasons of a five-year, $82.5 million contract he signed before the 2009 season. The Pirates agreed to pay $10 million of the $33 million owed to"

Manny not in O's plans; nixed before it went up ladder

February 11

Baltimore Sun

"Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette reportedly told a few members of the media at the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards this evening that he does not view slugger Manny Ramirez as a fit with the team. That meshes with what an industry source told The Baltimore Sun on Friday – that the Orioles as an organization were never close to seriously pursuing Ramirez. It was something that Duquette was vetting, and ultimately he decided not to take it any further. In fact, the source said the Ramirez discussion never got to the point where a proposal was taken to owner Peter Angelos for approval or even serious debate. And with a player like Ramirez, who has twice tested positive for"

Ozzie Guillen says it's gambling to sign Yoenis Cespedes

February 11

ESPN.com

"New Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen calls Yoenis Cespedes "pretty impressive," but he said it's no slam dunk that the Cuban defector ends up in Miami. Marlins president David Samson has already said that they would like the outfielder but don't have to have him, and Guillen reiterated that. "I heard Mr. Samson say something very interesting yesterday," Guillen said on the "Waddle and Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000 in Chicago. "He said, 'We have a great ballclub. And we're happy with what we have.'" Call it posturing, but Guillen said the Marlins aren't the only team in the running, saying he thinks "they're promoting this kid all over the place. That's why you have an agent. You as a player, you"

MLB analyst on Roy Oswalt to Rangers: 'That's not going to happen'

February 11

Dallas Morning News

"Once the tumult of free agency started to wind down in early January, word came out that free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt apparently wanted to pitch in Texas. And while Oswalt -- and two-time 20-game winner and multiple All-Star during his days with the Houston Astros -- would have been the type of pitcher the Rangers' would've jumped at in years past, budget restrictions seems to have the club laying back on the Oswalt race. In fact, one analyst is so convinced that the Rangers aren't a realistic suitor for Oswalt that he's ready to count them out already. "When you start to look at the landscape, these teams that he's been trying to get to sign him just aren't getting there," ESPN's Jayson"

Cards sign veteran reliever Linebrink

February 11

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals signed veteran reliever Scott Linebrink to a minor-league contract Friday, and the deal does include an invitation to major-league spring training. The deal was announced by the club Friday evening. Linebrink, 35, had a 3.64 ERA in 64 appearances (54 1/3 innings) with the Atlanta Braves last season. The righty is several years removed from his role as a late-inning shutdown reliever for the San Diego Padres. From 2004-2007, Linebrink made 290 appearances and posted a 2.79 ERA with 271 strikeouts and 254 hits allowed in 303 2/3 innings. With the Braves, 48 of his 64 appearances last season came in the seventh inning or later. His 64 appearances were his highest since 2007."

Orioles sign reliever Luis Ayala

February 11

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles continue to add to their crowded 40-man roster. The club has signed reliever Luis Ayala, a 34-year-old right-hander who had a resurgent 2011 when he was 2-2 with a 2.09 ERA in 52 games with the New York Yankees, to a one-year, major league contract. The deal is worth a guaranteed $925,000. There is a team option for 2013 for $1 million with a $100,000 buyout. Ayala will earn $825,000 in 2012, and there are performance bonuses, mainly based on appearances, worth up to $350,000 for both 2012 and 2013."

Yankees talking to Pittsburgh Pirates in effort to get rid of struggling righty A.J. Burnett

February 11

New York Daily News

"In an effort to rid themselves of underperforming pitcher A.J. Burnett, the Yankees are turning to a familiar trading partner. A team source confirmed Friday that the Yankees have held recent discussions with the Pirates about Burnett, with the understanding that the Bombers would have to absorb a "significant" portion of the flighty righty's contract, which has two years and $33 million remaining. Removing even a few million dollars of their obligation to Burnett would free up the Yankees to sign another bat — such as potential designated hitters Raul Ibanez or ex-Yanks Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. They also are considering bringing back infielder Eric Chavez. Burnett has had more"

Yanks, Pirates talking Burnett trade

February 10

CBSSports.com

"The Yankees and Pirates are continuing to talk about a possible A.J. Burnett trade that could lead to more activity in the form of a couple free-agent signings by the Yankees. As of Thursday night, the teams were thought to be a few million apart in the Burnett negotiations, but they were still talking and there is some hope for a deal. The Yankees, in a twist, want to clear some money to sign their preferred positional candidates. They are considering Raul Ibanez and Johnny Damon as possible DH candidates and Eric Chavez as a reserve. They appear to be leaning toward Ibanez for the DH role, though Damon and Hideki Matsui, two former Yankees stars, also have been under consideration. In"

Even if Josh Hamilton sex tape doesn't exist, the damage has already been done

February 10

Dallas Morning News

columnist Rick Gosselin

"Is there a Josh Hamilton sex tape out there? Gerry Fraley: You hear a lot about it. But to be honest with you, nobody's actually seen it. It's one of those 'I know a friend of a friend of a friend' deals. Even if there is, we're assuming if there is a tape, it's consenting adults, and I don't have a problem with it. That's between Josh and his family. But if there really is a person shopping this tape, then that person is a sorry individual. I still don't believe there's a tape; I believe it's an urban myth. Rick Gosselin: There's a belief that the tape's already out there, so even if one really doesn't exist, the damage has already been done with the people that matter."

Yankees GM Brian Cashman stalker case seems like it is missing some details

February 10

New York Daily News

columnist Bob Raissman

"There must be something missing from this Brian Cashman story, and it ain't a player to be named later. It's a tale of sex, stalking, betrayal. It has nearly everything sports talk gas bags were yakking incessantly about when Steve Phillips' made-for-tabloid affairs were revealed and dissected inside the Valley of the Stupid and other media precincts. Cashman? The talkies have gone Cashmum. As a matter of fact, so have normally opinionated columnists and TV commentators. Maybe the Giants ran interference for the beleaguered Yankees GM during their drive to the Super Bowl. Then again, all the coverage that compelling story produced couldn't hide loud, up-front headlines about Cashman."

Time frame for Tim Wakefield's decision: Bottom of ninth

February 10

Boston Herald

"Within the next few days, Tim Wakefield [stats] will make what has to be the most difficult decision any professional athlete faces. To play, or not to play? For the last 22 years, this has been the week Wakefield packs his bags and heads to spring training. But now, six months shy of his 46th birthday, the oldest player in the majors in 2011 still is a free agent despite his stated preference to return to the Red Sox [team stats] for one more season."

Senator Bob Casey rips Nationals' plan to keep out Phillies fans

February 10

Washington Post

"The Nationals' "Take Back Our Park" initiative took an unexpected political turn today as Sen. Bob Casey (D-Penn.), via Twitter, stood against the Nationals' plan to limit ticket sales to only Maryland, Virginia and D.C. residents for the team's series in May against the Phillies. "I'm calling on the Nationals to reverse course on a reported plan to block Phillies fans from buying tickets to games at Nationals Park," Casey wrote in consecutive tweets Thursday afternoon. "Phillies have some of the best fans in the world. They shouldn't be left out in the cold because the Nats want a stronger home field adv.""

FanGraphs ranks Prince Fielder signing second-worst this offseason

February 10

Detroit News

"Folks around here seem to like the Tigers' signing of Prince Fielder to a nine-year, $214 million contract. Outside of Detroit, others disagree. One, Dave Cameron of the popular baseball site FanGraphs.com, called the signing the second-worst move of the offseason."

Source: Yanks gauge teams' interest in A.J.

February 10

New York Post

"The Yankees still haven't given up on getting rid of A.J. Burnett. According to an industry source, the Yankees continue to have "conversations with several clubs" about trading the right-hander. Though the Pirates have been among the teams to show the most interest, they reportedly shot down the Yankees' request for outfielder Garrett Jones to be included in a deal, according to an ESPN.com report. Discussions between the clubs began at the Winter Meetings in December, with the Pirates and Royals among the teams most actively looking into acquiring Burnett."

Yoenis Cespedes might leave U.S.

February 9

ESPN.com

"Yoenis Cespedes, who met with the Miami Marlins and toured their new ballpark on Wednesday, could head back to the Dominican Republic as early as Thursday, said his agent, Adam Katz. "Nothing is scheduled for now," Katz said when asked if he and Cespedes plan to meet with other teams before the 26-year-old Cuban outfielder departs. He declined to say whether Cespedes had met with other clubs besides the Marlins since he arrived in Miami on Tuesday. Cespedes had lunch Wednesday with Marlins president David Samson, executive vice president Larry Beinfest and general manager Mike Hill, then got a firsthand look at the Marlins' new park, which is located in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood"

Brian Cashman's accused stalker, tells wild tale saying Yankees GM misled feds on steroid probe

February 9

New York Daily News

"The woman accused of stalking and blackmailing Yankees GM Brian Cashman has injected steroids into the sordid mix. From Rikers Island, Louise Meanwell claimed Wednesday that Cashman told her he misled federal investigators over what the Bombers' brass knew of steroid use by players. Meanwell, who claims she had an affair with Cashman, told the Daily News that Cashman confided to her that he was grilled in June or July by "the feds." She said Cashman told her he made it seem like the Yankees had no knowledge of players' steroid use when, in fact, they did. Cashman's spokesman Chris Giglio vehemently denied the accusations."

Roy Oswalt unlikely for Sox; Bobby Valentine content

February 9

Boston Herald

"Less than two weeks before the start of spring training, Roy Oswalt still needs a job and the Red Sox could use another starting pitcher. Perfect match, right? Not according to one major league source, who said yesterday there has been "no sense of progress" in any conversations between the Red Sox and Oswalt's camp. That was consistent with general manager Ben Cherington's recent characterization that it's "unlikely" another starter will be acquired before spring training. So what you see with the Red Sox seems to be what you'll get. When camp opens Feb.?19, the rotation will consist of Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz and a bunch of questions, from whether Daniel Bard and Alfredo"

James Loney says blow to head led to his odd behavior in crash

February 9

Los Angeles Times

"James Loney says now he understands why what he dismissively refers to as "a car accident" made headlines late last year. It was a multiple-car crash, his behavior afterward admittedly bizarre. And he is, after all, a Dodgers starter and a player whose production is key to the team's fortunes next season. He would just like to put it behind him once and for all now that he knows he won't be facing criminal charges related to the Nov. 14 incident, which occurred on the 101 Freeway in Sherman Oaks."

Rich Harden has surgery on shoulder he hurt in 2007

February 9

San Francisco Chronicle

"For more than four years, Rich Harden pitched with a torn right shoulder capsule. That's the same injury that has put Johan Santana's career on hold, and that caused Dallas Braden to get surgery last summer. In Harden's case, the injury caused a significant drop in velocity, and led to numerous other physical problems as he compensated for pitching with an unstable shoulder. So last week, Harden, 30, decided to have his shoulder repaired, though there were some offers for the free-agent starter (most recently for the A's) this winter."

GM's mistress bragged to friends about access to players, memorabilia

February 9

New York Post

"The busty Brit accused of stalking Brian Cashman boasted to a friend about her ties to the Yankee GM in a string of Facebook messages obtained by The Post. Louise Meanwell reconnected online with her pal last April and right off the bat bragged about the perks that came with her "boyfriend.'' "Yes, get down here and catch the train," Meanwell wrote in an April 25 Facebook message to her friend, who lives near Albany. "I'll take you to a Yankee game my boyfriend works for them." Her former friend — who at one time was romantically linked to Meanwell's ex-husband, Jason Bump — excitedly asked what her "bfriend" did for the team and asked if she could get her picture taken with a Yankee"

Orioles close to minor league deal with Nick Johnson, add backup catcher

February 9

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles are closing in on a minor league deal with veteran first baseman Nick Johnson that would include an invitation to spring training. A deal could be announced as early as Thursday, an industry source said. Johnson had his best season with the Nationals in 2006, when he put up a .290/.428/.520 line with 23 homers and 77 RBIs. He's been riddled with injuries over the past few seasons and spent the majority of last season with the Indians' Triple-A team in Columbus, Ohio, hitting .201/.316/.322 in 184 at bats. Johnson offers another interesting option at first base, where he has a .992 career fielding percentage. He also owns a career .401 on-base percentage, a statistic that"

Memphis Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley is a bidder for Dodgers

February 9

Los Angeles Times

"Michael Heisley, the billionaire owner of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, has emerged as one of the remaining bidders for the Dodgers. If Heisley were to buy the Dodgers, Lakers legend and former Grizzlies executive Jerry West probably would join the team in some capacity, according to a person familiar with the sale process. Heisley leads one of 11 bids that survived the initial cut in the Dodgers' ownership derby. His bid, which had not previously surfaced publicly, was confirmed Wednesday by three people familiar with the sale process but not authorized to discuss it."

Miami Marlins set to court Yoenis Cespedes

February 8

Miami Herald

"Cuban baseball star Yoenis Cespedes arrived at Miami International Airport on Tuesday afternoon with a smile and the knowledge that he is on the cusp of being a major-leaguer. Whether his future keeps him in Miami is unknown, but he likes the prospect of possibly playing in front of a large Cuban crowd. "It is too early to speak about that, but there is no doubt that I would like to play in front of so many Cubans in Miami," Cespedes said. "Here, I would get [the Cubans'] support, and that genuine support is very important. But there are things that are out of my control and are best kept with my attorneys. "I am very happy to be in this country, and I will not deny that I would like to"

Could Pirates land A.J.?

February 8

Foxsports.com

"Hear ye, hear ye: The Pittsburgh Pirates are one team that actually might want to trade for New York Yankees right-hander A.J. Burnett. The Pirates clearly want another starting pitcher — they made one-year and three-year offers to Edwin Jackson before the free-agent right-hander signed with the Washington Nationals last week. The Pirates also have spoken with the Yankees about Burnett, though those conversations failed to progress and perhaps qualified only as due diligence, major-league sources said. Burnett, 35, wants to stay with the Yankees and be their fifth starter, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking. But the Yankees have spent the entire offseason trying to move"

Source: Rangers, Andrus agree to three-year deal

February 8

Dallas Morning News

"The Rangers on Tuesday insured they won't have to deal with an arbitration hearing for shortstop Elvis Andrus this winter, or any other before he reached free agency eligibility. According to a major league source, the club and Andrus agreed to a three-year deal, pending a physical, worth close to $15 million. The deal comes less than 48 hours before Rangers officials, Andrus and his representatives were scheduled to go before an arbitration panel in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Rangers had offered Andrus $2.65 million, while he sought $3.6 million in arbitration. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels did not comment Tuesday."

Red Sox sign highly-touted Australian pitcher

February 8

WEEI Boston

"The Red Sox signed highly-regarded 17-year-old pitcher Daniel McGrath Tuesday, with the left-hander making the deal official at his Melbourne home in front of significant gathering of Australian media. McGrath will travel to Fort Myers for just more than a week during spring training, but then return to Australia where he won't graduate from high school until December. The 6-foot-3 southpaw will also pitch in the under-18 Nationals for a third time, having already shown the best velocity (approximately 91 mph) of any Australian pitcher to throw in the tournament."

McClellan is safe for now with Cardinals

February 8

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Kyle McClellan recorded the first upset of spring training last weekend: He reached south Florida still a member of the Cardinals. Actually, the drama had eased somewhat by then. Reluctant to head south for fear of being traded as soon as he arrived at Roger Dean Stadium, McClellan received assurances from the Cardinals front office that he was safe — at least for now. "This offseason was different," McClellan said after a Tuesday morning workout at the team's spring training headquarters. "Things have come up here and there. Ultimately that's part of the business. You can't control all that. They're going to make the moves they're going to make and you hope you're part of it. But in this"

Dodgers sign Clayton Kershaw to two-year, $19-million deal

February 8

Los Angeles Times

"That may not have been the truly long-term contract some of the faithful were hoping for, but the Dodgers did avoid arbitration with Clayton Kershaw this year and the next by signing him Tuesday to a two-year, $19-million contract. The Times' Dylan Hernandez reports Kershaw will earn a $500,000 signing bonus, $7.5 million this season and $11 million in 2013. The club had previously exchanged arbitration figures with National League's Cy Young winner, submitting $6.5 million to Kershaw's $10-million bid."

Starting pitchers Oswalt, Jackson spurn interest from Pirates

February 8

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Even a chunk of cash as large as $10 million will not buy the Pirates an upper-tier free agent unless that player wants to play in Pittsburgh. According to multiple industry sources, the Pirates in recent days engaged in serious, detailed discussions with the agents for pitchers Roy Oswalt and Edwin Jackson. In both cases, however, talks were derailed when the player said he'd rather play elsewhere. Jackson accepted a one-year, $10 million contract Thursday from the Washington Nationals. The Pirates had offered the right-hander one- and three-year deals for slightly less money per year. Oswalt is still on the market, and reportedly is seeking a one-year contract for around $10 million. The"

Orioles planning another visit to scout Cespedes

February 8

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles are still interested in outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and want another look at the highly touted Cuban defector. The Orioles weren't able to scout Cespedes at last week's Carribean Series because his Dominican Winter League team didn't make the series field, but the organization plans to scout him again soon. Orioles executive director of international scouting Fred Ferreira said the club is planning a trip to the Dominican Republic to watch Cespedes within the "next week to 10 days." The Orioles have scouted Cespedes at least twice already."

AL source: Miami Marlins frontrunners to land Yoenis Cespedes

February 7

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes is scheduled to land in Miami Tuesday afternoon. According to an American League source from a club that's been monitoring his free agency, the Marlins likely will be his future employer. Cespedes is expected to meet with club officials Wednesday. Though the U.S. Treasury's Department of Foreign Assets Control must unblock Cespedes before he can play professionally here, he is able to negotiate and come to terms with the club of his choosing. Team President David Samson last week said they were aggressively negotiating with Adam Katz, Cespedes agent from the Wasserman Media Group. The AL source said all indications are the Marlins have the inside track to"

Billy Beane extension – another sign A's will get a stadium?

February 7

San Francisco Chronicle

"It sounds as if the framework is in place for general manager Billy Beane and team president Michael Crowley to remain with the A's through 2019. Owner Lew Wolff told Bloomberg TV that the five-year deals should be completed within 30 days, and Wolff told me in an email that the discussions are "in process." He also called it "good news." Such lengthy extensions point to further optimism in the A's upper ranks about the team's chances of getting approval for a new stadium in San Jose. Considering how publicly frustrated Beane has been about the limitations of the Coliseum, both in terms of attracting free agents and in terms of income generated, I cannot imagine him staying with the club"

Gordon, Royals appear close on one-year deal

February 7

Kansas City Star

"The Royals appear close to an agreement with left fielder Alex Gordon on a one-year contract that would eliminate the need for a Feb. 16 arbitration hearing in Tampa, Fla. Gordon, who turns 28 on Friday, filed an arbitration request for $5.45 million, while the club countered at $4.15 million. Gordon made $1.4 million last season when he produced a breakout offensive season and won a Gold Glove for defensive excellence. Major League labor rules permit the two sides to reach a negotiated settlement until an arbitration ruling is announced. The arbitrator must select one of the two submitted figures."

Bill Hall in, Chavez still possible

February 7

ESPN.com

"On his Twitter account, Bill Hall just tweeted: IT'S OFFICIAL IM A YANKEE!!!!!!!! #IwannaRing!!!! First, Hall is going to #wannarosterspot. Hall, a source informs, signed a one-year minor league deal that could be worth $600,000 plus incentives. If Eric Chavez is not signed, Hall may have the inside track on the other backup infielder spot, but he will have competition. Brandon Laird and Ramiro Pena figure to be Hall's main competition."

Cespedes to meet with Marlins on Wednesday

February 7

MLB.com

"Cuban sensation Yoenis Cespedes has received a travel visa and is scheduled to meet with the Miami Marlins on Wednesday, according to sources. The free-agent outfielder was to leave the Dominican Republic and arrive in Miami on Tuesday. He and his agent, Adam Katz of Wasserman Media Group, will meet with Marlins officials, after which Cespedes is expected to remain in the United States for about a week to meet with other teams and undergo physicals given by his agency. Despite being declared a free agent on Jan. 25, the 26-year-old Cespedes, who established temporary residency in the Dominican Republic in January, has not been legally cleared by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of"

Orioles have had discussions with Ramirez

February 7

MLB.com

"The Orioles have had "exploratory talks" with free-agent slugger Manny Ramirez's agent, executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said on Monday. Duquette -- fresh off a morning trade with the Rockies that netted pitchers Jason Hammel and Matt Lindstrom in exchange for veteran starter Jeremy Guthrie -- confirmed the Orioles' long-rumored interest in Ramirez and said that the team had watched him work out. "We are still considering the composition of this club, and some of the challenges of integrating a player like Manny into our ballclub and market," said Duquette, who as general manager of the Red Sox signed Ramirez to an eight-year, $160 million contract in December"

Thoughts on Roy O.

February 7

Cincinnati Enquirer

"I just talked to Walt Jocketty. He insists that the Reds have had no recent talks to with Oswalt. ""It's all rumors," he said. "I'm sick and tired of it. We've had no serious talks. We've had no contact with the player." You know it's a buyers' market for starting pitching when it's less than two weeks from the start of spring training and Roy Oswalt is looking for a job, especially when Oswalt is willing to take a one-year deal for below market value. As the list of teams not interested in Oswalt grows — the Cardinals added their name recently — it becomes more likely that he could fall to the Reds."

Mora: I turned down Rangers

February 7

Dallas Morning News

"Veteran Melvin Mora told the Venezuelan newspaper El Universal that he turned down an offer from the Texas Rangers. According to Mora, the Rangers wanted him to come to spring training to compete for the utility-infielder job. Mora said he declined and is waiting for an offer from a team closer to his home in the Baltimore area."

Nothing imminent with Yanks and Ibanez

February 7

ESPN.com

"According to a source familiar with the negotiations, if that's truly what they are, "nothing is about to happen'' between the Yankees and Raul Ibanez, one of four candidates for a designated hitter job, the last opening on the club. According to ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney, the Yankees are interested in either Ibanez, Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui for the job, the youngest of whom is Matsui, who is 37 until June 12. Presumably, Eric Chavez, 34, is still in the running as well. This evening, FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Yankees "are in serious discussions'' with the 39-year-old Ibanez, coming off a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Phillies. Rosenthal said"

Cardinals add Cora; Oswalt less likely

February 7

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Looking for a veteran who could satisfy their need for depth and their hope to add seasoning to the bench, the Cardinals on Monday signed utility infielder Alex Cora to a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to spring training. Cora, 36, had considered retiring to start a career in coaching, and Cards general manager John Mozeliak said that was part of Cora's attraction to the club. The versatile veteran will offer what Mozeliak described as "an on-field coach" during spring training as he attempts to win a job as a backup for the major-league bench. In 91 games for Washington last season, Cora hit .224 with a .287 on-base percentage. In the past two seasons split between three"

Cespedes is Miami-bound for likely Marlins visit

February 7

Miami Herald

"Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who is the last remaining target of the Marlins' offseason acquisition spree, is scheduled to arrive in Miami later this afternoon and will more than likely meet with team officials tomorrow. Cespedes will first meet today with his agent, Adam Katz. A handful of teams are believed to be interested in the 26-year-old slugger, and there are reports that bidding for the free agent could hit the $60 million mark. The Marlins have been outspoken in their desire to land Cespedes, which is most unusual of the typically tight-lipped organization."

Reds still pursuing Oswalt

February 7

Foxsports.com

"The Cincinnati Reds took advantage of a depressed market to sign free-agent closer Ryan Madson. Now the team is trying to do the same with free-agent right-hander Roy Oswalt. The Reds remain in talks with Oswalt, according to major league sources. Oswalt, 34, would prefer to pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals or Texas Rangers, sources say, and some in the industry doubt that he would sign with any other team. But the Reds, just as they were with Madson, are willing to make a deal work."

Source: 'No traction' in Red Sox, Oswalt fit

February 7

WEEI Boston

"According to a major league source, there is 'no traction' in talks between the Red Sox and free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt. While there always remains a possibility the two sides could come to an agreement, such a scenario doesn't seem likely at this point. Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington stated at last week's Town Hall even in Worcester that adding another pitcher like Oswalt was unlikely and that there was a good chance the current group of starters would be what the Red Sox roll out when pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 19."

Oswalt return? Doubtful

February 7

CSN Philly

"There was a report over the weekend that indicated the Phillies were still in the running to re-sign free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt. While we'd never put anything past general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. – not after he and assistant GM Scott Proefrock's stealth pursuit and signing of Cliff Lee 14 months ago – Oswalt and the Phillies just don't seem to be a fit."

NY Yankees might be closing in on Raul Ibanez

February 7

New York Daily News

"The Yankees appear to be zeroing in on Raul Ibanez as the extra bat that Joe Girardi was pitching for last week. The Yankees are seeking a left-handed hitter and other possibilities have included Eric Chavez and ex-Yankees Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon. But Ibanez appears to be their best option for an outfielder because he could occasionally play left field and the Yanks are unsure if Matsui or Damon can, according to sources. If the Yankees decide they prefer Chavez and his ability to play first or third, he could be re-signed. The Yankees would like to keep expenses on their final winter piece as low as possible, so whoever comes cheapest could get the roster spot, too."

Yank GM 'still smitten' with ex-gal

February 7

New York Post

"He's "still smitten'' with his mistress — at least the first one. Married Yankee GM Brian Cashman only went to cops about allegedly being shaken down by scorned lover Louise Meanwell after Meanwell started harassing his other girlfriend, sources told The Post. And although Cashman claims to now be "just friends" with that girlfriend — Westchester soccer mom Kim Brennan — sources insist he clearly is "still smitten'' with her. Brennan, 41, was recently spotted tooling around her neighborhood in a 2009 Toyota Highlander registered to the Yankees, one neighbor said."

Yanks wait to sign DH for cheap

February 7

New York Post

"There is a growing sense the Yankees want to complete a deal with a lefty-swinging DH before the beginning of spring training, though team officials keep insisting they have very little financial maneuverability to make a deal. "The prices are still too high," one club official said yesterday. The Yanks are not offering more than $2 million for the slot and might be unwilling to go much beyond $1 million even. A few weeks ago, the Yanks engaged in negotiations with Raul Ibanez that would have been for a low base with incentives, and there was a sense a deal might be near. It was not complete as of last night, but there was an understanding the negotiations could be rekindled and brought to"

Tigers 'most likely set,' but still are pursuing Yoenis Cespedes

February 6

Detroit News

"More and more, it's looking like the Tigers' fifth starting spot is Jacob Turner's to lose. Asked Monday if he's still hoping to bring another veteran pitching presence to spring training, which begins Feb. 20 for pitchers and catchers, Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said, "There's a chance it may not happen — which is fine. "We may still sign a guy or two. We'll just wait and see. We've talked to people, but we've not had any success in that regard. The closer we get (to spring training), unless something happens, we'll just go with the people we have." Going into camp that way, however, doesn't mean the Tigers will come out that way. "There's still plenty of time to"

Jocketty: Nothing new on Oswalt

February 6

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Reds reportedly are one of the teams right-hander Roy Oswalt is considering, but the sides have had no contact in nearly a week and the Reds would have to juggle the budget to make a deal possible. "We had discussions with them a while ago," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "The last we heard he was going to Texas. That was on Monday. I don't know if that deal is still in place." Fox Sports reported that Texas may not have the money to sign Oswalt. The same is true of the St. Louis Cardinals, Oswalt's other reported team of choice. "If he doesn't sign," Jocketty said, "we'd take another look at it.""

Rick Ankiel signs minor league contract with Nationals

February 6

Washington Post

"The Nationals signed outfielder Rick Ankiel to a minor league contract, a person with knowledge of the agreement said, adding depth to Washington's thin center field competition with a player who performed well for them when healthy in 2011. Ankiel, 32, hit .239/.296/.363 for the Nationals last season while serving two stints on the disabled list. Ankiel became a popular clubhouse figure and, more important, played outstanding defense in center, where he displayed one of the best outfield arms in the league."

Ortiz wants to make deal, avoid arbitration

February 6

MLB.com

"Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz said he wants a multi-year deal and would like to avoid salary arbitration for next season. The slugger told MLB.com that his arbitration hearing is scheduled for a date close to Feb. 12. "We are working on that right now," Ortiz said at a banquet for the participants in Major League Baseball's Venezuela-Dominican Showcase. "Hopefully, we will get to an agreement so we don't have to go in front of the judge." The Red Sox have offered a $12.65 million salary to Ortiz, but he has asked for $16.5 million. Ortiz, who hit .309 with 29 home runs and 96 RBIs for Boston last season, wants to come to an agreement soon."

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