Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 20

Boston Globe

"David Ortiz suggested around this time last year that the Red Sox needed more power in their lineup. As he recalled, the advice was not treated with sufficient respect. "Everybody was looking at me like I was a clown,'' Ortiz said yesterday at Fenway Park, dropping an expletive to make his point. "I said we needed another 30-home run hitter. Everybody was talking trash. There you go. Now what?'' Now the Red Sox are looking to make adjustments to a team that won 95 games but finished eight games behind the Yankees in the American League East. Jason Bay, who led the team with 36 homers and 119 RBIs, entered free agency today. In Ortiz's mind, the Red Sox need to retain Bay and add another ..."

Bay is ready to play the field

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November 20

Boston Globe

"The talks have been going on all season. But suddenly, as of midnight, things are different. Now it's not only the Red Sox who can discuss contract numbers with free agent left fielder Jason Bay - every team can. The Sox have been conversing with Bay about a new contract for the better part of a year, with the talks twice ending abruptly - once in spring training and once after the All-Star break. There has been no agreement between the sides, and last night the deadline for the Sox' negotiating exclusivity came and went. So Bay becomes a true free agent, able to be wooed by any team out there. Several clubs have expressed interest in him in what is a down market for upper-level talent."

Ortiz wants another bat

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November 20

Boston Herald

"David Ortiz and the Red Sox shared a similar vision last year. They both thought they needed another big bat and then the team swung and missed at Mark Teixeira. This year, that vision has not changed a bit for Ortiz. "I said that a year ago and everybody looked at me like I was a (expletive) clown," Ortiz said yesterday at Fenway Park. "I said, 'Yo, we need another 30 home run hitter guy.' 'What? You crazy?' This and that, everyone talking crap. There you go. Now what? "Everybody will always welcome a 30 home run hitter. At any time, any day, any situation. You want to compete with those guys across the street? You better bring it. Period." And no matter who the Sox get to play left field ..."

OF Jason Bay reaches open market

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November 20

Boston Herald

"That sound at midnight last night was the window closing shut on the Red Sox' best shot at a preemptive re-signing of Jason Bay. At 12:01 a.m., all 171 free agents, including six from the Red Sox, received the green light to begin negotiations with all 30 teams. The Red Sox and Bay knew reaching a deal before last night's deadline was unlikely. This is his first stab at free agency, and, along with fellow outfielder Matt Holliday and right-hander John Lackey, he's one of the top names on this year's list. Bay likely will have substantive discussions with at least a half-dozen teams. The Mets, Cardinals, Giants, Blue Jays, Angels and Mariners all are believed to be interested. Meanwhile, ..."

For Angels, Bay, Lackey and Figgins are all in play

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November 20

Los Angeles Times

"Matt Holliday is not coming. Jason Bay might be coming. John Lackey and Chone Figgins are not coming back -- not together, anyway. Those were the highlights of the state of the Angels address delivered by owner Arte Moreno on Thursday, after baseball's owners concluded their meetings here. The free-agent shopping season opens today, with owners citing an uncertain economic forecast in suggesting players might linger on the market well into the winter. Yet Moreno left one thing absolutely certain: The Angels have no interest in outfielder Matt Holliday, perhaps the best position player available in free agency. "He is not going to be an Angel," Moreno said. "We are not looking at Holliday ..."

Sabean: Bay and Holliday unlikely

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November 20

San Francisco Chronicle

"Tim Lincecum's live press conference just ended. Afterward, we talked to GM Brian Sabean, who said he has not contacted agents for the two big hitters on the free-agent market, Matt Holliday or Jason Bay, and does not expect to either. I'll have the direct quotes later, but Sabean essentially said he refuses to be a "stalking horse" for any player who is just using the Giants to get more money elsewhere, and that the Giants will talk only to free agents who have a genuine interest in coming to San Francisco."

Angels owner: Bay, not Holliday, a possible pursuit

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November 19

Foxsports.com

"Angels owner Arte Moreno said today that he could envision his team pursuing Jason Bay — but not Matt Holliday — in the event that his team's prominent free agents sign elsewhere. Moreno said he would like to bring back John Lackey, Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero but acknowledged that it's unlikely the Angels can afford all three."

Bay declines Boston's initial offer, heading to full free agency

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November 19

SI.com

"Star free agent outfielder Jason Bay has declined Boston's initial contract offer and will head to full free agency, SI.com has learned. Boston's offer to Bay was believed to be for four years and "close to $60 million,'' according to sources. Bay thus will join star outfielder Matt Holliday and ace pitcher John Lackey as the biggest free agents on this year's market. The exclusive period for incumbent teams expires Friday at 12:01 a.m., when free agents can begin negotiating with other teams. "Nothing will happen by day's end, but we'll keep talking,'' Bay's agent Joe Urbon said. "It's not a surprise that a player that's gone this far wants to see what's out there,'' Red Sox GM Theo ..."

Holliday, Bay, Lackey top Mets' shopping list

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November 19

New York Post

"The Mets have talked a good game about spending money and retooling this offseason. Now it's time to back it all up. With free agency at hand starting at 12:01 tomorrow morning, all eyes will be on the Wilpons and general manager Omar Minaya to see if they follow through on their public vow to be major players in the market this winter. Coming off this year's 70-92 disaster, the Mets have a pressing need for more power and openings that include a left fielder, a No. 2 starter, a veteran catcher, a platoon first baseman and a setup man for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez. The Mets have identified Matt Holliday and Jason Bay as top candidates to fill the power void in left, John Lackey ..."

Francona says Jason Varitek embraces new role

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November 19

Boston Herald

"The roster for next year still has significant holes that could take a while to be filled, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona expressed satisfaction with one spot yesterday. It sounds as though captain Jason Varitek has already made his peace with being the club's backup catcher, a job at which Francona believes Varitek will be "unbelievable." "If he didn't accept that, then it could have been a problem. I don't see that happening," Francona said of Varitek during an interview on WEEI. "I saw him the other day. He was about as fired up as I've seen him. Last year (of a contract), that's a tough thing to not play." Varitek accepted his $3 million option for next season last week knowing ..."

Roy Halladay sweepstakes could be just another Yankees-Red Sox bout

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November 18

SI.com

"The Yankees recently called the Blue Jays to express interest in superstar pitcher Roy Halladay. And while the Yankees made the very same call last summer with no hope of acquiring Halladay, this time they have a real reason to believe they may actually have a legitimate chance to make a blockbuster trade. If that's a positive development for the World Series champs, the twist is that they might be battling the rival Red Sox for the star pitcher who's well-known as a Yankee killer, as his 18-6 record against the Bronx Bombers attests. Here is the most obvious reason the Yankees (or Red Sox) may now finally have a legit shot to trade for arguably baseball's best pitcher: New Toronto GM Alex ..."

Red Sox interested in Gonzalez and Soriano

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November 18

New York Post

"If the Yankees return Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes to the rotation, they are going to need bullpen help. Should they be interested in free agent relievers Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano, late of the Braves, the Yankees are going to find their blood rivals in the race. According to sources, the Red Sox asked the Braves for the medical reports on Gonzalez and Soriano, neither of whom fits into the Braves' plans because they are too expensive. Gonzalez made $3.45 million this past season, Soriano $6.35 million. The left-handed Gonzalez, whom the Yankees attempted to acquire from the Pirates following the 2006 season, appeared in 80 games, going 5-4 with a 2.42 ERA, and converted 10 of ..."

Hollywood nights not in cards for Holliday

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November 18

MLB.com

"Here's a rundown of Tuesday's biggest Hot Stove news, rumors and rumblings. Holliday out in Anaheim? The big-ticket item of the day came from Angels general manager Tony Reagins, who told the Los Angeles Times that Monday's FOXSports.com report listing the only plausible suitors for free-agent slugger Matt Hollday as the Angels, Yankees and Red Sox was, well, probably slightly inaccurate -- at least the "Angels" part. Reagins told the paper that his "focus is not on" Holliday but rather on retaining his slew of free agents: starter John Lackey, third baseman Chone Figgins and, possibly, Vladimir Guerrero and Darren Oliver. Meanwhile, St. Louis chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. told ESPN radio that ..."

Cards say Bay is not priority

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November 18

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals see left fielder Matt Holliday as a unique talent within this year's free agent pool, and they apparently do not envision themselves as bidders for the market's presumptive second choice should Holliday defect. General manager John Mozeliak confirmed Tuesday that the Cardinals' priority signing would shift away from offense if Holliday proves too pricey for the club to retain. "We'll see how the market develops," Mozeliak said. "Is (Jason Bay) a possibility? Sure. But right now it's fair to say he's not one of our top priorities." The Cardinals have yet to submit a formal bid to Holliday's agent, Scott Boras, and are unlikely to do so until free agents can begin accepting ..."

Wait and see again for Mike Lowell

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November 18

Boston Herald

"Mike Lowell figures there is no way out from hearing his name in trade talks this offseason. As unsettling as that can be, it still will beat last winter. Not only was Lowell undergoing massive job uncertainty because of the Red Sox' pursuit of Mark Teixeira, but the third baseman also was undergoing extensive and uncomfortable rehab from hip surgery. "I figure I am no stranger to trade rumors and I understand the team's desire to always look to upgrade," said Lowell in an e-mail. "This situation is much different than last year because I was hoping to avoid a very awkward situation of rehabbing in order to get traded if the Teixiera signing would have occurred." It might not be awkward ..."

Red Sox may see pop

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November 17

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"If anyone knows Jeremy Hermida as a hitter, it's Jim Presley. The former Mariners slugger has spent the past four seasons as the Florida Marlins hitting coach, helping transform a bunch of prospects and spare parts into one of the National League's most underrated offenses. From castoffs like Dan Uggla, Jorge Cantu, Cody Ross and Emilio Bonifacio to superstars like Hanley Ramirez, Presley has consistently gotten the most out of his hitters, leading the Marlins to the fifth-most runs in the NL this year. But if there's one player who never reached the heights forecast for him, it's Hermida. The 11th overall pick in the 2002 draft, he hit a grand slam in his first big league at-bat and ..."

Interest in Wagner still strong

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November 16

Foxsports.com

"Teams would have to surrender a draft pick in order to sign Billy Wagner, but interest in the left-hander remains strong. Bean Stringfellow, Wagner's agent, said Monday that eight clubs have called to express interest in Wagner, a Type A free agent. "The best way to put it," Stringfellow said, "is that the teams that called are aware that he's a Type A free agent, and they're calling anyway." Boston, Atlanta, Washington, Houston and Baltimore are on the list, according to Stringfellow, along with three teams that preferred to remain anonymous. Of that group, Stringfellow said only the Red Sox — Wagner's most recent team — would slot him in a role other than closing. The unnamed teams are ..."

Similar studs top free-agent outfield crop

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November 16

MLB.com

"Every free-agent market has a focal point, and in this one, the bull's-eye falls on a pair of outfielders who are strikingly similar. Matt Holliday and Jason Bay provoked the most anticipation, and are expected to generate the most attention and dollars. Both are powerful right-handed hitters of comparable age, with Bay one year older at 31. Both are modest, soft-spoken individuals much better at playing a good game than at talking it. So, fittingly, both are being led into the free-agent wilderness by outspoken, opinionated agents. The selling by Scott Boras, Holliday's man, and Joe Urbon, Bay's guy, is already under way. Urbon: "I think the most important thing about Jason Bay is that ..."

No lack of interest in Angels pitcher

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November 15

MLB.com

"All eyes were on John Lackey as a 23-year-old rookie when he won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series, and all eyes are on him seven years later now that he's finally a free agent. The big Angels right-hander is in the enviable position of being the top name in the pitching category of the Hot Stove season, and already the clubs are lining up to have a word with his agent, Steve Hilliard. As a busy Friday turned into a relatively quiet Saturday, Hilliard and Lackey could take a weekend to reflect on the interest that's already white-hot even before the Angels lose exclusive negotiating rights next Friday a minute after midnight. The Red Sox, Mets and Brewers have already had discussions with ..."

Sox doing their due diligence on Lackey

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November 14

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox also spoke to CC Sabathia and had a meeting with A.J. Burnett's agents last winter, but it was more a case of Theo Epstein doing his due diligence on the free agent front. A major league source confirmed that Epstein did the same on free-agent righty John Lackey in Chicago during the General Manager's Meetings. The Red Sox do have a need for a starting pitcher. They were after Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay at the trading deadline, therefore it would reason that they would have interest in Lackey and would surely get involved with Hernandez if Seattle can't work out a long-term deal with the best young pitcher in the game. Halladay is also available to them in a ..."

Red Sox eye John Lackey

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November 14

Boston Herald

"Six weeks ago, John Lackey hastened the Red Sox along the short road to winter vacation with a dominating victory in Game 1 of the AL Division Series for the Los Angeles Angels. Now, he may be one of their first targets in free agency. According to a major league source, the Sox met with the right-hander's agent at the GM meetings earlier this week in Chicago. The Sox expressed preliminary interest in the consensus top starter on the market. Although the club currently has its entire rotation under contract - Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield - last season proved there's no such thing as too much pitching. The Red Sox burned through 11 starters ..."

Bay in contact with other clubs, but still prefers Boston

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November 14

Providence Journal

"It's the calm before the storm for Jason Bay and the Red Sox. The 31-year-old outfielder will be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason. It's also a strong possibility he will return to Boston once he tests the market for the first time in his career. For now, the Sox still have exclusive rights to negotiate with Bay until Nov. 20. But Bay's agent, Joe Urbon, says that he has been in contact with other clubs about Bay, although they're not allowed to talk contracts until the 20th. It's unlikely the Red Sox and Bay will finalize a deal before then, given the fact this is his first opportunity to test the free-agent market, and he's said in the past he's interested in ..."

Number of storylines to ponder for the Red Sox

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November 13

Boston Herald

"With the GM meetings concluded and another week before the official start of free agency, the Red Sox have a window of relative calm before the real fun starts. While they still hold exclusive negotiating rights with their free agents, the big one - left fielder Jason Bay, who yesterday earned his first Silver Slugger Award - is expected to hit the market next week. Here's a look at some of the major storylines to emerge over the last few days. VARITEK AND MARTINEZ - What does Jason Varitek's return mean for Victor Martinez? In a word, nothing. The captain exercised his $3 million option on Wednesday, and while it's great to keep his institutional memory and professionalism in the ..."

Yankees, Red Sox both shopping for Roy Halladay

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November 12

New York Daily News

"The Blue Jays haven't decided whether or not to trade Roy Halladay this winter, but if they choose to move the former Cy Young winner, a bidding war could break out between the Yankees and Red Sox. According to a source, Blue Jays president Paul Beeston has not resigned himself to the seemingly inevitable move to trade Halladay, believing his team can still compete for a playoff spot in 2010. The circus that surrounded the Halladay situation last summer was one of the primary factors in the firing of former general manager J.P. Ricciardi, who made it clear he did not want to deal the ace within the division. Alex Anthopoulos appears willing to move Halladay to an AL East team, but before ..."

Another angle on Wagner

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November 12

Boston Globe

"If Billy Wagner is willing to work as a setup man for Jonathan Papelbon, the Red Sox aren't averse to the idea of the veteran lefthander accepting salary arbitration. Wagner, 38, said repeatedly after being acquired from the Mets in August that his goal was to again become a closer with another team in 2010. But agent Bean Stringfellow is now saying Wagner enjoyed his time in Boston enough to consider accepting arbitration. Teams have until Dec. 1 to make such offers. The player then has a week to decide."

Billy Wagner idea comes as no surprise

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November 12

Boston Herald

"The idea of Billy Wagner returning does not appear to worry the Red Sox. Agent Bean Stringfellow raised a few eyebrows Tuesday when he said Wagner liked his six-week stint with the Red Sox so much that he would consider accepting an offer of arbitration. There is little precedent for a player of Wagner's status and experience to go to arbitration rather than pursue free agency. While Stringfellow said he heard from seven teams interested in pursuing Wagner as a closer, the left-hander might be OK with a set-up role with the Sox. After Sox general manager Theo Epstein spoke with Stringfellow Tuesday night, he decided Wagner was speaking from the heart and that perhaps it was not such a ..."

Varitek exercises option to stay with Red Sox as backup

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November 12

Boston Globe

"It will be in an unfamiliar role, that of a backup, but Jason Varitek has decided to return to the Red Sox for what could be his final season. The 37-year-old catcher and team captain informed the Sox yesterday that he would exercise the option year in his contract rather than become a free agent. Varitek took all five days allotted before coming to that conclusion after consulting with agent Scott Boras. "We're happy to have Jason back and we look forward to a good year from him in 2010,'' general manager Theo Epstein said. "He means an awful lot to the organization on and off the field. He helps solidify our catching position also and is a big asset to the pitching staff."

Varitek exercises option for 2010

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November 11

Boston Globe

"Jason Varitek has exercised his $3 million option for 2010. "We're happy to have Jason back and we look forward to a good year from him in 2010," Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said. "He means an awful lot to the organization on and off the field. He helps solidify our catching position also and is a big asset to the pitching staff."

Green, Gathright file for free agency

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November 11

MLB.com

"After being taken off the 40-man roster by the Red Sox this month, shortstop Nick Green and outfielder Joey Gathright rejected an outright to Triple-A Pawtucket and decided to file for free agency instead. The two can still return to Boston, but now have the opportunity to sign with other teams, as well. Green batted .236 with six home runs and 35 RBIs in 103 games for the Red Sox this season while committing 14 errors in 81 games at shortstop -- good for a .956 fielding percentage. Boston is in need of some insurance at the position, with Jed Lowrie's injury history and after it declined the $6 million club option on Alex Gonzalez's contract."

Minaya going after, well, everybody

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"The Mets plan to pursue virtually every big name on the free-agent and trade markets, from Roy Halladay and John Lackey to Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Agents and rival executives, however, are skeptical that the Mets actually will land any of those players, believing that the team ultimately will settle for second-tier talent. Mets general manager Omar Minaya loves to play at the top of the market. And the Mets, coming off a 92-loss season, are not about to tell their fans that they will aim low. Still, the Mets' needs are significant enough that one or two major additions might not put the team in contention. Minaya says he wants to add at least one starting pitcher. The Mets also need ..."

Varitek has until midnight to decide on '10 option

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November 11

Boston Herald

"Jason Varitek has until midnight tonight to decide on picking up his 2010 option worth $3 million, according to a baseball source. There was a mysterious moment yesterday about the timing of the option when Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, said that it was a "legal" matter. The O'Hare Hilton Superior Court must have issued a ruling overnight."

There are plays to be made

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November 11

Boston Globe

"On the surface, the Red Sox would seem only to lack a left fielder and a shortstop to be ready for the 2010 season. Once those spots are filled, only some minor roster tweaks would remain. It's easy to forget, given the three-game sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels in the Division Series, but the Red Sox won 95 games and scored the third-most runs in the game. Only the Yankees had a higher OPS."

Book on Billy Wagner not closed

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November 11

Boston Herald

"Billy Wagner loved being with the Red Sox so much at the end of the 2009 season, the reliever may want to come back after all. Wagner, a Type A free agent who would bring two draft picks the Sox' way if he declines their offer of arbitration and signs elsewhere to resume his career as a closer, is keeping the door open to accepting arbitration, a decision that the ballclub was not expecting when it made a late-season trade with the New York Mets to acquire his services. This represents a change of heart for a 38-year-old left-hander who is 15 saves away from 400 for his career. He waived his no-trade clause to accept a trade to the Red Sox, who in turn promised they would not pick up his ..."

Jason Varitek, Matt Holliday on bill

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November 11

Boston Herald

"Scott Boras, the agent for catcher Jason Varitek as well as free agent outfielder Matt Holliday, said he planned to speak with Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein last night at the GM meetings about a few of his clients. Boras refused to say what Varitek, who has until today to exercise his $3 million player option for next year and must accept a backup role, would decide. "That's just something that he's going to have to let me know," Boras said. Boras said he did not believe that there was any sort of relationship to repair between him and the Red Sox just because the Yankees bid $10 million more for then-free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira last offseason. Talks between the Sox and ..."

Let's make a big deal

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November 11

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox won 95 games this year and got bounced out of the playoffs in the first round. "I think we have a lot to do but I'm not so sure there are obvious ways to do it," general manager Theo Epstein said yesterday. "We're going to explore creative ways to get better." Throwing money at free agents Jason Bay or Matt Holliday is one path toward making the tweak needed to improve the team. Another one that takes more creativity is a trade, a big one. Yesterday in a slow day at the general managers meetings, the two newest GMs - Alex Anthopoulos of the Toronto Blue Jays and Jed Hoyer of the San Diego Padres - spoke about meeting the Red Sox' needs. Blue Jays starter Roy Halladay and Padres ..."

Braves hire former Red Sox pitching coach

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November 11

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"They have a bevy of pitching prospects in their organization, and the Braves believe they've hired the right man to oversee the development of those young arms. Former major league pitching coach Dave Wallace is the new minor league pitching coordinator for the Braves, who also announced Tuesday that Garey Ingram was hired as the new Class AA Mississippi hitting coach. Wallace, 62, was pitching coach of the 2004 World Series champion Boston Red Sox. He also served as pitching coach with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and Houston Astros, and in a variety of other coaching and front-office positions. "When you have an opportunity to get a Dave Wallace, you go out and get him," ..."

Around the majors

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November 10

SI.com

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"• Andy Pettitte has indicated to teammates that he is leaning toward returning to the Yankees for one more year. If they need it for further convincing, one of the Yankees' sales points will be that 10-15 more wins will aid his Hall of Fame candidacy. • The Phillies are expected to try to lock up Cliff Lee, though with a year to go before free agency, they'll be looking at something less than nine figures. • While the Phillies declined the option on defensively adept third baseman Pedro Feliz for $5.5 million, they're interested in bringing him back at a slightly lower figure. • The Red Sox will still consider Alex Gonzalez after declining his $6 million option and also look at free agent ..."

Halladay more likely to go than Gonzalez

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November 10

SI.com

"Baseball people seem to believe that of the two superstar players available in trade -- Roy Halladay and Adrian Gonzalez -- Halladay is more likely to be moved for a few important reasons, such as: 1) He's eligible for free agency after this year, whereas the Padres have Gonzalez for two more years. 2) He makes $16 million to only about $5 million for Gonzalez, who has $10.25 mil over two remaining. 3) He wants out of Toronto. In an especially weak free-agent starting-pitching market, Halladay, 31, would draw interest from several teams, and with a new GM in Toronto (Alex Anthopoulos replaced J.P. Ricciardi), the whole game could change. It isn't known how Padres GM Jed Hoyer or ..."

Mariners in the market for punch at the plate

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November 10

Foxsports.com

"The Mariners will at least "kick the tires" on free agent left fielder Jason Bay, one major- league source said, as they consider ways to stimulate an offense that finished last in the American League with 640 runs scored. Bay lives in the Seattle area, which enhances his appeal. But other right-handed power hitters — Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre, to name two — have struggled in their first seasons at Safeco Field. One way or the other, the Mariners seem likely to add an impact bat before Opening Day. Their budget is too big, and their need too great, for them to stand pat. The Mariners could also reconfigure their infield in an attempt to score more runs. The team hasn't ruled out the ..."

Agent says reliever Wagner is in demand

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November 10

Foxsports.com

"Bean Stringfellow, the agent for veteran closer Billy Wagner, said Tuesday morning that six teams have already called to ask about his client. All of them are interested in Wagner as a closer, Stringfellow said. "That's what he is — a closer," Stringfellow added. Stringfellow declined to say which teams had inquired. But the Tigers, Astros, Rays, Orioles, Braves and Nationals are among the clubs with uncertainty at the back end of their bullpen. Stringfellow said Wagner's performance with the Red Sox — a 1.98 ERA in 15 late-season appearances — eliminated any doubt about his arm following elbow surgery. "This is a normal offseason for him," Stringfellow said."

Holliday, Bay bidding may surpass Mets' appetite

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November 10

New York Daily News

"Omar Minaya arrived at the GM Meetings at the O'Hare Hilton on Monday night maintaining it was his obligation to investigate the price tags of top-tier free agents. However, a team insider told the Daily News he expected that the salary demands of outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay would exceed the organization's comfort level. Instead, the Mets expect to sign a left fielder from the second tier group of free agents, or acquire one via trade, a team source said. Picking up a power bat in left field would allow the Mets to follow through with their intention of using Daniel Murphy as the primary first baseman next season. One report listed Mike Cameron as a potential target for left ..."

Jays GM won't talk about Doc Halladay

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November 10

Toronto Star

"If the Boston Red Sox really are interested in trading for ace Roy Halladay, Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos isn't saying. As the general managers' meetings opened Monday in Chicago, rumours about a future destination for Halladay, a free agent after 2010, surfaced again."

Red Sox get into position

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November 10

Boston Globe

"It wasn't anything unexpected, but Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein announcing that Victor Martinez will be the team's full-time catcher next season certainly smacked of something more on the horizon, and it certainly meant the end of more than a decade of Jason Varitek's reign as the team's primary catcher."

Any Jason Bay deal will take time

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November 10

Boston Herald

"Every Red Sox offseason has its share of sagas. The front-runner this year is Jason Bay, and it's going to take some time to find out. A deal between the Red Sox and Bay appears unlikely before the club's window of exclusivity closes Nov. 19. After that, the chances are uncertain. The Red Sox have not made any substantive changes to talks they held with Bay at the All-Star break, when a three-year deal was put forward, which is at least one year short of what Bay is looking for. A salary somewhere between $16-$18 million a year is expected for Bay, who can only speak monetary terms with the Sox until Nov. 19. Then other clubs can begin to throw money at him."

Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield gets two-year, $5M deal

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November 10

Boston Herald

"Tim Wakefield has one of the most hallowed Red Sox records in his sights, and now he has two years to break it. The Sox yesterday signed the 43-year-old knuckleballer to a two-year, $5 million deal that replaces his perpetual $4 million option and all but guarantees he will finish his career in the uniform he has worn since 1995. Speaking from his Florida home last night, Wakefield said he was "ecstatic" about the contract, which gives him peace of mind as he rehabs from back surgery. "For me, it was never about the money," he said. "It was about being treated fairly and remaining a Red Sox for the rest of my career, and now I can say that's going to happen." Wakefield potentially took a ..."

Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops

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November 9

MLB.com

"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."

Red Sox decline option on Varitek

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November 9

Boston Globe

"According to WEEI.com, the Sox declined the $5 million team option for Jason Varitek. The player now has four days to decide whether to exercise his $3 million option or become a free agent. The question is whether Varitek and agent Scott Boras believe he can get a job as a starter with another team. Otherwise, $3 million is high end for a backup."

Wakefield and Red Sox agree to new deal

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November 9

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox did some cost-cutting with Tim Wakefield today according to sources. Rather than pick up his $4 million option for 2010, they signed him to a $3.5 million deal. He also will get a $1.5 million deal for 2011 that includes incentives. This replaces the perpetual $4 million option Wakefield had. So instead of the knuckleballer costing $8 million over the next season, it'll be $5 million."

Sox pick up V-Mart option

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November 9

Boston Globe

"It does not come as a surprise, but it's pleasant news for Red Sox fans nonetheless. Victor Martinez is officially under contract for next season. The club has exercised its $7.1 million 2010 option for the 30-year-old catcher/first baseman, according to his agent Alan Nero. Martinez, who was acquired from the Indians at the trade deadline for pitchers Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone, and Bryan Price, was an immediate fit with the Red Sox, batting third in the lineup as soon as he arrived and providing the requisite punch, batting .336 with a .912 OPS in 56 games with the Sox."

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