Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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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."

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 ..."

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 ..."

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 ..."

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 ..."

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 ..."

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."

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 ..."

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 ..."

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 ..."

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."

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."

Sox decline option on Gonzalez

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November 8

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox have declined a $6 million option on shortstop Alex Gonzalez, according to a source, but the club still may have interest in bringing the player back in 2010 on a lesser salary. News of the Sox' decision to forgo the option on Gonzalez comes just two days after the Milwaukee Brewers traded shortstop J.J. Hardy to the Minnesota Twins for outfielder Carlos Gomez. A different baseball source indicated that the Sox had been having ongoing discussions with the Brewers about Hardy since just before the July 31 trading deadline, but that Milwaukee's interest was primarily in either starter Clay Buchholz or reliever Daniel Bard, neither of whom the Sox were willing to sacrifice."

Hazen turns down Padres, opts for Sox

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November 3

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox may already have lost assistant general manager Jed Hoyer to the Padres and bench coach Brad Mills to the Astros, but they won't be losing director of player development Mike Hazen, who was offered an assistant general manager job by San Diego. According to a baseball source, Hazen will remain with the Sox. His duties won't be different, including no new title, though he will be granted more autonomy based on the changing role of assistant general manager Ben Cherington. With the departure of Hoyer, Cherington will move from overseeing amateur scouting and drafting and player development to focusing more on the major league club, including roster construction and contract ..."

Agent: Chapman had 'very good visit'

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October 29

ESPN.com

"Free-agent Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman met with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Wednesday and reportedly came away impressed with what he saw. "Boston was one of the teams he was interested in from the start, and that certainly hasn't changed," Chapman's agent, Edwin Mejia, told The Boston Globe. "It was a very good visit." Mejia told the Globe that he and Chapman met with baseball operations personnel and one player, whom Mejia would not identify. Chapman, 21, reportedly had been scheduled to throw for the Red Sox as well, though it is unclear whether the wet weather in the area Wednesday pushed back those plans. The New York Yankees also are among the teams interested in ..."

Astros interview Mills, Clark on Tuesday

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October 27

MLB.com

"Boston Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills and Astros interim manger Dave Clark arrived at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday morning to interview with the Astros again about their vacant full-time manager position. Mills and Clark were two of 10 original candidates to replace Cecil Cooper, who was dismissed on Sept. 21, and join former manager Phil Garner as the lone remaining finalists. Garner was told by club officials Monday he was still in the running for the job, but he had yet to have another interview scheduled. The Astros offered the job Saturday to Manny Acta, but he turned down the Astros' two-year deal with an option in favor of a three-year deal plus an option to become the manager of the ..."

Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes

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October 27

SI.com

"The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com. The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said. Chapman, a 21-year-old who has hit 102 mph on radar guns, has garnered substantial interest from major league teams since he defected July 1. His zipping fastball, youth, projectable frame (6-foot-4 and lean) and a shallow free-agent pitching pool are expected to make Chapman one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason. Several industry sources expect Chapman will command more than the $32 million the Yankees paid Cuban ..."

Mets not interested in Lackey or Bradley; Holliday tops their list

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October 26

SI.com

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"The Mets don't seem inclined to pursue top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, who will surely shoot for a $100 million-plus contract in light of A.J. Burnett's $82.5 million deal. They do want to add a solid starting pitcher (they may try a do-over on Randy Wolf), but their big-ticket target is most likely going to be a left fielder. Matt Holliday is believed to top their list, though Jason Bay will certainly suffice. Bobby Abreu is another top free-agent outfielder, while Carl Crawford could be available in trade. The Mets have no interest in taking on Milton Bradley's problems."

Yankees and Red Sox are expected to battle for Aroldis Chapman

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October 26

SI.com

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"The Yankees and Red Sox are expected to do battle for talented left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector. While many other teams have shown interest, it's still hard to imagine anyone else plunking down $40 million-plus for a pitcher who's unproven at the big-league level."

Mets meet Cuban defector, 100-mph hurler Aroldis Chapman

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October 24

New York Daily News

"Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman met the Mets at Citi Field Friday as part of his tour with agent Edwin Mejia to find a team for the 21-year-old lefthander. Chapman, whose fastball reportedly registers 100 mph, arrived in New York this week after establishing residency in Andorra , a European nation bordered by France and Spain , to avoid being subject to the draft. The Yankees have been tight-lipped about their interest in Chapman, but are thought to be more serious suitors than the Mets, and will meet with him this weekend before he talks with the Red Sox next week. It's unclear what type of contract Chapman will command as a free agent, but the interest of several ..."

Tim Wakefield will be back

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October 23

Boston Herald

"Tim Wakefield was brimming with optimism yesterday, one day after he underwent surgery to repair his herniated disc. "The whole procedure went as planned," said Wakefield. "Everything went perfect. They didn't see any further damage. The doctors said, 'You look perfect and you should be ready to go by spring training.' " Wakefield was "ecstatic" about the news, a 180-degree change from his attitude in the second half of his season when the injury cropped up. Wakefield had his first-ever All-Star first half this year, leading the majors with 11 wins, but he made just four starts after that. Limping around the clubhouse for months while trying to work through the injury via cortisone shots - ..."

Acta, Mills get second Astros interviews

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October 22

MLB.com

"Former Nationals manager Manny Acta and Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills both interviewed Wednesday for a second time with the Astros for the managerial position than became open when Cecil Cooper was dismissed last month. Acta, who was fired in July after 2 1/2 seasons as manager of the Nationals, and Mills were two of 10 men to interview with the Astros during a six-day span ending Monday. Houston general manager Ed Wade confirmed Acta interviewed with the front office, including owner Drayton McLane. "Manny came to town and had an opportunity to sit with us and sit with our group, including Drayton," Wade said. Acta arrived in Houston from Cleveland, where he interviewed Tuesday for the ..."

Sources: Padres moving closer to hire

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October 21

ESPN.com

columnist Buster Olney

"The San Diego Padres are moving closer toward hiring Jed Hoyer, an assistant general manager with the Boston Red Sox, as their next general manager, according to major league sources. Hoyer, 35, has worked in Boston's front office under Theo Epstein. Hoyer has interviewed with other teams for GM jobs in the past. Jeff Moorad, who became CEO and part-owner of the Padres earlier this year, informed Kevin Towers on the final weekend of the regular season that he would not continue as the team's general manager. Towers had been San Diego's GM since 1995."

Projected projects for Theo Epstein

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October 15

Boston Herald

"Theo Epstein's attempted reclamation projects with John Smoltz and Brad Penny were not what the Sox general manager had hoped for. Still, the idea of dipping into the free-agent well for similar low-cost, incentive-based deals for pitchers coming back from injuries or with long histories of injuries is still a possibility this offseason. Here's a peek at three possible pitchers who could be on the Red Sox' radar this winter: Ben Sheets Age: 31 Status: Free agent Salary last year: DNP Recent stats: 13-9, 3.09 ERA (2008) Strengths: Imposing power righty when healthy, with great command. Weaknesses: Durability is an issue. Sheets has made more than 25 starts in a season only once since 2004. ..."

John Farrell says he's not interested in being Cleveland Indians manager

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October 14

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The next manager of the Indians will not be Boston pitching coach John Farrell. Farrell, former Indians pitcher and farm director, has withdrawn his name from consideration. He told GM Mark Shapiro this morning. "It's an honor to be considered for the job," Farrell to The Plain Dealer. "Especially for a team that I played for, my father played for and where there are so many people I know and respect. All those things considered, my desire is to fulfill the commitment between Boston and myself. "There's no denying there is an intent to manager at sometime. But I have a mutual commitment with Boston that I feel I should fulfill." Farrell pitched for the Indians from 1987 through 1990 and ..."

Left with work to do

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October 14

Boston Herald

columnist Sean McAdam

"Until at least the middle of November, potential free agent Jason Bay can't sign with anybody else except the Red Sox [team stats]. But given that Bay and the Red Sox already have had plenty of opportunities to work out a contract extension for the outfielder, how meaningful will those next five weeks be? "It's very unusual for a player not to take the opportunity to at least listen, if he's come this far, to what other teams have to say," general manager Theo Epstein said Monday. Indeed, if the Sox couldn't get Bay signed in March, and again at the All-Star break, why should the next month or so be any different? Industry sources suggest Bay and the Sox are quite far apart - both in terms ..."

Agent doubts Billy Wagner will retire

Comment

October 13

Boston Herald

"Billy Wagner's agent, Bean Stringfellow, did not take his client's comments about leaning towards retirement too seriously. "Those comments probably came right after the Red Sox lost, so I'd bet they were said in the heat of the moment, when he was very frustrated," said Stringfellow in a phone conversation today. "That's probably not the best time to take comments like that as gospel." Wagner, 38, told the New York Post, "I don't plan on talking to nobody," regarding where he could pitch in 2010. Asked if that meant retirement, Wagner said, "Why wouldn't I? I've got nothing else to [accomplish]." Wagner is 15 saves short of reaching 400 in his career. "That's just dust in the wind," he ..."

Red Sox Trade Rumors