Iguchi to decide on new team on Monday

According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, free agent 2nd baseman Tadahito Iguchi will decide who he signs with on Monday or Tuesday.

The Rockies along with Orioles and Padres have an interest in him.

Cubs could use Angels' Figgins as Plan B

If the Chicago Cubs lose out on the bidding for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, they could turn to Angels outfielder Chone Figgins, should the Angels make him available.

Reds still after Bedard?

According to John Fay of the Reds Insider, the Cincinnati Reds could still pull off a deal for Orioles' left-hander Erik Bedard.

The package that the Reds could put together would include Homer Bailey, Joey Votto and another top prospect.

Brewers deal for Gagne Update

12.8.07 7:50pm PST

According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, the deal is apparently a 1-year deal worth $10M.

12.8.07 4:09pm PST

According to Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports, the Brewers are close to an agreement with right-hander Eric Gagne. Though the terms of the contract have not been disclosed, sources say it's a 1-year deal.

Barrett could still be traded by San Diego

Although Michael Barrett has accepted arbitration with the San Diego Padres, it doesn't mean he'll start the season with them. There's a lot of talk that the Padres will look to trade him in the coming weeks to teams like Tampa or Pittsburgh, who have been rumored to be interested in him.

Rays interested in Dodgers' Ethier?

According to the St. Petersburg Times, the Tampa Bay Rays could talk to the Dodgers about outfielder Andre Ethier, who the Dodgers are more open to trading after signing Andruw Jones on Thursday.

The Rays could part with either closer Al Reyes or setup man, and former Astro, Dan Wheeler.

Inge wants out of Detroit?

After the Tigers made the blockbuster trade for Marlins' 3rd baseman Miguel Cabrera, it relegated Brandon Inge to the backup role, a role Inge says he doesn't want to play.

Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski has started having conversations with other teams about the 30-year old Inge, Dombrowski also said they owe him that much. "For as much as he's done for us, and as hard as he's played, it makes a lot of sense for us to do that."

Brewers close to deal with Gagne

According to Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports, the Brewers are close to an agreement with right-hander Eric Gagne. Though the terms of the contract have not been disclosed, sources say it's a 1-year deal.

Rangers' Otsuka recommends Padres to Fukudome?

12.8.07 9:48am PST
According to Jamey Newberg's "Newberg Report", Texas Ranger reliever and former Padre Akinori Otsuka, recommended the San Diego Padres to Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, even though the Rangers are also after his services....OUCH!

12.7.07 10:12pm PST
Apparently, earlier reports that Fukudome had made his decision to make the jump to MLB was incorrect, that according to his agent Joe Urbon.

"He's not going to decide until Tuesday, or Monday our time," Urbon said. "If he had made that decision, you would have seen it out of Japan by now."

"That would be culturally very disrespectful to make that decision," Urbon said.I guess Ken Rosenthal isn't right every time after all.

12.7.07 1:05pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.

Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest. The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.

Fukudome to make decision on MLB on Monday

12.7.07 10:12pm PST
Apparently, earlier reports that Fukudome had made his decision to make the jump to MLB was incorrect, that according to his agent Joe Urbon.

"He's not going to decide until Tuesday, or Monday our time," Urbon said. "If he had made that decision, you would have seen it out of Japan by now."

"That would be culturally very disrespectful to make that decision," Urbon said.

I guess Ken Rosenthal isn't right every time after all.

12.7.07 1:05pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.

Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest. The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.

Eckstein to Colorado?

Now that Mark Loretta has accepted arbitration from the Houston Astros, the Colorado Rockies could turn to free agent shortstop David Eckstein to be there every day 2nd baseman for 2008, especially since they dealt Jamey Carroll to the Indians earlier today.

List of players who declined arbitration

Mike Cameron (San Diego)
Pedro Feliz (San Francisco)
Eric Gagne (Boston)
Livan Hernandez (Arizona)
Ron Mahay (Atlanta)
Trever Miller (Houston)
Mike Piazza (Oakland)
Aaron Rowand (Philadelphia)
Shannon Stewart (Athletics)
Luis Vizcaino (Yankees)

Reds talking to Mike Cameron?

A new team has jumped into the bidding for free agent center fielder Mike Cameron, the Cincinnati Reds. Before the Padres hired new manager Bud Black, they interviewed current Reds manager Dusty Baker, who Mike Cameron strongly recommended and went so far as to say he would like to play for Baker.

The Padres have had talks with Cameron's agent, but they're waiting for a decision from Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome before trying to seriously re-sign Cameron. Though, if they wait too long, they may not have that chance.

Gagne not returning to Texas

12.7.07 8:05pm PST

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Rangers have pulled out of the bidding for Eric Gagne. It's reported he'll either take a 2-year deal elsewhere or accept arbitration from the Red Sox.

12.3.07 8:37pm PST

According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, it looks like the Rangers will try to bring Eric Gagne back to Texas to be their closer again next season....and probably end up trading him again before the deadline.

Astros never close to a deal for Tejada?

12.7.07 7:59pm PST

Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle weighs in on the Astros talks with the Orioles' about Miguel Tejada. He says both sides had serious talks about a deal but were NEVER close to one.

12.6.07 1:55pm PST

According to radio reports from a Houston sports radio station (790 AM), the Astros could be on the verge of a deal for Orioles' shortstop Miguel Tejada. The Astros would send Adam Everett, Chris Burke and a pitcher to Baltimore.

Ken Rosenthal checked in and confirmed the 2 sides had talked, but were not close to a deal before both sides departed Nashville.

Bradley needs more time to decide on Padres' offer

12.7.07 7:49pm PST

According to the San Diego Union Tribune, Milton Bradley has informed the Padres that he needs more time to decide whether he'll accept the 1-year $4M deal he's been offered. He also has an offer on the table from the Texas Rangers for their DH job.

12.6.07 1:49pm PST

The San Diego Padres have brought back one of the most volatile players to wear a Padre uniform. The team is close to signing outfielder Milton Bradley to a 1-year deal that is reportedly worth $4M.

The agent for Bradley says the outfielder should be ready for Opening Day after having ACL surgery on his right knee.

Padres sign Shawn Estes

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Padres have signed veteran left-hander Shawn Estes to a 1-year deal, though the terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

In the same article, Krasovic says the Padres are still waiting for an answer on their contract offers to outfielder Milton Bradley and Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome.

Yankees talking to LaTroy Hawkins

According to Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News, Yankees' GM Brian Cashman has been in talks with the agent for free agent right-hander, and former Colorado Rockie, LaTroy Hawkins. Apparently, the deal could be for 1-year $3.5M.

White Sox after Juan Pierre?

With the Dodgers recently acquiring center fielder Andruw Jones, the White Sox could be in a position to talk to LA about outfielder Juan Pierre, a player Sox manager Ozzie Guillen likes.

Pierre would give them speed in the outfield as well as speed at the top of their order as the leadoff hitter, not to mention he's already used to the city of Chicago after being a member of the Cubs before signing with the Dodgers.

Haren to Arizona?

After all the talk about the Yankees turning their attention to Dan Haren after pulling out of the Johan Santana race, could Haren actually end up in Arizona? According to Boston.com, though the deal isn't close, Arizona and Oakland are working on a deal that would send Dan Haren to Arizona for Conor Jackson, outfield prospect Carlos Gonzalez and two other players.

Boston to talk extension with Varitek

With the Winter Meetings concluding yesterday, some major deals could be made. For the Red Sox, one thing they'll try to get done is re-sign veteran catcher, and team captain, Jason Varitek who's in his final year of a 4-year $40M deal signed in 2004.

Giants and Yankees still talking about Matsui

12.7.07 1:15pm PST

The Giants and Yankees continue talks about Matsui, but no deal is close yet. The Giants could send two of Noah Lowry, Jonathan Sanchez and Brad Hennessey.

12.6.07 10:22pm PST

With a lot of teams looking for an outfielder during the Winter Meetings the past 3 days, it looks like the Giants could have their eye on a big one....Yankees' outfielder Hideki Matsui. According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Giants did call the Yankees and could be offering Tim Lincecum, Noah Lowry or Matt Cain.

Fukudome coming to MLB

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.

Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest. The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.

Brewers acquire reliever Torres

The Brewers completed a trade, one day after the Winter Meetings in Nashville concluded, with the Pittsburgh Pirates for reliever Salomon Torres. The Brewers send minor league relievers Marino Salas and Kevin Roberts to the Pirates.

Mark Loretta expected to accept arbitration from Astros

Mark Loretta is expected to accept the arbitration offered by the Houston Astros, according to Jose De Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle. Though, Loretta's agent, Bob Garber, says there are a few more offers from other teams that he'll look at first before he and Loretta make the decision to return to Houston or sign elsewhere.

In the same article, the Astros also offered arbitration to left-handed reliever, Trevor Miller.

A's considering Bonds?

In an article today by Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the A's could sign free agent outfielder Barry Bonds, despite his legal problems.

The problem that A's GM Billy Beane will face is, the reaction of their fans by signing a player who's under a huge steroid cloud. One thing that the A's seem to do is bring in players toward the end of their careers (ex. Piazza, Frank Thomas, David Justice, Eric Karros), maybe Bonds' name will be added to that list.

Willis headed to the Mets?

The Tigers made the biggest trade, during the recently concluded Winter Meetings in Nashville, by landing Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis from Florida. Since that deal was made, there's been speculation that Willis could be flipped to the Mets.

According to Adam Rubin of the NY Daily News, the Tigers and Mets have not talked as of yet, but Omar Minaya has talked about Willis in the past and has expressed his interest in acquiring him. The problem that the Mets face is, the Tigers may ask for Jose Reyes, who the Mets have deemed "untouchable".

Dodgers could acquire Erik Bedard

Though the Winter Meetins wrapped up today, there are still plenty of rumors floating around. One of them is the possibility of the Dodgers making a deal with Baltimore for left-hander Erik Bedard.

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, after the Dodgers signed Andruw Jones yesterday, they could flip outfielder Matt Kemp, top pitching prospect Clayton Kershaw and outfielder Andre Ethier to the Orioles. The only trouble LA might run into is Orioles' owner Peter Angelos, who is not the easiest guy to make deals with.

Giants after Yankees' Matsui?

With a lot of teams looking for an outfielder during the Winter Meetings the past 3 days, it looks like the Giants could have their eye on a big one....Yankees' outfielder Hideki Matsui. According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Giants did call the Yankees and could be offering Tim Lincecum, Noah Lowry or Matt Cain.

Cardinals release Taguchi

After 6 seasons, the St. Louis Cardinals parted ways with outfielder So Taguchi when they released him earlier today, that according to ESPN.

The Cardinals needed to open room on their 40-man roster for their selection during the Rule 5 draft that took place today in Nashville.

Glendon Rusch Update

12.6.07 10:03pm PST

According to Scott Lauber of Delwareonline.com, the Phillies had talks with Glendon Rusch, but Rusch asked for a big league deal and a rotation spot.

Knowing that information, are the Padres really close to signing a minor league deal with him? If he's asked 1 team for a big league deal, why would he turn around and sign a minor league deal with another?

12.5.07 7:08pm PST

The Padres are close to signing right-hander, and former Cub, Glendon Rusch to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.

In the same post, the Padres may also bring in Shawn Estes.

Bonds wants to play in 2008

So Barry Bonds wants to play another season, even with his legal troubles. According to his agent, Jeff Borris, "There should be no legal conflicts that prevent Barry from being available during the 2008 season."

I think his agent missed the part where signing Bonds would be a bad P.R. move by any team, though Borris said Bonds' name did come up during conversations in Nashville during the Winter Meetings.

Padres to give Fukudome big contract?

12.6.07 9:38pm PST

On the Padres side of the Fukudome race, CEO Sandy Alderson was on XX Sports Radio 1090 AM in San Diego this afternoon. When asked about their offer to the Japanese free agent, he said it was one of the biggest offers they've handed out and could be anywhere from the $30M given to Brian Giles and the $52M being given to Jake Peavy.

12.6.07 2:08pm PST

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are neck-and-neck in the race for Japanese free agent Kosuke Fukudome. He says the Cubs could we willing to go as high as $14M - $15M a year for the free agent. If Fukudome wants to play on the West coast, and why wouldn't you, he could take less money to play for the Padres.

Kevin Towers and the rest of the Padres brass have departed Nashville but still could make some big moves prior to Spring Training, especially if they land Fukudome. If they do, the Padres will end their negotiations for Mike Cameron.

How high are the Cubs willing to go for Fukudome?

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are neck-and-neck in the race for Japanese free agent Kosuke Fukudome. He says the Cubs could we willing to go as high as $14M - $15M a year for the free agent. If Fukudome wants to play on the West coast, and why wouldn't you, he could take less money to play for the Padres.

Kevin Towers and the rest of the Padres brass have departed Nashville but still could make some big moves prior to Spring Training, especially if they land Fukudome. If they do, the Padres will end their negotiations for Mike Cameron.

Orioles' Gibbons, Royals' Guillen suspended

According to an Associated Press story, Baltimore Orioles' outfielder Jay Gibbons and new Royals' acquisition Jose Guillen have both been suspended for the first 15 games of the 2008 season.

Astros close to a deal for Tejada?

According to radio reports from a Houston sports radio station (790 AM), the Astros could be on the verge of a deal for Orioles' shortstop Miguel Tejada. The Astros would send Adam Everett, Chris Burke and a pitcher to Baltimore.

Ken Rosenthal checked in and confirmed the 2 sides had talked, but were not close to a deal before both sides departed Nashville.

Padres are close to a deal with Milton Bradley

The San Diego Padres have brought back one of the most volatile players to wear a Padre uniform. The team is close to signing outfielder Milton Bradley to a 1-year deal that is reportedly worth $4M.

The agent for Bradley says the outfielder should be ready for Opening Day after having ACL surgery on his right knee.

Nationals sign Aaron Boone

Aaron Boone has signed a 1-year $1M deal with the Washington Nationals, the deal will also include incentives, that according to Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post.

In the same article, the Nationals completed the 3-year extension on Wily Mo Pena....see, it was just a matter of time.

Silva heading to Kansas City?

An unconfirmed rumor popped up from the Minneapolis Star Tribune saying the Royals have talked to the agent for free agent pitcher Carlos Silva, though his agent says nothing is imminent.

Dodgers deal with Jones Update

12.5.07 11:28pm PST

Some interesting tid bits on the Andruw Jones deal from Daily News' Tony Jackson. The deal would pay Jones $9M in 2008, $15M in 2009 plus a $12M signing bonus.

Also, Jackson believes that, with Jones in place, the Dodgers could possibly make a run at Twins' ace Johan Santana, the highlight players being Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp.

12.5.07 10:11pm PST

The Los Angeles Dodgers got their center fielder, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com the Dodgers have signed Andruw Jones to a 2-year $36M deal.

Rockies clearing the way for Iguchi?

Is Rockies' GM Dan O'Dowd clearing the way to sign free agent 2nd baseman Taduhito Iguchi? According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, there's talk that O'Dowd is ready to deal Jamey Carroll and Clint Barmes, possibly in seperate trades, to make way for Iguchi to be their starting 2nd baseman.

Interesting stuff from the Denver Post. There was a lot of talk that the Rockies wanted Mark Loretta, but according to a lot of baseball people, they don't think Loretta has the range that he used to have. Being a Padre fan, I think the Padres would benefit having Loretta back in the fold, especially if young prospect Matt Antonelli isn't quite ready to be the Opening Day starter.

Dodgers sign Andruw Jones

The Los Angeles Dodgers got their center fielder, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com the Dodgers have signed Andruw Jones to a 2-year $36M deal.

Tomko unlikely to return to San Diego

12.5.07 9:53pm PST

According to Padres' beat writer Corey Brock, the Padres are unlikely to sign Brett Tomko. Though the Padres made a 1-year $1.5M offer, Tomko wants to see if he gets an offer to be a starter.

He's received interest from the Nationals, Pirates, Reds and Rockies.

12.2.07 2:19pm PST

According to the San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Padres GM' Kevin Towers expects to re-sign veteran Brett Tomko to a 1-year deal as a part of the Padres' bullpen.

Wells wants an audience with the Mets

Veteran left-hander David Wells has been trying to get an audience with Mets' GM Omar Minaya, but thus far has had no luck. Wells is seeking a 1-year deal and is one of those pitchers who could help the younger pitchers as well as take the ball every 5th day.

Nats, Pena don't have agreement on extension yet

12.5.07 9:07pm PST

According to a spokesman for Nats' GM Jim Bowden, there's no agreement on a new extension for Pena but he did confirm that the two sides have had conversations.

Bottom line, it's just a matter of time before a deal gets done, I think we'll see it finalized in the next few days.

12.5.07 7:01pm PST

ESPN's Enrique Rojas reports that the Nationals have signed outfielder Willy Mo Pena to a 2-year $7M extension.

Brewers sign free agent reliever Riske

According to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Milwaukee Brewers have reached an agreement with free agent reliever David Riske. The deal is reportedly for 3-year $13M, with incentives it could be worth up to $20M and includes a $4.75M option for the 4th year.

Rockies, Cook close to a 3-year extension

The Rockies and right-hander Aaron Cook are close to a 3-year $30M extension. Joe Bick, the agent for Cook said "It's close, but there are still issues to be worked out, there's no deal yet."

Blue Jays close to a deal with Lo Duca

According to Robert MacLeod of globesports.com, the Blue Jays are close to a 1-year deal for free agent catcher Paul Lo Duca. The deal is reportedly in the $3M - $4M range plus bonuses.

In the same article, the Jays are waiting for an answer from the Giants on an Alex Rios for Tim Lincecum deal the Jays proposed earlier in the day.

Padres to non-tender Ensberg?

The Padres have not decided if they are going to keep 3rd baseman Morgan Ensberg, but if they do decide to non-tender him, look for the Phillies, Twins and Giants to come calling.

Brian Roberts Update

12.5.07 7:50pm PST

According to Amy Nelson of ESPN, the Cubs will not include Rich Hill in any deal for 2nd baseman Brian Roberts. However, Sean Marshall, Sean Gallagher, Felix Pie and Donnie Veal could be names the Cubs may include.

12.5.07 6:57pm PST

According to ESPN's Steve Phillips, there's a rumor floating that the Cubs could be sending Rich Hill and Sean Marshall to Baltimore for 2nd baseman Brian Roberts.

LaRussa has choice comments for Scott Rolen

If the Cardinals thought they didn't have to trade 3rd baseman Scott Rolen, maybe they should re-think that idea. Cardinals' manager Tony LaRussa, when asked about the Rolen situation, had some pretty pointed comments.

"The idea is to accommodate the St. Louis Cardinals, our team, our responsibility to our players and to the competition. So, no, I don't want to accomodate Scott.

Memo to the Cardinals - trade Rolen before this gets worse.

Padres close to signing former Cub Rusch

The Padres are close to signing right-hander, and former Cub, Glendon Rusch to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.

In the same post, the Padres may also bring in Shawn Estes.

Nationals ink Willy Mo Pena to a 2-year extension

ESPN's Enrique Rojas reports that the Nationals have signed outfielder Willy Mo Pena to a 2-year $7M extension.

Cubs, Orioles discussing Brian Roberts

According to ESPN's Steve Phillips, there's a rumor floating that the Cubs could be sending Rich Hill and Sean Marshall to Baltimore for 2nd baseman Brian Roberts.

DBacks in the race for A's Haren?

It looks the DBacks may have become a very strong player for Oakland A's ace Dan Haren. According to Jack Magruder of the East Valley Tribune says Arizona is willing to deal outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, 2nd baseman Emilio Bonifacio and left-hander Brett Anderson.

Padres Update

12.4.07 9:40pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Padres and Astros are unable to come to an agreement on a trade for Luke Scott.

In the same article, the Padres are negotiating with the agents for Kosuke Fukudome and Mike Cameron, but I don't think they will be able to sign both.

12.4.07 7:31PM PST
A couple of updates on what the Padres are doing....

Buster Olney reports that the Padres and Astros are talking about a deal that would send Luke Scott to San Diego, but no report on what San Diego would send to Houston.

The Padres have talked to free agent pitchers Shawn Estes and Glendon Rusch and are expected to sign both after the Rule 5 draft.

Yankees out on Haren as well?

After the Yankees apparently pulled out of the Johan Santana race, they had conversations with A's GM Billy Beane about Dan Haren. As quickly as their interest grew, it evaporated. Yankees Senior VP Hank Steinbrenner called Beane's demands "rediculous" and now has no interest with continuing talks with the A's.

Dodgers still having talks with Andruw Jones?

12.4.07 9:12pm PST
Have talks between the Dodgers and the agent for Andruw Jones been revived? According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, the Dodgers met with Jones' agent, Scott Boras, at the Winter Meetings today, but nothing is close.

Dodgers' GM Ned Colletti is willing to offer a short-term contract to Jones, but Boras is looking for the same type of contract that the Dodgers offered J.D. Drew a few years ago.

Also, the Dodgers were said to be in the running for Marlins' 3rd baseman Miguel Cabrera, but did not want to give up three top players (rumored to be Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp, Jonathan Broxton and Andy LaRoche).

12.3.07 9:56pm PST
Contrary to earlier reports, the Dodgers never had an offer out to Andruw Jones and they have also said "no thanks" to Aaron Rowand.

Dodgers' GM Ned Colletti has not closed the door all the way on Jones, but he does say that the Dodgers never submitted a contract offer for the free agent center fielder.Jones' agent, Scott Boras, is rumored to be asking for a 5-year $90M deal.

The Dodgers have also said that Aaron Rowand is asking for more than they're willing to pay. The free agent center fielder is apparently asking for 5-years, $70M

12.3.07 11:39am PST
If you couldn't tell already, the Winter Meetings are underway and there's already offers being made.

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made a 2-year $32M offer to free agent center fielder Andruw Jones.

Johan Santana Rumors

12.4.07 9:04pm PST
Looks like the Red Sox are the only show in town at this point. Sox GM Theo Epstein has said that talks between the 2 teams will continue well into the night.

On a lighter note on Santana, the Rangers met with the Twins to "kick the tires" so to speak, but I think that's the last we'll hear from the Rangers on this one.

12.3.07 7:58pm PST
There's word from Nashville that the Twins have started calling other teams and gauging their interest in Twins' ace Johan Santana. Does that mean the Twins have rejected the Red Sox and Yankees' offers? There's no confirmation of that yet, but it seems curious that the Twins are making phone calls to other teams, unless they'll try to find another team to raise the offers from both the Sox and Yanks.

12.2.07 6:58pm PST
Hank Steinbrenner weighed in on the Yankees' negotations for Twins' Ace Johan Santana. He says he wants to hear from the Twins sometime tomorrow on their offer and that it is "a final offer".

12.2.07 5:49pm PST
According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Yankees have set an, end of day Monday, deadline on the Minnesota Twins to respond to their last offer for Twins' Ace Johan Santana. The deal is reportedly Melky Cabrera, Philip Hughes and another top prospect.

12.2.07 1:04 PM PST
As of last night, it looked like the Yankees have the best offer on the table, but now ESPN's Buster Olney is reporting that the Red Sox have upped their offer, informing the Twins that they will offer Jacoby Ellsbury in their deal for Santana, but will not offer Lester in the same package.

Meanwhile, Olney also reports that the Yankees may pull their deal off the table before the end of the day if no agreement is reached between them and the Twins, meaning it could be the Red Sox that are able to acquire Santana, which would be a HUGE blow to the Yankees.

Padres make preliminary offer to Fukudome

According to Corey Brock of MLB.com, the Padres made a preliminary offer to Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. The deal is rumored to be in the 3-year $24M range, though they could be flexible on money as the days go on.

Pirates sign utility IF Chris Gomez

According to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Pirates have signed utility IF Chris Gomez to a 1-year $1M deal.