Tony Clark may not return to Arizona

Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks have pulled their 2-year contract offer, to Tony Clark, off the table.

Clark confirmed that, when he spoke with Arizona GM Josh Byrnes, that they would need Clarks' roster spot to make their pending trades work. Knowing that information, it seems like the DBacks are ready to go in another direction.

As a Padre fan, if I'm Kevin Towers, I'm on the phone with Clark's agent TODAY. He's still a very good hitter and a guy who's a very good defensive replacement when Adrian Gonzalez needs a day off.

Dodgers sign Kuroda

12.15.07 2:00pm

Tony Jackson finally confirms what we all already knew. The Dodgers signed Japanese right-hander Hiroki Kuroda to a 3-year deal reportedly worth $36M - $40M.

12.12.07 8:50pm PST

Reports out of Japan say that Japanese free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda will sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, though Dodgers' GM Ned Colletti says he has yet to hear from Kuroda's agent.

Jays, Tigers interested in Olivo

12.15.07 11:46am PST

The Toronto Blue Jays have thrown their hat in the ring for the services for free agent catcher Miguel Olivo.

Olivo makes more more sense for Toronto because he'd definetely get more playing there than in Detroit.

12.14.07 1:09pm PST

According to Jon Paul Morosi, the Detroit Tigers have contacted Martin Arburua, the agent for free agent catcher Miguel Olivo. Arburua said he's received phone calls from 5 or 6 different teams regarding Olivo.

Braves interested in Fuentes

The Atlanta Braves could be interested in the Rockies' left-hander Brian Fuentes, especially since Braves' left-hander Mike Gonzalez will be out until at least June after having Tommy John Surgery.

Cameron, Padres part ways

Prior to the Padres landing Jim Edmonds, the agent for Mike Cameron (Mike Nicotera) called off the negotiations with San Diego. The two sides agreed on 2 years but were far apart on the dollar amount.

“In the end we were just not able to reach agreement with the Padres,” agent Mike Nicotera said. “They are moving in another direction as are we. There was just never a meeting of the minds with him. It was certainly amicable.”

The teams interested in Cameron include the White Sox, Twins, Rangers, Brewers, Phillies, and Braves. Ken Rosenthal checks in on the same subject and adds the Cardinals, Reds, and Yankees as possibilities as well.

Nats interested in Prior, Jennings

The Washington Nationals, still interested in obtaining starting pitching, have made it known that they are interested in both Mark Prior and Jason Jennings.

Both pitchers coming off shoulder injuries would be a risk for any team, but there are teams that think that the reward highly outweighs the risk.

Rockies sign Vizcaino

12.14.07 9:08pm PST

Tracy Ringolsby makes it official, Vizcaino has signed with the Rockies.

12.13.05 9:08pm PST

The Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates both had interest in former Yankee reliever Luis Vizcaino, but according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates have been told that they are out of the running for his services.

Knowing that information, it looks like the Rockies will land the right-handed reliever.

Padres deal for Edmonds

The Padres, needing to fill their vacant center field position, chose former Angel and now former Cardinal Jim Edmonds. The Padres dealt minor league 3rd baseman David Freese to St. Louis for Edmonds, he had no problem waiving his no-trade clause to return to Southern California.

The addition of Edmonds means that Mike Cameron will sign elsewhere. From what I've heard, the Texas Rangers could be where he ends up.

Twins add another former Astro in Mike Lamb

The Minnesota Twins reunited former Astro teammates Adam Everett and Mike Lamb after they signed Lamb to a 2-year deal plus an option for 2010.

Diamondbacks deal for Haren, trade Valverde

The Diamondbacks just strenghthened their starting rotation after they made an 8 player deal. The A's sent Dan Haren and minor-leaguer Connor Robertson to Arizona in return for Carlos Gonzalez, Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland, Greg Smith, Chris Carter, and Aaron Cunningham.

Arizona wasn't done, in a move I found suprising, they sent 2007 NL Save Leader and closer Jose Valverde to Houston for Chris Burke, Chad Qualls, and Juan Gutierrez.

Is Houston tearing their entire farm system apart and they didn't tell anyone? Traded 5 minor leaguers for Miguel Tejada, then 3 more players for Jose Valverde? I guess Kevin Towers isn't the only GM ripping other teams off anymore.

Rangers sign Edgardo Alfonzo to a minor league deal

According to the Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers signed a minor league deal with former San Francisco Giant Edgardo Alfonzo.

Padres sign Glendon Rusch

Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports checks in, the San Diego Padres have signed left-hander Glendon Rusch to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training.

Rusch is trying to make a comeback after being diagnosed with a life threatening blood clot in his right lung last year.

Tigers interested in Miguel Olivo

According to Jon Paul Morosi, the Detroit Tigers have contacted Martin Arburua, the agent for free agent catcher Miguel Olivo. Arburua said he's received phone calls from 5 or 6 different teams regarding Olivo.

Jenkins to decide between Phillies, Padres

According to Ken Rosenthal, veteran free agent oufielder Geoff Jenkins has narrowed his choices down to the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres and should have a decision soon.

The Rays took themselves out of the race after signing Cliff Floyd.

Phillies interested in Otsuka

The Texas Rangers, surprisingly to some, non-tendered 36-year old right-hander Akinori Otsuka a few days ago making him a free agent.

Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune said a few days ago that the San Diego Padres could look to bring Otsuka back on a 1-year deal, but now the Phillies may have interest in him as well according to Steve King of the Philadelphia Daily News.

Can Arizona afford to bet the farm on Haren?

Over the last few weeks, there have been rumors flying around about Oakland A's ace Dan Haren and where he may end up if he's traded.

In the case of the Arizona Diamondbacks, this seems like a better time than ever to make a deal for Haren and add him to their pitching staff, already with one ace (Brandon Webb) and a hard throwing left-handed veteran (Randy Johnson). Although, Nick Piecoro, who covers the DBacks for the Arizona Republic, says dealing players like outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, pitcher Brett Anderson and 2nd baseman Emilio Bonifacio would take away much needed depth on this roster.

Although I'd be all for dealing for a pitcher like Haren, I would tend to agree with Nick. Arizona went all the way to the NLCS with a team mostly built with players from their farm system. If they break that up now for 1 player, will that push them further behind the rest of the division?

Rockies re-sign Cory Sullivan

The Colorado Rockies came to an agreement on a 1-year $1M contract with outfielder Cory Sullivan right before the non-tender deadline.

The 29-year-old Sullivan hit .286 in 72 games for the Rockies last season after being called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Cubs interested in Joe Nathan?

Apparently, if Twins' closer Joe Nathan becomes available, the Chicago Cubs might try to make a deal for him.

I'm not sure why the Cubs need a closer since they already have a combination of Kerry Wood, Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol to handle the 9th inning.

Rockies expected to sign Vizcaino

The Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates both had interest in former Yankee reliever Luis Vizcaino, but according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates have been told that they are out of the running for his services.

Knowing that information, it looks like the Rockies will land the right-handed reliever.

Yankees announce ARod's 10-year deal

The New York Yankees officially announced Alex Rodriguez' 10-year $275M deal.

Scott Boras wanted $350M, the Yankees told him to "take a hike", then gave ARod $275M. Yeah, they showed him...

Mitchell Report

The Mitchell Report came down today, naming names like Roger Clemens, Andy Pettite, Paul Lo Duca, Eric Gagne and others.

The Yankees, Mets and Dodgers took more hits than any other team I saw, though the Padres had their own names on the list as well with Ken Caminiti and Wally Joyner.

Here's the list of players in the report

Marvin Bernard
Barry Bonds
Bobby Estalella
Jason Giambi
Jeremy Giambi
Benito Santiago
Gary Sheffield
Randy Verlarde
Lenny Dykstrka
David Segui
Larry Bigbie
Brian Roberts
Jack Cust
Tim Laker
Todd Hundley
Hal Morris
Mark Carreon
Matt Franco
Rondell White
Roger Clemens
Andy Pettitte
Chuck Knoblauch
Jason Grimsley
Greg Zaunn
David Justice
F.P. Santangelo
Glenallen Hill
Mo Vaughn
Denny Neagle
Ron Villone
Ryan Franklin
Chris Donnels
Todd Williams
Phil Hiatt
Todd Pratt
Kevin Young
Mike Lansing
Cody McKay
Kent Merker
Adam Piatt
Miguel Tejada
Jason Christansen
Mike Stanton
Stephen Randolph
Jerry Hariston Jr.
Paul Lo Duca
Adam Riggs
Bart Miadich
Fernando Vina
Kevin Brown
Eric Gagne
Mike Bell
Matt Herges
Gary Bennett Jr.
Jim Parque
Brendan Donnelly
Chad Allen
Jeff Williams
Howie Clark
Nook Logan
Rick Ankiel
Paul Byrd
Jay Gibbons
Troy Glaus
Jose Guillen
Gary Matthews, Jr.
Jose Canseco
Jason Grimsley
Darren Holmes
John Rocker
Scott Schoenweis
Ismael Valdez
Matt Williams
Steve Woodard
David Bell

Nationals sign Mackowiak, Harris

According to reports the Washington Nationals have signed both Rob Mackowiak and Willie Harris to 1-year deals.

Neither player will probably not be starters, guys that will bolster their bench.

Rangers sign Fukumori

12.13.07 10:32am PST

Rangers finalized the 2-years $3M deal for Japanese free agent reliever Kazuo Fukumori.

12.12.07 8:00am PST
According to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers are close to a 2-year deal for Japanese free agent reliever Kazuo Fukumori. Details of the deal have not been released.

Twins sign Adam Everett

The Twins wasted no time on signing a shortstop.

Less than 24 hours after the Astros cut ties with the long time shortstop after trading for Miguel Tejada, the Minnesota Twins signed Adam Everett to a 1-year deal, reportedly in the $3M+ range.

Breaking News: Roger Clemens named in Mitchell Report

12.13.07 7:59am PST

ESPN is reporting that Andy Pettite's name is also on that report.

With Pettite recently signing the 1-year $16M contract with the Yankees, there's definetely going to be a suspension coming down the pike if this holds up.

12.13.07 7:36am PST

According to ESPN, the Mitchell Report will name Roger Clemens in the report. According to a former New York Yankee trainer, Roger Clemens had taken steroids prior to his first stint as a Yankee.

Jays close to a deal with Eckstein

12.13.07 10:21am PST

Ken Rosenthal confirms the deal, 1-year $4.5M. Not a bad deal for the Jays, especially since Eck wanted a multi year deal.

12.13.07 7:36am PST

The Toronto Blue Jays, seemingly the most quiet to this point, are set to sign veteran free agent shortstop David Eckstein. Terms of the deal have not been released.

Surprisingly, Towers non-tendered by Blue Jays

In a move I found surprising, the Toronto Blue Jays non-tendered 30-year old right-hander Josh Towers, effectively making him a free agent.

Don't be surprised if he ends up with an NL West team.

Otsuka non-tendered by the Rangers

12.12.07 10:29pm PST

Akinori Otsuka was, in fact, non-tendered by the Texas Rangers. The Padres could have interest in bringing him back now that he's officially a free agent.

12.12.07 7:47am PST

According to San Diego Union Tribune's Tom Krasovic, if the Texas Rangers non-tender reliever Akinori Otsuka, the Padres could be a possible destination.

Otsuka spent the 2004 and 2005 season with San Diego before being traded to the Texas Rangers prior to the 2006 season for Adrian Gonzalez, Chris Young and Termell Sledge.

Rockies finalize deal with Kip Wells

12.12.07 10:08pm PST

The Rockies finalized a 1-year $3M deal with Kip Wells according to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post.

12.12.07 7:54am PST

Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News reports the Colorado Rockies are close to a 1-year deal with free agent right-hander Kip Wells.

Mariners deal Broussard to Texas

Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times reports that the Mariners dealt Ben Broussard to the Texas Rangers for minor league 2nd baseman Tug Hulett.

The trade works out great for Broussard and his family since they live just 2 hours from the Rangers ballpark in Arlington.

"I'm just in a state of disbelief right now,'' Broussard said moments ago from his home in Texas, about two hours from where the Rangers play. "I get to play two hours from where my wife and kids live. This is a dream. It's like getting to play for the hometown team.''

Padres continue talks with Cameron

After losing out on Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, the Padres Front Office will start their search for a center fielder as well as a corner outfielder. Padres' GM Kevin Towers confirms that the Padres are still talking with free agent center fielder Mike Cameron and his agent about a 2-year deal.

The Padres have also been rumored to be talking to the Pirates about a trade scenario with former Padre Jason Bay as the center piece. Though, those rumors have been shot down by Padres' GM Kevin Towers, Padres' CEO Sandy Alderson as well as Dejah Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

Hiroki Kuroda to sign with Dodgers

Reports out of Japan say that Japanese free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda will sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, though Dodgers' GM Ned Colletti says he has yet to hear from Kuroda's agent.

Non-Tender list

These are the players that have not been tendered a contract thus far. I'll keep this post updated as much as I can.

Emil Brown (Royals)
Chad Durbin (Tigers)
Jason Tyner (Twins)
Nook Logan (Nationals)
Michael O'Connor (Nationals)
Mark Hendrickson (Dodgers)
Andy Gonzalez (White Sox)
Heath Phillips (White Sox)
Adam Everett (Astros)
Dallas McPherson (Angels)
Willie Harris (Braves)
Morgan Ensberg (Padres)
Jason Lane (Padres)
Jack Cassell (Padres)
Ryan Ketchner (Padres)
Kiko Calero (A's)
Aaron Miles (Cardinals)
Miguel Olivo (Marlins)
Johnny Estrada (Mets)
Ben Johnson (Mets)
Juan Padilla (Mets)
Josh Towers (Blue Jays) ...a guy Padres' GM Kevin Towers has been a fan of, so watch for this move.
Akinori Otsuka (Rangers)
Brendan Donnelly (Red Sox)

The biggest non-tender on this list, Chicago Cubs right-hander Mark Prior. The one team that Prior is interested in pitching for is the San Diego Padres, so it'll be interesting if they land him in the next few days.

Jason Bay Update

12.12.07 5:13pm PST

Padres' CEO Sandy Alderson, during an interview on XX Sports Radio in San Diego, dispelled the rumor that the Padres were having trade discussions with the Pirates about Jason Bay. He also went on to say that they have not had discussions with the Pirates since the Winter Meetings.

12.12.07 4:02pm PST

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette is denying any truth to the rumors that the Pirates and Padres have been discussing Jason Bay in any trade.

12.12.07 2:19pm PST

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Padres WILL NOT entertain the thought of trading Chase Headley as a part of this deal. He says both teams are still talking and the trade could still happen with other players being included.

12.12.07 11:07am PST


According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Padres and Pirates are discussing a deal that would have Jason Bay as the center piece. The players involved from the Pirates could be Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Matt Morris, Nate McLouth and Ronny Paulino, a combination of probably 3 with Bay included.

The Padres could offer Michael Barrett and possibly top prospect Chase Headley, though Kevin Towers has turned down deals with Headley involved before. If the Padres can make this deal without Headley involved, they'll be much more inclined to pull the trigger.

As the details come down, we'll get them udpated.

Cliff Floyd signs with Tampa

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the Tampa Bay Rays are close to an agreement with free agent outfielder Cliff Floyd and they could finalize the deal by Saturday.

Giants sign Aaron Rowand

The San Francisco Giants just took another center fielder off the free agent list after they signed Aaron Rowand to a 5-year $60M deal.

The Giants now have $200M in total payroll due to 2 players (Rowand, Zito).

Astros land Tejada

The Houston Astros got their man. According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, the Baltimore Orioles traded shortstop Miguel Tejada to the Houston Astros for outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo.

Padres "deep in talks" with Pirates

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Padres and Pirates are discussing a deal that would have Jason Bay as the center piece. The players involved from the Pirates could be Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Matt Morris, Nate McLouth and Ronny Paulino, a combination of probably 3 with Bay included.

The Padres could offer Michael Barrett and possibly top prospect Chase Headley, though Kevin Towers has turned down deals with Headley involved before. If the Padres can make this deal without Headley involved, they'll be much more inclined to pull the trigger.

As the details come down, we'll get them udpated.

Jeff Kent will play in 2008

Jeff Kent informed Dodgers GM Ned Colletti that he will return to the Dodgers in 2008, that according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

Rangers close to a deal with Kazuo Fukumori

According to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers are close to a 2-year deal for Japanese free agent reliever Kazuo Fukumori. Details of the deal have not been released.

Rockies close to deal with Kip Wells

According to Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News, the Colorado Rockies are close to a 1-year deal with free agent right-hander Kip Wells.

Padres could bring Otsuka back?

According to San Diego Union Tribune's Tom Krasovic, if the Texas Rangers non-tender reliever Akinori Otsuka, the Padres could be a possible destination.

Otsuka spent the 2004 and 2005 season with San Diego before being traded to the Texas Rangers prior to the 2006 season for Adrian Gonzalez, Chris Young and Termell Sledge.

Pirates, Padres talking Jason Bay?

In 2003, the San Diego Padres used a young minor league outfielder by the name of Jason Bay in a trade for current Padre Brian Giles. A trade that a lot of Padre fans have looked back on, because Bay went on to be an All-Star for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Now, according to San Diego Union Tribune's Tom Krasovic, Padres' GM Kevin Towers has contacted the Pirates about bringing Bay back to San Diego along with former Padre Xavier Nady and possibly Matt Morris. The Pirates are known to be interested in catcher Michael Barrett and AA prospect Chase Headley.

Will this turn into the offseason's 2nd blockbuster deal? Stay tuned....

Hiroki Kuroda Update

12.11.07 9:31pm PST

Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times confirms that Kuroda has not made a decision yet on what team he is going to sign with.

That decision could take several days.

12.11.07 7:31pm PST
There's talk out of Japan that Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda has decided to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, choosing them over the Seattle Mariners even though the Mariners offered more money.

Contrary to those reports, LA Daily News baseball beat writer Tony Jackson says the rumors are untrue and that no decision has been made.

Padres sign Tadahito Iguchi

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune reports, the San Diego Padres have come to terms on a 1-year deal with free agent 2nd baseman Tadahito Iguchi.

The terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.

Fukudome signs with Cubs

12.11.07 9:19pm PST

The Cubs' deal for Fukudome was 4-years $48M according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.

12.11.07 7:51pm PST

According to the San Diego Union Tribune and Chicago WGN Radio, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has signed a 4-year $50M deal with the Chicago Cubs.

12.11.07 9:40am PST

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Cubs could be willing to offer as much as $50M over 3 years for Fukudome, which seems like a lot of money for a guy that's never played 1 game in major league baseball.

Also, a new development with Fukudome, apparently he's asked for a 5-year deal, which is contrary to the "3-year deal only" we've been hearing through this whole thing.

12.11.07 7:41am PST

I think we can finally say it's official, especially since it came from Fukudome himself. "I won't be playing for a Japanese club next season, I'll play in the majors," Fukudome said. "I appreciate the fans who supported me for nine years.

I hope that the fans continue to root for me when they see me playing in the United States."According to reports, it's come down to 2 cities...Chicago and San Diego

Reports: Dodgers sign Hiroki Kuroda

There's talk out of Japan that Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda has decided to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, choosing them over the Seattle Mariners even though the Mariners offered more money.

Contrary to those reports, LA Daily News baseball beat writer Tony Jackson says the rumors are untrue and that no decision has been made.

Twins re-sign Craig Monroe

According to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the Twins reached an agreement with outfielder Craig Monroe on a 1-year $3.82M deal.

Did the Twins forget they made a trade for Delmon Young? Just curious as to where Monroe fits in...

Rockies finalize 3-year extension with Cook

12.11.07 1:11pm PST

The Colorado Rockies have finalized the 3-year ,$30M, extension with right-hander Aaron Cook according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. The extension covers 2009-2011.

12.5.07 8:32pm PST

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."

Pirates interested in Barrett

12.11.7 12:43pm PST

According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the Pirates may have interest in trading for Padres' catcher Michael Barrett, who just recently accepted arbitration from the Padres.

The problem on the Padres' side of things is dealing Barrett to Pittsburgh won't net them much more than a low end prospect, but with the Pirates possibly shopping Jason Bay and Xavier Nady , both teams could talk about a bigger deal in the near future.

12.8.07 7:00pm PST

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.

Giants interested in Fukudome, Rowand

According to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News, the Giants have talked about making a late push for Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome and would consider offering a 4-year $44M deal.

The Giants could also make a run at another free agent center fielder in Aaron Rowand and could possibly offer him a 5-year deal.

Padres, Nats discussed deal for Khalil Greene?

According to Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post, the Padres and Nationals had discussions about Padres' shortstop Khalil Greene. The deal would have sent Chad Cordero, Felip Lopez and Nook Logan to San Diego in return for Khalil Greene.

I can't imagine the Padres would make this deal, let alone talk about it. I know that Kevin Towers has a knack for finding diamond in the rough relievers, but Chad Cordero hardly fits the bill.

Johan Santana Update

Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the Twins and Red Sox talked yesterday about Johan Santana and what players would be involved.

It looks like the Twins want a package highlighted by Jacoby Ellsbury, the Sox young outfielder, infield prospect Jed Lowrie and relief prospect Justin Masterson along with a 4th player that both teams are discussing.

Fukudome says he's coming to MLB

12.11.07 9:40am PST

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Cubs could be willing to offer as much as $50M over 3 years for Fukudome, which seems like a lot of money for a guy that's never played 1 game in major league baseball.

Also, a new development with Fukudome, apparently he's asked for a 5-year deal, which is contrary to the "3-year deal only" we've been hearing through this whole thing.

12.11.07 7:41am PST
I think we can finally say it's official, especially since it came from Fukudome himself. "I won't be playing for a Japanese club next season, I'll play in the majors," Fukudome said. "I appreciate the fans who supported me for nine years. I hope that the fans continue to root for me when they see me playing in the United States."

According to reports, it's come down to 2 cities...Chicago and San Diego

Padres in talks with Eckstein?

Padres GM Kevin Towers confirmed that he has had talks with free agent shortstop David Eckstein and they would be interested in him but only on a 1-year deal basis. Though talks are ongoing, Towers said a deal is not close.

Towers also confirms that he has had ongoing talks with free agent center fielder Mike Cameron while they wait for a decision from Kosuke Fukudome. Both sides have agreed on a deal being for 2-years but are far apart as far as dollars go.

Towers denies reports that the Padres plan to shop catcher Michael Barrett after he agreed to arbitration.

Brewers interested in Blalock

According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, the Brewers could be interested in Rangers' 3rd baseman Hank Blalock so they can move 2007 Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun to left field.

Fukudome still undecided

12.10.07 8:33pm PST

At this point, noone knows that is going on with Fukudome. Two different reports had come out between Friday and Sunday saying he will come to the US, now his agent has told the Chicago Sun-Times that Fukudome will meet with 3 other Japanese teams that showed interest.

``Once he makes the decision, he has — but for maybe some final points — offers from clubs that we can then talk about,’’ Urbon said. ``And then he’ll take a reasonable amount of time and maybe ask some reasonable questions. Assuming he’s coming, that might take another day.’’

None of the MLB teams, that have offers on the table, could hear anything until the end of this week. Both the Cubs and Padres have put any other moves on hold until a decision has been made.

12.10.07 1233pm PST

Ok, I officially don't know which report to believe. It was reported on Saturday that Fukudome had made the decision to make the jump to MLB, but now according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, Fukudome has still yet to make the decision to leave Japan.

According to Fukudome's agent, Joe Urbon, the Japanese free agent oufielder will make his final decision some time tonight.

12.8.07 11:03pm PST

Ok, this time it's for real. Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has told the Yomiuri Giants that he will sign with an MLB club.

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.

Grievance filed on behalf of Jose Guillen

According to the AP, the Players Union has filed a grievance on behalf of Royals' outfielder Jose Guillen, who, along with Orioles' outfielder Jay Gibbons, was handed a 15-game suspension for violating baseballs' drug program.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported last month that Guillen bought nearly $20,000 worth of steroids and human growth hormone from 2003-05.

Phillies interested in Yanks' Mussina

With the Yankees due to have Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettite, Philip Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy in their starting rotation in 2008, it leaves Mike Mussina and Kei Igawa without a starting job.

According to Bob Matthews of Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, the Philadelphia Phillies are showing "mild interest" in Mike Mussina. I can't see how that would be a good career move for Mussina, especially trying to pitch in one of the biggest launching pads in baseball.

Padres, Wolf finalize 1-year deal

12.10.07 1:02pm PST

The San Diego Padres are set to announce that they have finalized a 1-year deal for free agent left-hander, and former Dodger, Randy Wolf.

12.2.07 2:09pm PST

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Padres have a prelimary agreement in place with free agent left hander Randy Wolf. The deal is pending a physical. Wolf is coming off season ending shoulder surgery but figures to be ready for Spring Training.The Padres have always wanted to have a veteran left hander in their rotation, hence having David Wells at the start of last season.

I think Wolf will bring them more versatility as well as that veteran presence in the back end of their rotation. With the signing of Wolf, it doesn't mean the Padres are done, especially with Padres' GM Kevin Towers and the rest of the Padres staff due to arrive on Sunday for the Winter Meetings in Nashville, TN.

Reds close to a deal for Bedard?

12.10.07 12:55pm PST

John Fay of the Reds Insider has an update on the Reds pursuit of Erik Bedard. According to his information, people inside the organization say the possibility of landing Bedard is 75%.

When the Bedard rumors started, did anyone guess the Reds would be the team to land him?

12.8.07 8:01pm PST

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.

Fukudome will make final decision tonight

12.10.07 1233pm PST

Ok, I officially don't know which report to believe. It was reported on Saturday that Fukudome had made the decision to make the jump to MLB, but now according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, Fukudome has still yet to make the decision to leave Japan.

According to Fukudome's agent, Joe Urbon, the Japanese free agent oufielder will make his final decision some time tonight.

12.8.07 11:03pm PST

Ok, this time it's for real. Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has told the Yomiuri Giants that he will sign with an MLB club.

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.

Nationals land Lo Duca

12.10.07 12:21pm PST

After all the reports we heard that Lo Duca would sign with Toronto, noone saw the Nationals coming. The free agent catcher has reportedly agreed to a 1-year deal with the Washington Nationals according to Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post.

12.5.07 8:16pm PST

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.

Brewers designate Mench for assignment

The Milwaukee Brewers had to make room on their 40-man roster for new acquisition, Soloman Torres, so they designated outfielder Kevin Mench for assignment.

They now have 10 days to release him outright or trade him to another club.