[Joey Slugs]

Tuesday, November 8
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Mets? Angels?	Manny the Met? Nov 8 - According to the Boston Herald, a source said the Mets have received indications that Manny Ramirez may indeed want to play close to his hometown and that any reports to the contrary were merely a "smokescreen." A deal for Manny would reportedly include center fielder Mike Cameron and two of three prospects: outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-handed pitchers Aaron Heilman and Yusmeiro Petit. The Herald says such deal would rule out the possibility of re-signing free agent center fielder Johnny Damon. Although it's unknown whether or not the Red Sox want to trade Ramirez, the slugger reportedly told Red Sox owner John Henry he wanted a trade or he would not report to spring training. The Los Angeles Times reported recently that the Angels were trying to find a way to acquire Ramirez, and trade talks could expand to include the Diamondbacks. Boston would get Arizona third baseman Troy Glaus and Anaheim first baseman/center fielder Darin Erstad in a potential three-team deal; the D-Backs also would receive additional players and prospects. As a 10-5 player, he has the veteran right to block a trade to a team he doesn't want to join.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Reggie Sanders Cardinals		Wanted man Nov 8 - The word is that Sanders is attracting a "boatload" of interest this winter, an American League general manager told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. After signing five one-year deals with different NL clubs from 1999-2003, Sanders should have enough leverage to command a second straight multi-year contract. The Cardinals, Twins, Marlins, Royals and Mariners are among the teams thought to be interested in Sanders. Sanders was on track to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases before he suffered a hairline fracture of his right leg shortly after the All-Star break. He still finished with 21 homers in 295 at-bats, and hit .333 with 10 RBI in 12 at-bats against San Diego in the NL Division Series. Sanders, who turns 38 in December, needs eight homers and three stolen bases to join Willie Mays, Andre Dawson and Bobby and Barry Bonds as the fifth player in history with 300 of each.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Los Angeles		Does L.A. have Hart? Nov 8 - John Hart still appears to be the leading candidate to become the Dodgers' next GM, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. Every other candidate has reportedly withdrawn, not only due to Hart's credentials, but also his close relationship with Rangers pitching coach Orel Hershiser, who interviewed for the Dodgers' managerial job two weeks ago and would be the likely choice. According to the Los Angeles Times, Hart originally spoke with Dodgers owner Frank McCourt about the GM opening on Sunday. He and McCourt have scheduled a formal meeting, possibly for later this week. On Sunday, Frank and Jamie McCourt interviewed Dodgers assistant GM Kim Ng. Ng and Roy Smith, the scouting and player development VP, are representing the Dodgers at the GM meetings.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Tampa Bay		Rays focus on Maddon, McLaren Nov 8 - The Tampa Tribune reports that Angels bench coach Joe Maddon will interview Tuesday for the second time for the Rays' managerial position, but it will be his first meeting with new senior vice president Gerry Hunsicker. Rays bench coach John McLaren will have his second interview Wednesday. Although Bobby Valentine remains a possible candidate, he has yet to be interviewed, and no meeting with him has been set.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Hideki Matsui Yankees		Meeting over Matsui Nov 8 - Newsday reports that Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he planned to meet with Matsui's agent on Wednesday during the GM meetings in Indian Wells, Calif. Matsui reportedly wants a four-year deal, like his countryman Ichiro Suzuki, while the Yankees would rather offer a three-year contract. If the two sides can't come to an agreement by next Tuesday, Matsui will become a free agent, and the Yankees won't be able to sign him until May 1. Matsui, 31, is coming off a three-year deal worth $21 million. During the three years, Matsui didn't miss a game and hit .297 with 70 home runs and 330 RBI.