[Joey Slugs]

Friday, November 25
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Lyle Overbay Brewers	Blue Jays?	Jays pursuing Overbay Nov 25 - According to the Toronto Sun, the Blue Jays are trying to acquire first baseman Lyle Overbay from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers reportedly asked for right-hander Dustin McGowan, a former No. 1 pick, in exchange for Overbay, 28, who hit .276 with 19 home runs and 72 RBI in 2005. Toronto declined a deal for McGowan, 23, who apperaed in 13 games for the Jays last season, and finished with 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA in seven starts. Dealing Overbay would free up Milwaukee's first-base job for hot prospect Prince Fielder.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bengie Molina Angels	Mets	Mets closing on Molina Nov 25 - The Mets are close to making a contract offer to free-agent catcher Bengie Molina, the New York Post reports. Alan Nero, Molina's agent, said he had had conversations with the Mets, but wouldn't say if the Mets had made an offer yet. Molina, who has spent his entire career with the Angels, is coming off his best season and is one of the best-available catchers in free agency. He hit .295 with 15 home runs and 69 RBI and threw out 31 percent of all runners who attempted to steal against him.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brad Ausmus Astros	Mets? Rockies? Angels? Padres Astros	Ausmus exploring options Nov 25 - The conventional wisdom is that Ausmus will either return to Houston or sign with San Diego in 2006. But his agent, Peter Mrowka, told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick that Ausmus is willing to consider all the alternatives. "The Astros have been very attentive," Mrowka said. "But Brad isn?t going to limit himself to any one team. We?re keeping all the options open." Ausmus, 36, wants a more lucrative deal than the two-year, $4 million contract he signed in November 2003. At the time, it was believed that Ausmus would help groom John Buck for the role of full-time catcher in Houston. But the Astros traded Buck to Kansas City, and Ausmus averaged 116 starts behind the plate the past two seasons. His .351 on-base percentage this year was his highest since 2000.