[Joey Slugs]

Wednesday, November 30
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brian Giles Padres	Padres? Blue Jays Yankees Cardinals? Red Sox? Mariners? Indians?	Padres back on Giles? Nov 30 - Maybe Brian Giles hasn't traveled all the way down the exit ramp in San Diego after all. Giles' agent, Joe Bick, told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark that Padres GM Kevin Towers called him about Giles on Tuesday, just to re-express interest. But Bick said that "at this point, I don't know if they want to be serious about this or not. Kevin obviously would like him back. But we're not going to leave tons of money lying on the table." The Padres offered Giles a three-year deal for $25.5 million (an average of $8.5 million a year). But while Bick refuses to discuss individual offers, it's clear Giles is going to get more than three years. "At one time, we were talking about three years," Bick said. "But there are some other options out there now beyond that."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Paul Byrd Angels	Orioles Rangers	Byrd joining Baltimore flock? Nov 30 - The Orioles have offered right-hander Paul Byrd a two-year, $13 million contract with an option for a third year, The Baltimore Sun reports. Byrd reportedly is interested in reuniting with pitching coach Leo Mazzone. According to The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Byrd visited the Indians earlier this week.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kyle Farnsworth Braves	Mets? Phillies? Indians? Braves Tigers Orioles Yankees	Farns-worth at least $12M Nov 30 - They Yankees on Tuesday night were moving close to signing hard-throwing reliever Kyle Farnsworth, the New York Daily News reports. The Yanks reportedly were pitching a three-year deal worth $12 million to $15 million. The Braves, according to the newspaper, still have interest, but they aren't likely to meet the expected price.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Rafael Furcal Braves	Dodgers Braves Cubs	Batting leadoff and playing shortstop ... Nov 30 - Rafael Furcal is leaning toward signing with the Cubs, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Chicago's five-year offer for Furcal reportedly was significantly greater than Atlanta's in both dollars and contract length. According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, Furcal and his agents have quietly spent the week meeting personally with the Cubs and Braves. And a meeting with Dodgers GM Ned Colletti was scheduled for Tuesday night. "I would expect he'll make his decision in the next few days, just out of respect for the teams involved," Paul Kinzer, Furcal's primary agent, said.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Tom Gordon Yankees	Mets Red Sox Phillies Indians Orioles	Hot Flash Nov 30 - Yankees GM Brian Cashman spoke with Tom Gordon's agent again Tuesday, Newsday reports. Gordon still wants three years, but the Yanks remain firm at two. The New York Daily News, however, remains more optimistic about the Yanks re-signing Gordon for two years for closer-like money. According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the Phillies have stepped up their efforts to sign Gordon. It's believed the Phillies have an offer on the table for Gordon, but indications are that it's for less than three years.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jacque Jones Twins	Twins? Padres	Keeping up with Jones Nov 30 - At least five teams are interested in Jacque Jones, but the outfielder likely won't sign with anyone until Brian Giles comes off the market, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Twins still have a slim chance of re-signing Jones.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Mark Grudzielanek Cardinals	Royals? Mets? Red Sox? Rangers?	The next Met Nov 30 - The Cardinals likely will have another position to fill. Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek has received offers from several clubs, and the Mets are the leading contender, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Nomar Garciaparra Cubs	Orioles?	Where? And what position? Nov 30 - The Cleveland Plain Dealer floats Nomar Garciaparra's name in the Indians' search for a right-handed hitter. The Twins had expressed interest in Garciaparra as a third baseman, but it appears the club may go with Terry Tiffee at the hot corner next year, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Earlier this month the Orioles said they might be interested, but only if he's willing to play either first base or the outfield.