[Joey Slugs]

Wednesday, December 21
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Boston		Johnny's successor? Dec 21 - The Boston Globe offers a list of possible replacements for center fielder Johnny Damon: Seattle's Jeremy Reed, Cleveland's Coco Crisp, San Diego's Dave Roberts, Tampa Bay's Joey Gathright, the Cubs' Corey Patterson, and free agents Preston Wilson, Terrence Long and Juan Encarnacion. The Red Sox, according to The Globe, have discussed deals with Seattle and Cleveland, but both teams appear inclined to hold onto their players.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	A friendly ear? Dec 21 - While the Red Sox continue to look for Manny Ramirez trade partners, they're also exploring ways to keep the mercurial slugger, the Boston Herald reports. Red Sox co-GM Ben Cherington said on a conference call Tuesday, the Herald reports, that "we also continue to talk to Manny and his representatives and continue to work on flushing out issues related to Ramirez's desire to be traded. "We're trying to appease some of his concerns. At this point, we just want to listen. We're not going to get into the reasons why he wants out."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kevin Millwood Indians	Red Sox? Orioles? Rangers Nationals? Dodgers? Mariners	Rangers move on Millwood Dec 21 - Kevin Millwood on Tuesday met with Rangers owner Tom Hicks, GM Jon Daniels, manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Mark Connor, The Dallas Morning News reports. The right-handed starter isn't expected to make a decision on his future until after the weekend, The Dallas Morning News reports. According to The Baltimore Sun, the Orioles -- contrary to recent published reports -- have yet to extend Millwood an offer, but one could be coming soon.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Ryan Franklin Mariners	Royals? Nationals? Giants? Marlins? Rangers? Diamondbacks? Dodgers? Phillies?	Franklin generating interest Dec 21 - Ryan Franklin, who became a free agent when Seattle declined to tender him a contract Wednesday, is attracting a flurry of interest from teams in the market for starting pitching, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Franklin had a 12-31 record the past two seasons in Seattle, but he suffered from the worst run support of any starting pitcher in baseball over that span. He has also been durable, averaging 201 innings and 31 starts a season over the past three years.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Javy Lopez Orioles		A simple plan Dec 21 - Javy Lopez has his sights on either a trade or signing a contract extension, The Baltimore Sun reports. Lopez's agent, Chuck Berry, said that he sent the Orioles a proposal this week for a contract extension to try to "get the ball rolling." The O's reportedly would consider giving Lopez an extension at the right price.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Corey Patterson Cubs		Pitter-patter Dec 21 - The Cubs did tender outfielder Corey Patterson a contract Tuesday, but a trade still appears likely, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "I have a lot of fondness in my heart for Corey," GM Jim Hendry told the Sun-Times. "I feel badly at what happened last year. I certainly will try to do what's best for the Cubs first and what's best for Corey second."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jon Garland White Sox	Angels? Dodgers? Padres? Rangers?	Removing Garland? Dec 21 - Arbitration-eligible starter Jon Garland, who turned down a three-year contract offer from the White Sox, could be traded before the start of the regular season, the Daily Southtown reports. The Rangers, Padres and Dodgers reportedly have inquired about Garland. The Daily Herald says the Angels may be interested as well.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Gil Meche Mariners	Rockies?	Meche still on the block Dec 21 - The Mariners offered Gil Meche arbitration on Tuesday, but that doesn't mean he'll be on the Opening Day roster. Seattle could still trade Meche, and the Rockies reportedly are interested in the right-hander.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Dan Kolb Brewers		Love me non-tender Dec 21 - The Brewers on Wednesday plan to resume contract talks with reliever Dan Kolb, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Kolb became a free agent Tuesday, when the two sides failed to strike a deal before the deadline for arbitration-eligible players. "I'm not going to let it carry on very far," GM Doug Melvin told the newspaper. "We've had dialogue. We will continue to make an effort. But we know what we are capable of paying him and what we want to pay."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Mike Piazza Mets	Twins Angels	Waiting on Piazza Dec 21 - The Twins would like to add Mike Piazza as their full-time designated hitter, but the slugger's intentions are still a mystery, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bengie Molina Angels	Blue Jays	Jays kicking Molina's tires Dec 21 - The Blue Jays' search for a right-handed bat with some power has led them to catcher Bengie Molina, the Toronto Sun reports. "We're throwing his name around a little bit," GM J.P. Ricciardi told the newspaper. "If all fails with the outfielders we'll probably turn our attention to (obtaining) a catcher."