MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[Joey Slugs]

Wednesday, January 4
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Astros? White Sox? Phillies? Cubs Mets? Angels? Red Sox?	Will Boston sweeten the deal? Jan 4 - While it still is possible that Miguel Tejada will land in Boston, the Orioles will not accept the Red Sox's offer of outfielder Manny Ramirez, pitcher Matt Clement and cash for Tejada, The Baltimore Sun reports. According to The Boston Globe, the Red Sox would like an outfielder along with Tejada, possibly center fielder Luis Matos. The Orioles, The Sun reports, are eyeing young pitchers, Jon Lester or Jon Papelbon, but both are believed to be untouchable.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Swapping superstars? Jan 4 - As part of any trade, Manny Ramirez is believed to be seeking a contract extension, The Boston Globe reports. Ramirez, who has the right to veto any trade, is owed $57 million over the next three seasons; his contract includes club options for 2009 and 2010 at $20 million. The framework for a deal that would send Ramirez to Baltimore for shortstop Miguel Tejada is in place, but there are layers that have to be worked out, including money, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. And both sides say there is more of a chance the deal won't happen than it will.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Rich Aurilia Reds	Reds?	After shopping around ... Jan 4 - It appears infielder Rich Aurilia will return to the Reds, but a deal must be struck by Sunday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "I think the Reds are our most viable alternative," Aurilia's agent, Barry Axelrod, told the newspaper. "We've talked to some other clubs, but those have been contingent discussions." If the two sides fail to work out a deal by Jan. 8, Aurilia can't re-sign with the Reds until May 1.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Julio Lugo Devil Rays	Red Sox	Lugo for Marte? Jan 4 - If Miguel Tejada can't be pried away from Baltimore, Boston's Plan B at shortstop is Julio Lugo, the Boston Herald reports. The Red Sox may be able to land Lugo from the Devil Rays for third base prospect Andy Marte, who was acquired from Atlanta for Edgar Renteria.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Craig Wilson Pirates	Indians?	Is Wilson right for Tribe? Jan 4 - The Cleveland Indians, in the market for a right-handed bat, have inquired about the availability of Pittsburgh's Craig Wilson, reports ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. Wilson, 29, hit 29 homers and drove in 82 runs for Pittsburgh in 2004 before missing much of last season with a finger injury. He stands to lose considerable playing time with the recent acquisitions of Sean Casey at first base and Jeromy Burnitz in right field. The Pirates like Wilson's power, but he made $3 million last year and is eligible for salary arbitration this spring. He might be too expensive for Pittsburgh to keep as a bench player. Cleveland tried and failed to sign free agent Nomar Garciaparra earlier this winter, and has recently been negotiating with Eduardo Perez as a righty bat off the bench.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Shawn Estes Diamondbacks	Padres	Estes to join Padres Jan 4 - Left-handed starter Shawn Estes is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Padres, MLB.com reports. Estes is scheduled to undergo a physical examination Wednesday.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Eli Marrero Orioles	Rockies?	Rocky Mountain high? Jan 4 - The Rockies are pursuing Eli Marrero, the Rocky Mountain News reports. A key in Marrero's decision will be finding a team where he is going to be used at multiple positions to ensure him plenty of playing time. "I want a team that is a good fit," Marrero told the newspaper. "I don't mind moving around the field, but to be honest, I still feel more comfortable catching. When I was with St. Louis, Tony [La Russa, Cardinals manager] would catch me, and then move me around, and I felt good in that role."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Corey Koskie Blue Jays	Twins	Twin spin for Koskie? Jan 4 - The Blue Jays have offered to trade third baseman Corey Koskie back to the Twins for a minor leaguer, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Jays reportedly would absorb at least $3 million of the $11.5 million still owed to Koskie over the next two years.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Byung-Hyun Kim Rockies	Rockies	Welcome back to Colorado Jan 4 - The Rockies are ready to finalize a deal with Byung-Hyun Kim, the Rocky Mountain News reports. Because of ongoing visa problems, Kim cannot come to Denver to meet with club officials but will have a telephone conversation with GM Dan O'Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle to firm up details. Kim is expected to fill the fourth spot in the rotation.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Alex Gonzalez Marlins	Rockies?	Rocky road? Jan 4 - According to the Rocky Mountain News, the Rockies have interest in shortstop Alex Gonzalez, who played last season with the Devil Rays after originally signing with the Blue Jays and also playing with the Cubs.