| Player: |
Jake Peavy SP, San Diego Padres 11/29/08, Time: 1:26 pm |
| News: |
According to Yahoo Sports, the Padres may have a third team involved to help work out a trade that would send Peavy to the Cubs. |
| Analysis: |
Playing on one of the top teams in the National League, Peavy's fantasy value would take a huge boost if he is traded to the Cubs. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Raul Ibanez LF, Free Agent 11/29/08, Time: 1:22 pm |
| News: |
According to the New York Daily News, Mets GM Omar Minaya confirmed that the Mets are interested in Ibanez. |
| Analysis: |
The Mets primary focus is pitching so it is likely that Ibanez will find a home elsewhere this off-season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Julio Lugo SS, Boston Red Sox 11/29/08, Time: 1:19 pm |
| News: |
The Boston Herald reports that trade discussions involving Lugo have stalled.
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| Analysis: |
The Red Sox and Tigers were reportedly talking about a possible deal but remain far away from completing a deal. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Tim Redding SP, Washington Nationals 11/29/08, Time: 1:16 pm |
| News: |
Redding underwent successful surgery on his left foot on Friday, according to the Miami Herald. |
| Analysis: |
Redding is expected to be healed and ready to go for the start of Spring Training. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Matt Childers RP, Free Agent 11/29/08, Time: 1:11 pm |
| News: |
Childers signed a one-year contract with the Rakuten Eagles of Japan's Pacific League on Friday. |
| Analysis: |
Childers appeared in 53 games with the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate, recording 20 saves. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Jason Varitek C, Free Agent 11/29/08, Time: 1:08 pm |
| News: |
The Red Sox plan to offer Varitek salary arbitration, according to the Boston Herald. |
| Analysis: |
Varitek is unlikely to sign the offer as he is looking for a multi-year deal. The Red Sox can receive draft pick compensation if Varitek does not accept the offer and signs elsewhere. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Brian Fuentes RP, Free Agent 11/29/08, Time: 1:05 pm |
| News: |
According to the New York Daily News, Fuentes is asking for a three-year contract worth $10-to-11 million per year. |
| Analysis: |
The asking price is high so Fuentes may have to drop his price tag if he is to gather more interest on the open market. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Justin Germano RP, Free Agent 11/29/08, Time: 1:02 pm |
| News: |
Germano signed a one-year contract with the Softbank Hawks of the Japanese Pacific League. |
| Analysis: |
Germano appeared in only 12 games with the Padres last season, going 0-3 with the 5.98 ERA. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Tim Hamulack RP, Kansas City Royals 11/29/08, Time: 12:59 pm |
| News: |
According to MLB.com, the Royals signed Hamulack to a minor league contract on Friday. |
| Analysis: |
Hamulack pitched in Double-A last year, appearing in 18 games. He struck out 23 batters in 23 innings. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Junichi Tazawa SP, Boston Red Sox 11/29/08, Time: 12:56 pm |
| News: |
Tazawa is expected to sign with Red Sox, according to the Boston Globe. |
| Analysis: |
The 22-year-old righthander is expected to sign a major league contract but begin the season in the minors. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Wes Littleton RP, Boston Red Sox 11/29/08, Time: 12:50 pm |
| News: |
The Red Sox acquired Littleton from the Rangers on Friday in exchange for two minor league players or cash. |
| Analysis: |
Littleton only appeared in 12 games last season with the Rangers, recording a 6.00 ERA. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
C.C. Sabathia SP, Free Agent 11/29/08, Time: 12:46 pm |
| News: |
Newsday reports that the Yankees may be willing to up their offer to $150 million if the Angels do indeed make C.C. Sabathia an offer. |
| Analysis: |
The Yankees are very serious about signing Sabathia this off-season after failing to acquire Johan Santana last year. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Doug Brocail RP, Free Agent 11/29/08, Time: 12:44 pm |
| News: |
The Astros are very interested in signing Brocail, according to the Houston Chronicle.
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| Analysis: |
Brocail appeared in 72 games last season for the Astros, striking out 64 batters in 68.2 innings. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Jose Valverde RP, Houston Astros 11/29/08, Time: 12:42 pm |
| News: |
According to the New York Times, the Mets have had discussions with the Astros about Valverde.
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| Analysis: |
The Mets will acquire a closer this off-season and are weighing all of their options. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Mike Koplove RP, Philadelphia Phillies 11/29/08, Time: 10:30 am |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
The Phillies have agreed to a deal with Koplove, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. The former-Diamondback's deal includes an invitation to Spring Training. |
| Analysis: |
Koplove did not pitch in the majors in 2007 and spent time with the Dodgers minor league system. The Phillies pen was a strength in 2008 for the World Champions, so Koplove will have to really show something to make the team. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Freddy An. Garcia SP, Free Agent 11/29/08, Time: 10:26 am |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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Questionable |
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| News: |
Garcia had to leave a start in the Venezuelan Winter League because of shoulder discomfort, according to MLB.com. He is a free agent and trying to come back from major shoulder surgery. |
| Analysis: |
Earlier in the decade, Garcia was a workhorse and had six straight seasons of 200+ innings. He has been slowed by shoulder problems but came back for three starts with the Tigers in 2008. His best days are behind and more shoulder problems are a very bad sign. (SportsBuff.com) |
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Phillip Dumatrait RP, Pittsburgh Pirates 11/29/08, Time: 10:23 am |
| Status: |
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Cold |
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Doubtful |
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| News: |
Dumatrait has not begun throwing after having shoulder surgery in August, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. |
| Analysis: |
Dumatrait started 11 games for the Pirates last year and had a 5.26 ERA. He had a nice run of starts in last May and early June, but probably won't figure into many fantasy leagues in 2009. (SportsBuff.com) |
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Brandon Moss OF, Pittsburgh Pirates 11/29/08, Time: 10:20 am |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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Questionable |
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| News: |
Moss recently had knee surgery but he is on track to get back on the field for the start of 2009, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. |
| Analysis: |
Moss came to Pittsburgh in the deal for Jason Bay. He had six homers in 45 games, but struck out once per game. He could be an end of the outfield guy for NL-only teams. (SportsBuff.com) |
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Jack Wilson SS, Pittsburgh Pirates 11/29/08, Time: 10:18 am |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
Wilson has been mentioned in trade talks with the Tigers and Dodgers, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. |
| Analysis: |
Wilson is a decent fielder but of not much use in fantasy. He has doubles power and if remains healthy can help in runs, but a .660 OPS last year is a good measure of how well he generally hits. (SportsBuff.com) |
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Ronny Paulino C, Pittsburgh Pirates 11/29/08, Time: 10:15 am |
| Status: |
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Cold |
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| News: |
The Pirates are really pushing Paulino in trade talks, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. |
| Analysis: |
Perhaps the rationale for listening to Paulino trade talks is that he can only get better. The backup catcher hit just .211 in 2008 with a pair of homers in 40 games. Not exactly a high priced commodity. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Casey Blake 3B, Free Agent 11/29/08, Time: 10:13 am |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
The Twins continue to have contact with Blake, according to the Pioneer Press. Yet, the negotiations have not reached the stage of naming dollar amounts. |
| Analysis: |
The Dodgers and Indians - Blake for both teams in 2008 - are also interested in bringing the third baseman/left fielder back. Once those elusive money figures get tossed into the conversation, Blake will probably find his new home. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
A.J. Burnett SP, Toronto Blue Jays 11/29/08, Time: 10:11 am |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
The AP reports that Blue Jays interim CEO Todd Beeston believes the team can still sign Burnett. |
| Analysis: |
Beeston also said that if they don't re-sign Burnett, the team could plug a lot of holes elsewhere. You see, it's win-win! (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
C.C. Sabathia SP, Free Agent 11/29/08, Time: 10:09 am |
| Status: |
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Hot |
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| News: |
The New York Daily News notes that even when Sabathia signs his $100 million contract, he is no sure thing to be a dominant pitcher. |
| Analysis: |
The other pitchers who have made nine figures include Barry Zito, Mike Hampton, and Kevin Brown. Of course, Johan Santana made the big, big money and was plenty good last year. Sabathia should be fine even when he is rolling in dollars. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Randy Wolf SP, Houston Astros 11/29/08, Time: 10:07 am |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
The Astros have slowed negotiations with Wolf because of "uncertainty over payroll," according to the Houston Chronicle. |
| Analysis: |
Wolf finished the season in fine style with Houston. He had a 3.57 ERA in 12 starts and went 6-2. He isn't better than a marginal fantasy pitcher and perhaps he was just pitching for his next contract. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Khalil Greene SS, San Diego Padres 11/27/08, Time: 10:32 am |
| News: |
According to SI, Padres' GM Kevin Towers mentioned that the Padres are not anywhere close to trading Greene. |
| Analysis: |
There have been rumors all off-season about San Diego moving their injury-prone shortstop but for now, Greene remains a Padre. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Nick Johnson 1B, Washington Nationals 11/27/08, Time: 10:29 am |
| News: |
According to the Contra Costa Times, Oakland may have interest in acquiring Johnson from the Nationals. |
| Analysis: |
Johnson has been unable to stay healthy the past few years but would be a solid bat in the A's lineup if he can stay healthy. Johnson played only 38 games last season, hitting .220 with five home runs and 20 RBI. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Dustin McGowan SP, Toronto Blue Jays 11/27/08, Time: 10:23 am |
| News: |
McGowan is close to resuming baseball activities and is expected to start throwing within the near future. |
| Analysis: |
McGowan is recovering from shoulder surgery but will be ready for the start of Spring Training. He went 6-7 with a 4.37 ERA last season with the Blue Jays. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Josh Fields 3B, Chi. White Sox White Sox 11/27/08, Time: 10:20 am |
| News: |
Fields, who is coming off right knee surgery, is on time with his recovery, according to the Chicago Tribune. |
| Analysis: |
Fields played only 14 games last season, hitting .156 with only two RBI. He is expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training and will battle for playing time at third base. |
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| Player: |
Alex Cora SS, Free Agent 11/27/08, Time: 10:16 am |
| News: |
The Tigers may be interested in signing Cora, according to the Detroit Free-Press.
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| Analysis: |
Cora hit .270 with no home runs and only nine RBI in 75 games with the Red Sox last season. He would platoon in the infield if he signs in Detroit. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Derek Lowe SP, Free Agent 11/27/08, Time: 10:14 am |
| News: |
The Phillies are interested in Lowe and have contacted his agent, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. |
| Analysis: |
Lowe has interest from a number of teams and it is going to come down to a bidding war for the free agent pitcher. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Jeff Mathis C, L.A. Angels Angels 11/27/08, Time: 10:11 am |
| News: |
The Boston Herald reports that the Angels have been shopped Mathis and Mike Napoli to the Red Sox.
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| Analysis: |
Jason Varitek could be on his way out of Boston so there will be a hole to fill at the catcher position. The Angels would like to acquire a starting pitcher in exchange for either Mathis or Napoli. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Willy Taveras CF, Colorado Rockies 11/27/08, Time: 10:08 am |
| News: |
According to the Denver Post, the White Sox have interest in acquiring Taveras from the Rockies.
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| Analysis: |
Taveras hit .259 with one home run and 26 RBI but stole a MLB best 68 bases. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Randy Johnson SP, Free Agent 11/27/08, Time: 10:03 am |
| News: |
According to ESPN, Randy Johnson wants a one-year contract and that there is a lot of interest in the 45-year old pitcher.
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| Analysis: |
Johnson, who was 11-10 with a 3.91 ERA last season, is five wins away from 300. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
David Bush SP, Atlanta Braves 11/26/08, Time: 2:35 pm |
| Status: |
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Hot |
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Probable |
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| News: |
Bush is a great pitcher. |
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| Player: |
A.J. Burnett SP, Free Agent 11/25/08, Time: 7:32 pm |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
Burnett has narrowed his primary focus to roughly a half-dozen teams, and the Orioles remain in the mix, according to the Baltimore Sun. Also beleived to be included are the Yankees,Red Sox, Blue Jays, Phillies and Braves. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Rafael Furcal SS, Free Agent 11/25/08, Time: 5:44 pm |
| News: |
According to MLB.com, Furcal could sign a four-year contract in the near future as his agent confirmed that he was offered one. |
| Analysis: |
Oakland and the Mets are both reportedly interested in signing Furcal. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
R.J. Swindle RP, Milwaukee Brewers 11/25/08, Time: 5:39 pm |
| News: |
The Brewers signed Swindle to a major league contract on Tuesday. |
| Analysis: |
Swindle appeared in three games with the Phillies last season, giving up four earned runs in 4.2 innings. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
C.C. Sabathia SP, Free Agent 11/25/08, Time: 5:35 pm |
| News: |
According to MLB.com, the Angels are moving closer to pursuing Sabathia as they are considering offering him a contract close to the six-year, $137 million deal Johan Santana got from the Mets last season. |
| Analysis: |
The Angels look like they have decided to pass on re-signing Mark Teixeira and focus that money on pitching. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Trevor Hoffman RP, Free Agent 11/25/08, Time: 5:29 pm |
| News: |
According to FOX Sports, the Dodgers could be interested in Hoffman. |
| Analysis: |
Hoffman could come on and mentor Jonathan Broxton who saw time closing games last year for the Dodgers. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Brian Shouse RP, Free Agent 11/25/08, Time: 5:02 pm |
| News: |
The Rockies have interest in Shouse, according to the Denver Post. |
| Analysis: |
Shouse was 5-1 with a 2.81 ERA in 69 appearances last season with the Brewers. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Alan Embree RP, Free Agent 11/25/08, Time: 4:50 pm |
| News: |
The Denver Post reports that the Rockies' have interest in Embree. |
| Analysis: |
Embree appeared in 70 games last season with the A's, recording a 2-5 record and a 4.96 ERA. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Brandon Lyon RP, Free Agent 11/25/08, Time: 4:46 pm |
| News: |
The Cardinals have interest in Lyon, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. |
| Analysis: |
Lyon, who converted 26 out of 31 save opportunities last season with Arizona, would likely be the Cardinals' closer if he signs in St. Louis. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Arthur Rhodes RP, Free Agent 11/25/08, Time: 4:41 pm |
| News: |
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Cardinals have made a contract offer to Rhodes. |
| Analysis: |
Rhodes, a left-handed reliever, was 4-1 with a 2.04 ERA in 61 appearances with the Marlins and Mariners last season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Javier Vazquez SP, Chi. White Sox White Sox 11/25/08, Time: 4:38 pm |
| News: |
The Braves have interest in acquiring Vazquez, according to MLB.com.
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| Analysis: |
Vazquez would be a solid addition to the back of the rotation for the Braves. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Jermaine Dye RF, Chi. White Sox White Sox 11/25/08, Time: 4:36 pm |
| News: |
According to FOX Sports, the Mets, Phillies and Rays have all looked into trading for Dye. |
| Analysis: |
The White Sox are looking for a lot back in return for Dye so unless they lessen their trade demands, it is unlikely that Dye will get dealt. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
David Ross C, Free Agent 11/25/08, Time: 4:32 pm |
| News: |
According to MLB.com, the Astros' have shown interest in Ross. |
| Analysis: |
With Brad Ausmus not coming back, the Astros' would like to add depth to their catching position. Ross hit .225 with three homers and 13 RBI in 60 games last season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Joe Beimel RP, Free Agent 11/25/08, Time: 4:30 pm |
| News: |
The Diamondbacks' are interested in Beimel, according to the Detroit Free Press. |
| Analysis: |
Beimel appeared in 71 games with the Dodgers last season, recording a 5-1 record and a 2.02 ERA over that span. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Ken Griffey OF, Free Agent 11/25/08, Time: 4:27 pm |
| News: |
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, there are nine teams that have shown interest in signing Griffey. Six teams are from the AL while the rest are from the NL. |
| Analysis: |
Griffey hit .249 with 18 homers and 71 RBI last season with the Reds and White Sox. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Jack Wilson SS, Pittsburgh Pirates 11/24/08, Time: 10:27 pm |
| News: |
The Tigers are interested in trading for Wilson, according to the Detroit Free Press. |
| Analysis: |
Wilson suffered through a few injuries last season, finishing with a only one home run and 22 RBI in 87 games. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
A.J. Burnett SP, Free Agent 11/24/08, Time: 10:24 pm |
| News: |
The Baltimore Sun reports that there are six teams after Burnett this off-season. |
| Analysis: |
The Red Sox, Blue Jays, Yankees, Orioles, Phillies and Braves are all interested in Burnett. (SportsBuff.com) |
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