John Garland Off The Market...

It looks like another one of our targets early in the offseason has a found a home. John Garland wanted a huge deal, but instead he became a victim of the current market and the new economy...

Jon Garland, who won 14 games for the Los Angeles Angels last season, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.

Garland agreed to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2010. The deal is pending a physical, the source said. The agreement was first reported by the Arizona Republic.

Garland will make a base salary of $6.25 million in 2009, a source said. The option year will pay him $10 million. If Garland wants to return for 2010 and the Diamondbacks decide not to exercise the mutual option, he will receive a $2.5 million buyout. If Garland rejects the option and elects to go back on the free agent market, he will receive a $1 million buyout.

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Uehera & The Orioles, Ravens/Steelers and Barack Obama...

The big news out of Birdland yesterday was the introduction of Koji Uehara to the masses. Again, it lookes to be quite a scene and here's a rundown of all the media reports from the big event yesterday...

• The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec pens a lengthy piece on the press conference yesterday.
• Dan Connolly thinks that the Orioles have made a good initial attempt in breaking into Japan by acquiring Uehara, but will need to do more...
• Meanwhile, George Sherrill gives his thoughts on the Japanese media and Uehara.
• Sun columnist Peter Schmuck gives his thoughts on yesterday, and the Orioles.com Spencer Fordin also has a report. He also reports that the signing of Uehara might be the last arm the Orioles get on the market, and they may trot out all other pitchers on the roster to patch together a rotation.
  
• MASN's Steve Melewski also comments on the press conference, as does Kate Wheeler, and Roch Kubatko.
  
• Tony Pente of the Orioles Hangout likes the move for Uehara.

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Brian Wants To Stay?

I heard the "Scott and Anita" show this afternoon in my car while driving home this evening and I was quite surprised by what heard from Brian Roberts.

It sounds like he will be giving the Orioles an ample chance to keep him -- assuming the price is right -- in their uniform. I'm sure he does not want to be traded, but he understands the business of the game; however, he definitely has an affinity towards Charm City and the only organization he's played for.

In his weekly segment, he touched on these topics:

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Do We Want Jim Edmonds?

It's a new day, and it seems like the Orioles are once again sticking to the low-cost veteran signings to bridge the gap between the youth on the farm and the major league team.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the organization has some interest in veteran Jim Edmonds.

Although, I more or less have some aversion to acquiring guys on the wrong side of thirty -- however, I will make an exception on this one, if we can get him.

It looked like Edmonds' start to 2008 indicated that he was on his last legs as an everyday player; however, once he joined the Cubs, he looked like another man.

>> > Read More

What We Should Do & Flanagan's Future...

With spring training fast approaching, it looks like some more chips have come off the table as both Pat Burrell and Milton Bradley have found new homes.

The Tampa Bay Rays got the right-handed bat they needed as they signed Pat Burrell to a two year, 16 million dollar deal (a freaking bargain for a slugger); meanwhile, the Cubs have signed Milton Bradley to a three year, 30-million dollar to add yet another power bat to their stable of mashers.

With that being said, only about five-plus weeks remain until Spring Training, and one has to think what will the Orioles do? Right now, it looks like they have interest in Japanese pitchers Kenshin Kawakami and Koji Uehara per Roch Kubatko.

I hope Baltimore at least signs another pitcher or two, as right now the squad looks to be no match to even match-up with their rivals in the American League East.


>>> Read More Here

A.J. Burnett Now A Yankee...

ESPN is reporting that A.J. Burnett will be the newest member of the Yankee pitching staff.

The Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves were also in competition for him; however, Baltimore didn't want to give Burnett the years he wanted and also were not a viable option for him as winning served to be important a factor.

The deal with New York is for five years, 82.5 million dollars.

Burnett may turn out to be Carl Pavano II -- ok, it may be a stretch -- but his history should be enough to give anyone a pause; alas, that's obviously not the case. It looks like A.J. was good enough and also healthy at the right time to get the chance to make even more money.

I guess he got the money and the years he wanted.


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The Orioles Not Going Higher With Offer To Teixeira?

Well, here's somewhat discouraging news if you have been following the whole Mark Teixeira drama. Granted, he's not signed with anyone and no one knows what the Angels, Yankees along with the Red Sox have offered the slugger; however, it looks like Andy MacPhail may be focusing on fixing the team's other problems (IMO, should be key).

Right now, the thought that is on many fans minds is whether Teixeira is going to come back to the Orioles, be the hero on the white horse and save the franchise, or spurn the organization and look for riches elsewhere.

I'm not sure if the Orioles are just going to give up on this adventure, or make one final honest effort in the end, but I think fans want to see the team fight as hard as it can to get Mark at Camden Yards 81 times per year.

From the Baltimore Sun: As the winter meetings concluded, the Orioles, one of four teams believed to be bidding on Teixeira, had a seven-year offer on the table worth between $140 million and $150 million, according to an industry source. The club had not dramatically sweetened the offer and had no immediate plans to do so, according to the source. However, Orioles president Andy MacPhail told reporters he believed the club is still in the running to land the slugger, who grew up in Severna Park and prepped at Mount St. Joseph.

"We have no reason to believe [they're not in it]," MacPhail said. "I won't get into the he said, she said. The best way to say it is that until we're told otherwise, we believe we are part of the process. ... We've never been dogmatic about saying this is it and this is all it would be. I'm sure if there is interest on the other side, there will be more dialogue. If they choose to go another way, that's their choice."

The general feeling around the lobby at the posh hotel was that the Boston Red Sox are the clear front-runners, though their offer is unknown. It is believed the Washington Nationals have extended the biggest bid, an eight-year deal worth $160 million, though there has been plenty of speculation their offer is even larger.

Aside from the Nationals and Orioles, no one else has shown their cards yet. I've pretty much stated my thoughts on where the slugger is going, and I think he's going to the team that will pay him as well where he can win. It's evident Boras has a lot of influence in Teixeira's choice, so there is more than likely a lot more to the story than what is being reported.

Speaking of Scott Boras, our ace Jeremy Guthrie has fired him as his agent.

Markakis and the Orioles Halt Extension Talks...

Take this for what is it worth right now...

From the Baltimore Sun: Both club president Andy MacPhail and Markakis' agent, Jamie Murphy, confirmed that the sides exchanged proposals last week for the first time this offseason and that after several discussions, an agreement could not be reached.

Stopping short of calling it an impasse, Murphy said Markakis has decided to observe what happens with baseball's current free-agent class before negotiating again. Murphy said he expects talks to pick up in late January when the sides exchange filings for salary arbitration.

"In many respects the talks have been productive, but we've reached a point where we felt it would be beneficial to see how the market develops," Murphy said. "From our point of view, we expect to revisit these discussions. We felt that taking some time and seeing how the market shapes up may help us along in finding some common ground. And Andy agreed."

As a fan, I'm a little concerned that he hasn't been signed by now; however, Nick Markakis is holding back on extending with the team at the moment to see what deals are consummated with the free agents out there before he works on his own.

It may serve to be a smart business move on his part, as he tries to come back with a counter offer for the team in the near future; meanwhile, the Orioles can also formulate a deal of their own.

I don't think this is a big deal, as he's heading into his fourth season with the team. He's got another full three seasons to play before he becomes a free agent, and neither side is obligated to come up with a long term deal at this time.

The only problem with Markakis holding back on the deal is with the economy and how long this recession lasts. If it goes well into next season and longer, his value may not be as high it could have been in the past -- however, that's the risk you take. As well, though not likely -- his numbers could decline or he could get hurt -- nevertheless, he's in for likely a huge pay day no matter how you slice it.

Ponson and The Roundup, News Around the Web & Blogosphere

For those of you who are curious, it looks like -- finally -- the Orioles and Sidney Ponson will have their hearing about the team voiding the portly hurler's contract nearly 4 years ago...

More than three years after the Orioles released and terminated the contract of Sidney Ponson after his third arrest in a nine-month span, a grievance arbitrator will finally decide how much money - if any - the organization owes the pitcher.

Orioles general counsel Russell Smouse confirmed yesterday that the grievance would start being heard Dec. 17 in Baltimore by arbitrator Shyam Das. The hearing could take several days, and there is no definitive timetable for Das to render a decision. The Orioles released Ponson in September 2005 and refused to pay him the remaining $11.2 million on his three-year, $22.5 million deal. The Major League Baseball Players Association immediately filed a grievance against the club, trying to recoup the rest of the money on his guaranteed contract.

"We look forward to a positive outcome in Sidney's grievance," said Barry Praver, Ponson's agent.

The hearing had been scheduled several times before but continually postponed as other cases took precedence. Another reason for the hold-up was that the Orioles had not received specific discovery documents they had requested from the union,

In my knowledge of the law, the case should come down to what the specific language in the contract states about behavior and what happened during his tenure with the organization.

Sidney may have been ornery as well as a lush, immature and utterly stupid -- however, it will be up to a third party to determine if his behavior warranted him having a contract voided.

***

WNST's Drew Forrester and Thryl Nelson give their thoughts on whether Teixeira is coming to the Orioles, or that matter -- anywhere else. Meanwhile, according to the nationals.com, Mark wants to play in D.C., while Team President Stan Kasten gives an awfully vague answer or non-answer depending on how you see it; Boston.com says the Red Sox are in love with him and that be an understatment if you read Tony Massarotti's blog on that same website.

My personal opinion: I see nothing at the moment that makes me think he wants to come to Baltimore for the sake of it being "home".

If that was the case, he (um, Boras - I should say and who seems to be clearly in the driver's seat) would have started some dialogue with the team as soon as they could. I think Mark going to the highest bidder and a place where he thinks he could win.

I also do think he is taking his time and exploring his options. Maybe Baltimore might be a place he'd come to -- albeit, assuming that the organization upgrades at a few positions -- or he chooses the lure and exposure that New York, Southern California, or Boston may offer him.

The Orioles *may* get him, but based on what I have read around the web and forums, a lot of people may be in for a rude awakening if he decides to go somewhere else.

Then again, right now, Baltimore has a good chance in getting Teixeira as anyone.

***

Roch Kubatko ponders about the Cubs and Roberts; meanwhile, the Sun's Dan Connolly debates whether former Oriole Mike Mussina goes in as a member of the black and the orange, or part of the Evil Empire (eh, I think he goes in as a Yankee) & Glenn Clark of WNST, Oriole Central, Camden Chat, The Washington Post, PressBox Online as well as Jay Trucker of the Examiner also join the fray.

The Orioles announced their 2009 Spring Training Schedule, and yes, they are going to play in Fort Lauderdale; The great Roar from 34 gives us news and bits from Oriole-land, including the struggles of the Sports Legends Museum -- which comes as no surprise to me at all -- considering how much the team has struggled.

Like I have said in the past, the struggles of the Orioles and the falling attendance for the past several years have had a dire impact on businesses near the ballpark, and it's no surprise to hear the bad news.

The profitability of the vendors around the ballpark, restaurants, bars and hotels are invariably tied into the success of the baseball team. If no one shows up to the games -- no one buys anything from the businesses around the ballpark; thus, it is little wonder why businesses in Baltimore welcome Yankee and Red Sox fans with open arms?

And finally, the Wayward Oriole takes issue with the Baltimore Sun...

Are The Yankees Out Of The Running For Teixeira?

Could one of our main rivals be out of the Mark Teixeira race?

From the New York Post: FREE agency began at midnight today. The raging speculation has been that the Yankees New York Yankees will sign CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and another high-end free agent or two such as Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe or A.J. Burnett. General manager Brian Cashman termed that conjecture "crazy talk."

In fact, in an exclusive interview with The Post, Cashman strongly indicated the Yankees will not even sign Sabathia and Teixeira in tandem.

"At the pricetags I have read, that is fantasy land, not reality land," Cashman said yesterday of bringing in Sabathia and Teixeira. A Yankees executive said the club has not even created scenarios for assembling a 2009 roster in which it signs the most attractive starter and position player in the free-agent market.

The plan is to concentrate on starting pitching, namely Sabathia, and - at best - Teixeira is a backburner issue in case all the rotation avenues prove fruitless. Teixeira was pushed further to the backburner yesterday when the Yanks obtained Nick Swisher, who, as of now, projects to be the starting first baseman.

Could this be good news for O's fans? I don't know. I could see Swisher being the first baseman -- or a utility guy who could play anywhere. Teixiera will be expensive, and the Yankees are targeting Sabathia; however, I don't think money may be an object with them with a new ballpark opening up in the spring.

At this point, I think Boras and Teixiera just wait things out and see what fruits the market bear and if they get their demands before he even signs with anyone.

The Free Agent Market and Where We Stand...

Today starts off what comes consider to be the second season in Major League Baseball -- the free agency period -- where teams will try to improve via signings, or perhaps flounder because of a player who doesn't work out.

Well, the action here does not take place on the field, but in boardrooms, offices, also on the internet, going back and forth via email and using up your cell phone minutes, and also the time-honored tradition of wining and dining.

With all the players out there available via free agency, where do the Orioles and so many teams stand?

For those who root for the black and the orange, will the money that the organization be enough to bring Mark Teixiera back home to Baltimore, or lure Maryland native A.J. Burnett? Or will the two men spurn the comforts of the familiar for riches and fame in larger markets?

Could we make a splash and shock many by signing Ben Sheets, Adam Dunn, Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe or a C.C. Sabathia (yeah, in our pipe dreams).

Do we have to drag through the bargain bin to find an arm or two, or three? Will we find a shortstop for the long haul -- among Orlando Cabrera, Rafael Furcal, Edgar Renteria and a cast of a dozen plus -- before pitchers and catchers report? Do we build through trades rather than open up the check book?

Do we finally extend Markakis? Does Brian Roberts finally get tired of the losing, turns down an extension and decides to move on? Will Daniel Cabrera get it on the mound and tap into his physical gifts to become what the Orioles need? What about not-so-much-youngsters Radhames Liz and Garrett Olsen possibly finding some consistency? Does Jamie Walker at his age bounce back? What will we see from Chris Ray and Danys Baez? What happens with George Sherrill?

Do we finally see Matt Wieters make the team or longtime minor league incumbent Nolan Reimold finally taste the major leagues?

Do we see the Orioles make an expected turnaround like the Rays? Or do they inch closer to .500, or stay stuck in neutral?

Will the economic state of America reach into the game? Do free agents -- aside from the cream of the crop -- see their contracts not turn out to be as expected? Do fans still come back to the Yard, or any other of the 29 ballparks in America, or stay away in droves?

The baseball world will be watching to see where everyone goes in the Second Season.

It can be frustrating, or fun; nevertheless, anyone who cares about baseball will be watching.

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Reality Check: Mark Teixiera & Other Free Agents; Our Shortstop

Not that anyone knows or can predict what is going on Mark Teixiera, or any free agent -- but there has been huge talk in these parts (the Washington and Baltimore area) about brighter days ahead.

From the Washington Post: It took two days, but the Nationals and Orioles finally seem to be entering the transactional white noise emanating from the GM meetings in Dana Point, Calif.

According to both SI.com's Jon Heyman and MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the Nationals hope to surprise this offseason by signing legitimate stars. Both writers say the Nats are focusing on a clean-up hitter, with Mark Teixeira their top choice. Naturally, Teixeira's price tag may eventually prove prohibitive, but that may just push them down to the next tier of big sticks, with Prince Fielder and Adam Dunn serious possibilities.

Just as tantalizing for Nationals fans is the prospect of Matt Holliday, whom the Nats have reportedly discussed with the Rockies more than once. The Rockies are likely to look for middle infield help -- that's one area where the Nats have plenty of prospects -- and pitching. Hard to think of which pitchers Washington could cobble together to make an offer come together, but if they could come up with any that would be a fit for Coors Field, that'd seem like a deal to pull the trigger on immediately, right? Or would the Nats require a window for contract extension talks? Funny how having Scott Boras as an agent complicates things, isn't it.

The Orioles are starting to make some noise as well, with the San Diego Union Tribune reporting that they're still interested in Padres shortstop Khalil Greene. So are the Reds Tigers and, as of last night, the Blue Jays, though both the Red Sox and Padres put the kaibash on the rumored "Coco Crisp for Khalil Greene" talk from Monday.

Ok, first let's start with Teixiera.

You all know how I feel about him -- he's like the girl who says she will consider going out with you and thus gives her phone number hoping she'll call or text you; however, you know she's out of your league -- so, you'll never get the magic call no matter how hard you wish.

I like positivity, but I am also a realist.

I've been there, and Oriole fans will feel that way once you find out he'll go to where the big money is and for only a winner -- which means the Red Sox, Angels, or Yankees.

The Orioles and Nationals should throw out an offer to him and ugh, Scott Boras -- something astronomical -- to see they'll bite.

I think the end result will be "don't call us, we'll call you..."

Folks, he ain't coming to the Mid-Altantic to play ball full time, no matter how he wants to play near home or he says it will be a dream. Money and prestige will steer him, not sentimentality.

I have a very strange feeling that the Red Sox will end up with him...

As for our shortstop situation, as you know -- we need one for sure. It was a revolving door of guys last year and we ended up with Juan Castro to finish off the season.

Naturally, he filed for free agency this week. Now, we need someone to fill in that position.

Below are our free agents available at shortstop, courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors:

Willie Bloomquist (31)
Orlando Cabrera (34) - Type A
Alex Cintron (30)
Alex Cora (33)
Craig Counsell (38)
David Eckstein (34)
Adam Everett (32)
Rafael Furcal (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Chris Gomez (38)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Cesar Izturis (29)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Tomohiro Nioka (33)
Nick Punto (31)
Edgar Renteria (33) - Type A
Luis Rivas (29)
Juan Uribe (30) - Type B
Ramon Vazquez (32)
Omar Vizquel (42) - $5.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout

Who do you think fills the bill? None of these guys fits what I'd be happy with, but Orlando Cabrera would be a decent place holder until we get someone younger in the fold.

ed note: As someone reminded me who left me a post -- he'd cost Baltimore two draft picks -- so maybe signing him wouldn't be smart unless it was a last resort move.

Khalil Greene might a be good candidate to play shortstop for us -- he's young and has power -- but his career numbers are nothing to be happy about, and the question is what would the Padres want in return?

Edgar Renteria might be a good choice -- if it was 2005 -- but he's seriously regressed at the plate, and always been subpar in the field. I'd pass on him for now, unless you really cannot find anyone else.

Perhaps we can sign him -- if we have to -- to a low-level deal with incentives, and hope he can find the magic again at the plate. Baltimore isn't going upwards in the AL East , so maybe it might be a good place for him to get back on his feet after a putrid year with Detroit.

Felipe Lopez had a nice little comeback after being exiled from the Nationals when he was released and found new life in St. Louis; however, he's got one hell of a rep as a bad seed, and also a grouse, despite the potential he showed years ago. He might come affordable, and we can hope his ability might finally be manifested after nearly dying in Washington; alas, it's really buyer beware with him.

At this point, I'd be kicking tires and hoping for the best, or see what can be acquired via trades.

But right now, looking at the list, Orlando Cabrera may be the most attractive option for us -- for the moment.

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Has The Bidding for Teixeira Already Begun?

(take my blog post article title with a grain of salt -- teams officially cannot talk with free agents until after the World Series...)

Well, it looks like Steinbrenner II -- Hank Steinbrenner -- has once again opened up his mouth and announced the Yankees grand plan to get back into the playoffs. Aside from the obvious targets for their desire -- A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, and Derek Lowe -- they want one other big name ticket item for their trophy case.

Mark Teixiera.

Needless to say, there's no doubt that they were going after the Maryland first baseman, considering they have millions upon millions coming off their books and Giambi will not most likely be re-signed.

From CNNSI.com: The Yankees' interest in Teixeira seems to make clear that longtime Yankee Jason Giambi will not be brought back. Even if the Yankees fail to sign Teixeira, they have determined they want to upgrade their defense at first base. The Angels, Orioles and perhaps the Giants and Mariners are among teams expected to show interest in Teixeira.

Baltimore needs the bat -- we need a Grade A first baseman -- however, will the organization spend the money when they are more than a couple of pieces short to be a contending team. Furthermore, he will demand a huge contract -- a nine figure one -- and if the Orioles don't improve (presuming he even signs with the team), will he want out much like he did in Texas?

I have no idea if the Orioles will attempt to sign him -- maybe they will, maybe they won't -- but the price will be high, and more so the case as Teixiera's agent is Scott Boras.

I've been on record as saying it would be a complete waste of resources to sign him, but we might as well gauge his interest and see what comes of it. If the likelihood of he signing with the organization isn't good -- let's spend the money somewhere else.

If Bedard Is Traded, Is Roberts Next?

Ah, since Sunday night, it seems that business has picked up for the Orioles. Now, take a look at what CNN/Sports Illustrated writer John Heyman wrote last night...

First, more news on what most fans know already:

There are signs the deal is getting closer -- such as Jones telling reporters that he's headed to Baltimore for a physical -- but late word Sunday night is there's still some internal debate in Baltimore over the deal. Club owner Peter Angelos is famous for nixing deals involving his best players.

Mariners GM Bill Bavasi said by phone Sunday night that it was not a done deal. "We're not there yet,'' Bavasi said. "I can't tell you anything.''

Meanwhile, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail echoed that sentiment to the Baltimore Sun. "We do not have an agreement with the Mariners," MacPhail said.

Sources told SI.com that Jones (.314 with 25 homers at Triple-A Tacoma), reliever George Sherrill (2-0, 2.36 with Seattle), a strikeout artist who could bolster Baltimore's injury-ravaged bullpen, and minor-league pitcher Chris Tillman (6-7, 5.26 at Class-A High Desert), are among players who have been prominently mentioned in trade talks. Catcher Jeff Clement (.275 with 20 homers also at Tacoma) was discussed at one point, but it's believed the Mariners will hold onto him.

Here's what Heyman says thereafter about the Cubs possibly acquiring Roberts:

If the Orioles do complete the Bedard trade, word is they would likely then send All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts (.290, 12 HR, 57 RBIs, 50 SBs) to the Chicago Cubs for prospects, possibly outfielder Felix Pie and pitcher Sean Gallagher (3-1, 2.66 at Triple-A Iowa). Pie batted .362 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs at Triple-A Iowa but hit just .215 in 177 at-bats with the Cubs in 2007.

However, the Roberts deal appears to be waiting on completion of the Bedard deal.

It looks like one deal may come after the other; however, let's wait and see. As most Orioles fans know by what is written by our great scribes is not gospel, as things can change by the minute.

If all goes as rumored, the Orioles would have accomplished in greatly turning over their roster, and more importantly getting guys under their control for several years.

Yet, another tip of the hat to Ian of Sox & Dawgs for the info...

Erik Bedard Finally A Goner?

A big tip of the hat for Ian of Sox and Dawgs for emailing me this:

From ESPN: 2:56 p.m. ET, from Amy Nelson

"The Orioles and Dodgers may be close on a deal that will send left-hander Erik Bedard to Los Angeles, a baseball source said. The O's are in need of a center fielder and a closer who can play at the major league level, and the Dogders seem willing to part with outfielder Matt Kemp and reliever Jonathan Broxton, who could come in a close in lieu of Chris Ray, out for the year after Tommy John surgery. "They want Bedard bad," said the source."

Like I said, don't be surprised that MacPhail jumped on a chance to get some good youngsters who could contribute immediately. The Dodgers have a deep minor league system and a lot of prospects, so it is only prudent that the Orioles take advantage of it.

Now this:

From the ESPN Winter meetings blog: The Blue Jays continue to talk with the Orioles about left-hander Erik Bedard. Toronto probably has the young pitching to anchor a deal.

Ok, now I don't know if ESPN is just reporting chatting as a rumor, fact, or what; however, I will be surprised if Bedard is an Oriole still by the weekend.

The Santana Front: The Sox to Trade Ellsbury Too?

Well, I am covering the BB&T Basketball Tournament in Washington; however, in scouring the news a few minutes ago, it looks the Red Sox and Yankees are playing one-up-manship in the Santana talks.

In an effort to get one of the premier pitchers in baseball, the Red Sox have now shown the willingness to dangle Jacoby Ellsbury in a deal, but they will not throw Lester in with him.

From MSNBC: he Boston Red Sox have told the Minnesota Twins they are willing to include talented young center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury in any trade for pitcher Johan Santana, but are not willing to deal both Ellsbury and pitcher Jon Lester, according to an ESPN report.

Earlier reports had Boston offering Lester, outfielder Coco Crisp and minor league infielder Jed Lowrie, with the Twins countering that they wanted Ellsbury instead of Crisp. The Twins have also expressed interest in pitcher Clay Buchholz, but the Red Sox have not said they would trade him.

According to the report, the Yankees, the other big player in Santana talks, have told the Twins they will pull their off the table by Tuesday at the latest. The Yankees have reportedly offered pitcher Philip Hughes, outfielder Melky Cabrera and a second-tier minor league prospect.

Crazy. I think both teams should hold, and the Red Sox should not trade Ellsbury in conjunction with their prospects -- the price is too high.

The Baltimore Orioles: What To Expect At The Winter Meeetings...

The Baltimore Orioles after finishing worse in 2007 than they did in 2006 with a payroll above 90 million dollars are looking to rebuild after a decade of futility.

Chief Operating Officer, Andy MacPhail is looking to perhaps rebuild around youth, and is open to trading anyone on his roster if it improves the organization.

Much of the talk in Charm City has been centered on flipping Miguel Tejada for talent, as well left handed pitcher, Erik Bedard. If the Orioles could also find a way to unload bloated contracts such as those handed to Melvin Mora, Aubrey Huff, and Jay Gibbons, they’ll manage to do so.

The player most likely that Baltimore will deal is Miguel Tejada. He’s probably one of the better hitting shortstops in the game, but his range at the position has gone down in the past few seasons and most teams would find him to be an ideal third baseman.

The teams that have shown the most interest in Tejada are the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers. A good reason for him not being moved as of yet is that the situation with Miguel Cabrera must be settled before he is dealt, if at all.

For the teams that do not get Cabrera, Tejada is a great fallback option.

The Orioles are right now trying to determine what to do with Erik Bedard as he’s a valuable piece not only on the field, but as potential trade bait. The latest rumor being thrown out there is that Dodgers are looking at getting him, as well as the Mets.

From reports in the Baltimore media, Bedard has not show a willingness to stay in Baltimore or sign a long term extension. He's still under our control for two more seasons, thus, they do not have to trade him.

With Bedard, the O's have the upper hand -- they still have him for 2 years under their control. The team does not necessarily have to trade him; however, his value may not be higher than it is now, and if the team is looking to flip him for young prospects and major league ready talent to contribute for the years to come, this may be the time to move him.

The Orioles should be expected to use the trade market to bolster their roster as well the Rule 5 Draft.

The National Hot Stove Edition; What to Watch For, Santana & Cabrera...

With the Hot Stove coming to a critical juncture, Major League Baseball will be holding their winter meetings in Nashville, Tennessee, and there is incredible anticipation for it this year.

The biggest topic of this year’s meeting will be centered on two players – lefty ace Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins and slugger Miguel Cabrera of the Florida Marlins. The two players have dominated much of the talk for the past few weeks and the sporting world is in anticipation to where they’ll be dealt.

As baseball has become a game of the haves versus have-nots money-wise, Johan Santana is being targeted by the financial powerhouses of the sport, mainly the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox as the main players; meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners and possibly the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim as the dark horses.

Well, considering things as they are, the Minnesota Twins want a boat load of prospects, and whatever team signs the left-hander must get him committed to a long term deal, which will average over twenty million per season. We shall see what happens, but if I played the role of GM, I’d hold onto my prospects and hope that Johan reaches free agency, but considering the state of the sport along with the desperation to win, I would be surprised if he is still a Twin by the middle of December.

The other big fish (no pun intended) that will dominate the winter meeting is Miguel Cabrera. With the signing of Torii Hunter by the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim, they finally have the protection that was sorely needed in the middle of the order for their slugger, Vladmir Guerrero.

However, Angels’ owner Arte Moreno wants to hook Cabrera in.

Right now, they are battling primarily with the Dodgers for his services, and much like Minnesota, the Marlins want a boat load of prospects in return. The team who signs will him will also want him for a long term deal.

The problem with Cabrera that many echo isn’t with his skills, but his conditioning and his ability to play third base down the road. However, Cabrera is only 24, and if he could put a little more effort into his fitness, he could be one of the pre-eminent hitters in the history of the sport.

Other Storylines to Look Forward to This Week With the Winter Meetings:

· Assume there will be a lot of trades considering the inflated values of some of the free agents out there.

· Who will win the Santana, Cabrera sweepstakes?

· With Dan Haren now on the market, where does he go? Will Oakland rebuild?

· Will Minnesota have a new team by next year?

· Which Pitcher will be the next Gil Meche? Lohse, Silva or Hernandez?

· What about Andruw Jones, Aaron Rowand?

A New Player In the Tejada Sweepstakes...

For those of you following the "Hot Stove" activity with the Orioles, it looks like there is a new player in the sweepstakes -- the St. Louis Cardinals.

From St. Louis Today: Three days away from formally extending or rejecting arbitration to former World Series MVP David Eckstein, the Cardinals continue to explore alternatives that include the Baltimore Orioles' Miguel Tejada, the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jack Wilson and free agent Cesar Izturis.

Tejada, the 2002 American League MVP, is considered one of the marquee names most likely to be dealt this winter, possibly at next week's winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn. But any pursuit comes with strings attached.

Also reportedly coveted by the Los Angeles Angels, Tejada is unlikely to move before Saturday, when clubs must either offer or reject arbitration to their own free agents.

I think the Los Angeles Angels are far better trade partners with the Orioles than St. Louis, just for the fact they have far more attractive options. Tejada, I think could thrive in St. Louis with Pujols in their lineup, but what would Baltimore get in return?

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Johan & Minnesota Don't See Eye to Eye; Francisco Cordero A Red For Big Money...

Well, it looks like Johan Santana remaining in Minnesota seems to be diminishing by the day. The Twins are attempting to keep one of the best arms in the game, but they are not getting cooperation from Santana and his people.

From CNNSI.com: "The Minnesota Twins recently offered superstar pitcher Johan Santana a four-year extension for about $80 million, SI.com has learned, leaving a sizable and significant gap in contract negotiations and perhaps even enhancing the chances that Santana may be traded this winter, possibly even by end of the Winter Meetings, which run from Dec. 3-7 in Nashville, Tenn.

The Twins have been telling people they will do their best to retain Santana, who is considered the sports' most dynamic pitcher and is still only 28. However, two executives on competing teams said they foresaw little likelihood the Twins could keep Santana long-term barring a stunning turnaround in negotiations, and one said he believed Santana is "out there'' already as a trade possibility."

The chatter should increase, and it looks like Santana not only wants a long term deal, but get paid -- and paid big time.

From CNNSI.com: "...While Santana's asking price isn't known, it is generally thought to be well in excess of the $126-million contract the Giants gave last winter to free agent pitcher Barry Zito, who isn't considered in Santana's league. It is believed that as a free agent next winter the lefthanded Santana could earn at least $150 million, or more, providing he stays on his current path of productivity. So the sides could be as much as $50 million apart, or even more."

Considering lack of reliable pitching and premier arms -- someone will pay him, rest assured.

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The Cincinnati Reds had a horrendous bullpen in 2007, and on Friday they took steps to fix it.

With the market being as it is, the organization was proactive as they signed one of the best closers in the game in 2007.

According to ESPN: The Cincinnati Reds have reached preliminary agreement on a four-year, $46 million contract with closer Francisco Cordero, a baseball source confirmed Friday to ESPN.com.

The deal, which includes a club option for a fifth year, is subject to Cordero passing a physical exam. The agreement was first reported by Foxsports.com.

Cordero, 32, has 177 career saves in nine seasons with Detroit, Texas and Milwaukee. He ranked second in the National League with 44 saves last season in Milwaukee and made the National League All-Star team.

I'm not sure if this is the most prudent move signing a closer for years with the amount of money offered; however, the best arms want long-term deals, and the Reds gave in.

He'd turned down a 4 year, $42 million dollar deal from Milwaukee.

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