It would make things easier for the Sox if by the trading deadline, Ortiz is having another 1st half slump. If they knew they could get a deal in place for A-Gon, theyd bite the media bullet and release Ortiz. In the offseason it wouldnt matter as both Ortiz and Beltre will be free agents
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4674685/watson-hooks-on-with-rosenhaus
Oh yeah, Ben Watson is definitely a goner. Entering his first free agency offseason, he has switched agents to Drew Rosenhaus
Yes I know that. Then the Mets is the team for him. He will be lucky to get a minor league deal
Guess under that logic, the Sox shouldve signed Tom Glavine because he grew up in Concord
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/extrabaggs/2010/02/02/rich-aurilia-not-ready-to-retire-hopes-for-a-final-season-with-mets-or-yankees/
Rich Aurilia is hoping he can sign with the Yankees haha, as if the bench couldnt get worse offensively
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Oakland-Athletics-negotiating-with-outfielder-Gabe-Gross-013010
A's discussing 1 year deal with Gabe Gross
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100129&content_id=7998836&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb
Hudson wants $9 million from the Nats, being kinda greedy there. He wont get that figure from any team
http://twitter.com/TBrownYahoo/status/8424970273
Orlando Cabrera is deciding between Reds and Rockies. Hes leaning toward the Reds, it might be done later on today
Nationals are talking with Adam Dunn about an extension
Tigers talking extension deal with Justin Verlander, 5 years/$75 million. He wants a guaranteed 6th year
It is possible that the Mets will find themselves in a fight to not be last place in the NL East. Their top pick is reportedly now John Smoltz... They could be asking him to be their #3. Man that bullpen is going to be over worked
So the Mets options for FA starting pitchers are now: Jarrod Washburn, Braden Looper, (incentive laden deals for Pedro/Smoltz/Mulder/Noah Lowry/Derrick Turnbow), Chan Ho Park, Hisanori Takahashi, Paul Byrd if he's not retired
The Nats have improved their bullpen (Capps, Guardado, Walker, Bruney) and starting staff with addition of Marquis (they are also said to be linked to Garland)
http://twitter.com/TBrownYahoo/status/8057671391
The only team that was known to have interest in him was the Pirates. The Royals sign Rick Ankiel to a 1 year $3.25 million deal, option year worth $6 million
Mets trade Brian Stokes to the Angels for Gary Matthews Jr
Plus they will be giving V-Mart good number of AB's at 1st base to give him days off from catching
EDIT: Bert Blyleven is a writer too. He takes a look at the AL East this season
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34966345/ns/sports-baseball/
Last year the Sox did long term deals with Youk, Lester and Pedroia. I dont have the link but I do remember there being an article about the Sox approaching Papelbon about an extension. Soon after that he said numerous times that he's Ok with going year to year basis.
The Giants have a better chance of contending and he knew it. The Mets have no rotation beyond Johan, and the offense hinges on players being healthy (Carlos Beltran will already start the year on the DL)