1. Texas is trying to pry Mike Sweeney loose from Kansas City. The Rangers also are looking for relief help and willing to deal either first baseman and former No. 1 pick Adrian Gonzalez or some surplus starting pitching.
-- Newark Star-Ledger
2. Word in Chicago is that the White Sox are having second thoughts about their acquisition of ex-Twins and Giants catcher A.J. Pierzynski, and might try to trade him soon.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press
3.
The Tigers are discussing a trade that would send outfielder Bobby Higginson to the Marlins but money issues could derail the deal. Talks hit a snag when the two sides couldn't agree on how to divide Higginson's $8.85 million contract. As a 10-year major-league veteran who has played the most recent five years with the same team, Higginson can block any deal, but his agent said he is likely to accept a trade to the Marlins. One Detroit source, contacted late Monday, wasn't as optimistic a deal could be worked out. The Tigers are known to be looking for a center fielder and have reportedly mentioned Marlins outfielder Juan Encarnacion's name in the talks. Encarnacion, normally a right fielder, played in center field during the weekend in what might have been a showcase for the Tigers.
-- Miami Herald
Instead of releasing Higginson this weekend, the Tigers can designate him for assignment. He would then be off the roster, but the Tigers would have 10 days to trade him before they had to release him. Higginson might not reach the job market until the second week of the regular season.
-- Detroit Free Press
4.
The Mets have passed on Rockies catcher Charles Johnson, leaving Tampa Bay as his likely destination. With no competition for Johnson, the Devil Rays are prepared to wait until he's released, which could come as early as Thursday.
-- Denver Post
The Devil Rays appear to be on the verge of making a deal for Johnson. The Mets scouted Johnson during the weekend and were impressed but decided that instead of giving up anything to get Johnson they would wait for him to be placed on waivers. But Tampa Bay is ready to pre-empt the Mets, with speculation manager Lou Piniella will work Johnson into a starting role. The Devil Rays are reluctant to give up a player but could pick up as much as $700,000 of Johnson's $9 million salary.
-- Rocky Mountain News
5. Tampa Bay turned down the Nationals' offer of Terrmel Sledge and Nick Johnson for Aubrey Huff, mainly because Piniella is begging management not to deal Huff. But if they can get offense somewhere else, such as Jay Gibbons from Baltimore or an outfielder from the Mets in exchange for Baez or other relievers, Huff could become more available. Huff appeals to both Atlanta and Texas, which are looking for outfield (and in Texas' case, DH) bats.
-- Newark Star-Ledger
-- Newark Star-Ledger
2. Word in Chicago is that the White Sox are having second thoughts about their acquisition of ex-Twins and Giants catcher A.J. Pierzynski, and might try to trade him soon.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press
3.
The Tigers are discussing a trade that would send outfielder Bobby Higginson to the Marlins but money issues could derail the deal. Talks hit a snag when the two sides couldn't agree on how to divide Higginson's $8.85 million contract. As a 10-year major-league veteran who has played the most recent five years with the same team, Higginson can block any deal, but his agent said he is likely to accept a trade to the Marlins. One Detroit source, contacted late Monday, wasn't as optimistic a deal could be worked out. The Tigers are known to be looking for a center fielder and have reportedly mentioned Marlins outfielder Juan Encarnacion's name in the talks. Encarnacion, normally a right fielder, played in center field during the weekend in what might have been a showcase for the Tigers.
-- Miami Herald
Instead of releasing Higginson this weekend, the Tigers can designate him for assignment. He would then be off the roster, but the Tigers would have 10 days to trade him before they had to release him. Higginson might not reach the job market until the second week of the regular season.
-- Detroit Free Press
4.
The Mets have passed on Rockies catcher Charles Johnson, leaving Tampa Bay as his likely destination. With no competition for Johnson, the Devil Rays are prepared to wait until he's released, which could come as early as Thursday.
-- Denver Post
The Devil Rays appear to be on the verge of making a deal for Johnson. The Mets scouted Johnson during the weekend and were impressed but decided that instead of giving up anything to get Johnson they would wait for him to be placed on waivers. But Tampa Bay is ready to pre-empt the Mets, with speculation manager Lou Piniella will work Johnson into a starting role. The Devil Rays are reluctant to give up a player but could pick up as much as $700,000 of Johnson's $9 million salary.
-- Rocky Mountain News
5. Tampa Bay turned down the Nationals' offer of Terrmel Sledge and Nick Johnson for Aubrey Huff, mainly because Piniella is begging management not to deal Huff. But if they can get offense somewhere else, such as Jay Gibbons from Baltimore or an outfielder from the Mets in exchange for Baez or other relievers, Huff could become more available. Huff appeals to both Atlanta and Texas, which are looking for outfield (and in Texas' case, DH) bats.
-- Newark Star-Ledger
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