Cubs, Prior Avoid Arbitration

The Cubs and Mark Prior have agreed to a one year deal, worth about 3.5 million dollars. Prior was 1-6 with a 7.21 ERA last season. The only remaining Cub arbitration eligible is Carlos Zambrano, who is asking for 15 million dollars.

Offseason Day 77

Day 77 Recap
- Rangers sign Sammy Sosa
- Giants finalize deal for Barry Bonds
- Padres sign David Wells
- Blue Jays sign Victor Zambrano
- White Sox sign Junior Spivey

Blue Jays Sign Zambrano

The Blue Jays sign Victor Zambrano to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training. Zambrano was 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA last year with the Mets. He has a career record of 45-41 with a 4.45 ERA with the Devil Rays and Mets.

Offseason Day 76

Day 76 Recap
- Giants finalize deal for Bonds
- Dodgers sign Chin-Hui Tsao
- Rockies end discussions with Red Sox on Helton
- Mariners finalize deal for Weaver
- Rangers to announce Sosa sign tomorrow
- Cardinals resign Wilson

Helton to Boston No More

The Red Sox and Rockies trade involving Todd Helton has been called off, according to officials in the Rockies front office. It appears that the Rockies asking price for Helton, who batted .302 with 15 HR, was too high and the Red Sox were not willing to offer more than two players. Obviously, the Rockies would lose a great deal of power by trading Helton away and that alone bulked up their asking price. "It didn’t work out," said Monfort. "When you are taking about a player of Todd Helton’s abilities, you need to get someone back who will be an impact player, and it didn’t work out."

2007 Pirates Projections

C Ronny Paulino
.277 AVG, 11 HR, 62 RBI
1B Adam LaRoche
.283 AVG, 33 HR, 108 RBI
2B Jose Castillo
.259 AVG, 11 HR, 56 RBI
3B Freddy Sanchez
.312 AVG, 7 HR, 63 RBI
SS Jack Wilson
.271 AVG, 10 HR, 43 RBI
LF Jason Bay
.294 AVG, 38 HR, 106 RBI
CF Chris Duffy
.274 AVG, 5 HR, 37 RBI
RF Xavier Nady
.276 AVG, 15 HR, 59 RBI

P Zach Duke
12-10 W-L, 4.03 ERA, 129 K
P Ian Snell
13-9 W-L, 4.49 ERA, 141 K
P Shawn Chacon
9-11 W-L, 4.93 ERA, 74 K
P Paul Maholm
11-7 W-L, 4,71 ERA, 109 K
P Sean Burnett
6-11 W-L, 6.13 ERA, 51 K

Giants Close in on Bonds, Wilson Resigns

Barry Bonds arrived in San Francisco to take his physical and a deal is expected to be completed by the end of the week. The deal, which was agreed to seven weeks ago, will give Bonds 15.8 million dollars next year. Bonds batted .270 with 26 HR and 77 RBI. The Cardinals and Preston Wilson have agreed to a one year deal. Wilson batted .263 with 17 HR and 72 RBI with the Astros and Cardinals.

Offseason Day 75

Day 75 Recap
- Red Sox near deal for Helton

- No Transactions to report

2007 Phillies Projections

C Rod Barajas
.231 AVG, 13 HR, 45 RBI
1B Ryan Howard
.301 AVG, 54 HR, 138 RBI
2B Chase Utley
.287 AVG, 29 HR, 101 RBI
3B Wes Helms
.276 AVG, 11 HR, 46 RBI
SS Jimmy Rollins
.274 AVG, 21 HR, 73 RBI
LF Pat Burrell
.259 AVG, 31 HR, 102 RBI
CF Aaron Rowand
.275 AVG, 14 HR, 55 RBI
RF Shane Victorino
.279 AVG, 11 HR, 64 RBI

P Freddy Garcia
15-9 W-L, 4.42 ERA, 157 K
P Brett Myers
13-10 W-L, 4.14 ERA, 166 K
P Cole Hamels
12-7 W-L, 3.86 ERA, 145 K
P Adam Eaton
10-8 W-L, 4.77 ERA, 91 K
P Jamie Moyer
10-11 W-L, 4.51 ERA, 107 K

NOTE: THIS IS A TENTATIVE PROJECTION, SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Offseason Day 74

Day 74 Recap
- Pirates to make strong run for Tony Armas Jr.

- No transactions to report

Helton to Beantown?

The Red Sox and Rockies are in serious discussions about a trade involving Todd Helton. The Red Sox would likely give up Craig Hansen, along with two other minor leaguers. Of the names being tossed around, Jacob Ellisbury seems to be atop the Rockies wish list. The deal, if any, is still very far from being completed because not only are players not agreed upon, but the amount of money the Rockies will send with Helton's contract. Helton is owed 90.1 million dollars over the next six seasons. He also has a full no trade clause. If Helton were to join the Red Sox lineup, they would probably topple the Yankees with their young power house:

DH David Ortiz
C Jason Varitek
1B Todd Helton
2B Dustin Pedroia
3B Mike Lowell
SS Julio Lugo
LF Manny Ramirez
CF Coco Crisp
RF J.D. Drew

Yes, by trading Craig Hansen away does not improve the closer situation. However, with a vacancy at third base in San Diego, and prospect Kevin Kouzmanoff just a year away, it would make sense to trade Mike Lowell, who is entering the last year of his contract, for someone like Scott Linebrink and/or another minor leaguer. Then Kevin Youkilis would take over at third base. For the Rockies, this leaves a whole at first base and would make their lineup much weaker:

C Chris Iannetta
1B Jeff Baker/John Mabry
2B Jamey Carroll
3B Garrett Atkins
SS Troy Tulowitzki
LF Matt Holliday
CF Willy Taveras
RF Brad Hawpe

Taking a possible 20 home run hitter away from this club would only make it worse, especially with mediocre pitching. However, since the deal is only in the preliminary stages, it is hard to tell what the Rockies can really get from the Red Sox.

Mariners Finalize Deal for Weaver

The Mariners and Jeff Weaver have finalized a one year deal, worth 8.325 million dollars. Weaver, who 8-14 with the Angels and Cardinals, can make up to million more in incentives. The Cardinals, who offered him 12 million over the next two years, were informed they were out of the running right before he reached his deal. Weaver will join Horacio Ramirez and Miguel Batista as the newest members of the pitching staff.

Offseason Day 73

Day 73 Recap
- Yankees sign Miguel Cairo
- Rangers sign Wright
- Pirates sign Gerut

Offseason Day 72

Day 72 Recap
- Mariners near deal with Weaver, Rhodes
- Cubs release Glendon Rusch
- Mets sign Aaron Sele
- Astros sign Ensberg, Everett, and Lane.
- Red Sox to announced signing of J.D. Drew tomorrow

- Rangers closing in on Sammy Sosa

Mariners Near Deal For Weaver

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Mariners and Jeff Weaver are closing in on a one to two year deal. Money is probably the only obstacle holding the deal back, assuming Weaver will get a one year deal, with an option for a second. It was reported earlier today that Weaver would likely choose the Pirates over the Mariners or Mets because of his close relationship with manager Jim Tracy, but myself and FOXSPORTS have learned that Weaver will likely choose the Mariners because of the great defense he will have behind him with Beltre, Betancourt, and Suzuki; and because of Safeco Field, known to be a pitcher friendly ball park. He will also be at the advantage because of he his familiar with the AL West having pitched part of the season with the Angels. The Cardinals, who have already lost Suppan and Marquis, will not continue to pursue Weaver and are content with their rotation as it is. Weaver was 8-14 with a 5.76 ERA.

Three Astros Avoid Arbitration

The Astros avoided arbitration with Morgan Ensberg (4.35), Adam Everett(2.8), and Jason Lane(1.05) to one year contracts.

Ensberg batted .235 with 23 HR.
Everett batted .239 with 6 HR.
Lane batted .201 with 15 HR.

Pirates After Weaver

A source close to Jeff Weaver confirmed reports last night stating the Pirates were involved in discussions for the pitcher. The Pirates appear to be the favorites to land Weaver, who is also being pursued by the Cardinals, Mets, and Mariners, because of his positive relationship with former Dodgers manager Jim Tracy. Weaver was 8-14 with a 5.76 ERA with Anaheim and St. Louis last season and lead the Cardinals rotation in the playoffs with a 2.43 ERA in five postseason starts. Weaver is expected to receive eight to nine million dollars over three years.

The Mets have signed Aaron Sele to a one year deal, guaranteeing him 1 million dollars if he makes the 40-man roster. Sele, 36, was 8-6 with a 4.53 ERA with the Dodgers last season.

Cubs Release Glendon Rusch

The Cubs have released pitcher Glendon Rusch, who finished the season early because of a blod clot with 3-8 record and a 7.46 ERA. Although he held the rotation together in 2004, he went 9-8 in 2005 and hit a career low after hitting a 7.46 ERA. His record with the Cubs was 18-18 with a 5.15 ERA.

Offseason Day 71

Day 71 Recap
- Mets give Willie Randolph three year extension
- Cubs sign Cliff Floyd to a one year deal
- Blue Jays finalize deal for Tomo Ohka

Cubs Sign Floyd

After months of speculation and rumors, the Cubs and Cliff Floyd have finally finalized a one year deal, worth 3 million dollars. The deal also holds an option for 2008 and could have Floyd earning about 18 million dollars if he reaches all his incentive goals. Floyd hit .244 with 11 HR and 44 RBI with the Mets last year.

Offseason Day 70

Day 70 Recap
- Blue Jays sign Tomo Ohka
- Erstad signs with White Sox
- Phillies sign Antonio Alfonseca
- A's trade Kirk Saarloos to the Reds
- Yanks Cano set to give number 22 to Clemens

Erstad Chooses Sox, Phils Get Alfonseca

The White Sox and Darin Erstad have agreed to a one year deal, with an option for a second year, according to MLB.com. This works well considering that Scott Podsednik will be out for six weeks after groin surgery. Erstad batted .221 with 0 HR and 5 RBI in 40 games with the Angels. The Phillies and Antonio Alfonseca have agreed to a one year deal, according to ESPN 1000. Alfonseca was limited to 19 games last season for Texas due to a sore right elbow. Although he started the season with a 1.69 ERA for the Rangers, he finished with a 5.63 ERA before being designated for assignment on June 9.

Reds Acquire Saarloos

The A's have trade Kirk Saarloos to the Reds for minor league pitcher David Shafer. Saarloos went 7-7 with two saves and a 4.75 ERA last season. The A's acquire yet another prospect in Shafer, who had 26 saves and a 2.36 ERA for Double-A Chatanooga.

Blue Jays Sign Ohka

The Blue Jays and Tomo Ohka have reached an agreement for one year, worth about 1 million dollars. Ohka, who went 4-5 with a 4.82 ERA, will join Halladay, Burnett, Chacin, Thomson in the rotation.

Offseason Day 69

Day 69 Recap
- Dodgers sign Seanez
- Pirates working towards signing Ohka
- Nationals sign Felipe Lopez
- Indians sign Michaels

Dodgers Sign Seanez

When it appeared that the Padres and Rockies were the remaining teams in the running for Rudy Seanez, the Dodgers came out of no where and signed him. Seanez will make $700,000 if he makes the team with another $500,000 in incentives. Seanez went 3-3 with a 4.92 ERA last season with the Red Sox and Padres. This isn't much of a steal considering he might not make the team, but the thirty eight year old still has so gas left in the tank and could help the Dodgers if they are saddled with injuries.

2007 Rangers Projections

DH Frank Catalanotto
.296 AVG, 8 HR, 54 RBI
C Gerald Laird
.268 AVG, 8 HR, 31 RBI
1B Mark Teixeira
.294 AVG, 44 HR, 129 RBI
2B Ian Kinsler
.271 AVG, 18 HR, 77 RBI
3B Hank Blalock
.272 AVG, 23 HR, 101 RBI
SS Michael Young
.305 AVG, 20 HR, 93 RBI
LF Brad Wilkerson
.247 AVG, 16 HR, 59 RBI
CF Kenny Lofton
.272 AVG, 4 HR, 38 RBI
RF Nelson Cruz
.257 AVG, 14 HR, 63 RBI

*Sammy Sosa: .213 AVG, 6 HR, 27 RBI

P Kevin Millwood
14-9 W-L, 4.04 ERA, 149 K
P Vicente Padilla
12-11 W-L, 4.43 ERA, 118 K
P Robinson Tejeda
7-9 W-L, 5.79 ERA, 91 K
P Brandon McCarthy
12-8 W-L, 4.14 ERA, 115 K
P John Koronka
8-11 W-L, 5.81 ERA, 86 K

NOTE: THIS IS A TENTATIVE PROJECTION, SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Offseason Day 68

Day 68 Recap
- Rockies sign Brian Lawrence
- Phillies give extension to Chase Utley
- Former Reds pitching coach Vern Ruhle died
- Cubs closing in on agreement for Cliff Floyd

Rockies Reach Agreement With Lawrence

The Rockies and Brian Lawrence have reached a preliminary agreement, according to Ken Rosenthal. Lawrence will join Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis, Byung-Hyun Kim, and Rodrigo Lopez. Although the race for Brian Lawrence got heated towards the end, it comes as no surprise that he signs with the Rockies, who have been scouting him all off season.

Utley Gets Extension

The Phillies and Chase Utley have agreed to a seven year deal, worth 85 million dollars. Utley, who avoids arbitration with the deal, batted .309 AVG with 32 HR and 102 RBI.

It's All Business for Zambrano

The Cubs held their annual Cubs Convention this weekend and Zambrano, Hendry, and Piniella were hounded with questions concerning the contract of Zambrano. When arbitration figures were submitted, Zambrano sought $15.5 million in salary next season after the Cubs offered 11.025. Jim Hendry met with the agents of Carlos Zambrano on Saturday and they are willing to negotiate until the season starts."I don't want to talk about contract when the season starts. After April 1st, or whatever day the season starts, I don't want to talk about contract. I want it before the season starts or during spring training," Zambrano said Friday during the team's winter convention. Zambrano closed his conference by adding he would like to stay here [in Chicago], but business is business. Zambrano went 16-7 with a 3.41 ERA and 210 K.

"He spent a lot of money. I hope he has more for Big Z," Zambrano said.

Offseason Day's 66 and 67

Day 66 Recap
- David Wells resigns with San Diego
- Cubs sign Notre Dame Star Jeff Samardzija
- Indians sign Trot Nixon
- Pirates sign Chacon
- Tigers sign Rodney


Day 67 Recap
- Twins nearing deal with Ortiz
- Pirates finalize deal for LaRoche
- Brewers keep Graffanino
- Red Sox nearing deal with Drew

Twins Move Closer to Signing Ortiz

The Twins and Ramon Ortiz are nearing a one year deal, worth about 3.1 million dollars. Ortiz was 11-16 with a 5.57 ERA for the Nationals last season.

Wells Stays in San Diego

The Padres and David Wells agreed to a one year deal, worth 3 million dollars. Wells was 3-5 with a 4.42 ERA with the Padres and Red Sox but holds a career record of 230-148 with a 4.07 ERA. Wells will join Peavy, Maddux, Young, and Hensley in the rotation.

Indians Sign Nixon

The Indians and Trot Nixon have agreed to a one year deal, worth 3 million dollars. Nixon batted .268 with 8 HR and 52 RBI with the Red Sox last year.

Offseason Day 65

Day 65 Recap
- Nationals sign Tony Womack, Lee, others
- Diamondbacks sign Doug Davis
- Braves sign Craig Wilson

Diamondbacks Sign Davis, Braves Sign Wilson

The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a three year deal with Doug Davis, worth 22 million dollars. The Diamondbacks acquired Davis from the Brewers this off season after he went 11-11 with a 4.91 ERA. The Braves have agreed to a one year deal with Craig Wilson. Wilson batted .251 with 17 HR and 49 RBI. with the Pirates and Yankees.

Womack, Lee, Hui-Tsao Find New Homes

The Nationals and Tony Womack have agree to a minor league deal, worth 600 K. They have also agreed to a deal with Travis Lee. Add them to the list of many players the Nationals have signed over the past couple of days include right-handers Jesus Colome and Anastacio Martinez; left-handers Luis Martinez and Arnie Munoz; outfielders George Lombard and Abraham Nunez; and infielders Melvin Dorta, Jose Macias and Jorge Toca. They also signed four teenagers from Venezuela: Sandy Leon, a 17-year-old switch-hitting catcher; 16-year-old shortstop Adrian Sanchez, also a switch hitter; 17-year-old center fielder Jesus Morales; and 6-foot-4 first baseman Juan Urdaneta, who also is 17.
The Dodgers and Chin-hui Tsao have agreed to a deal. Tsao didn't pitch with the Rockies in 2006 but in 2005 was 1-0 with a 6.55 ERA. He will likely join the bullpen.

Offseason Day 64

Day 64 Recap
- Rangers agree to terms with Sammy Sosa
- Braves trade Adam LaRoche and Jamie Romack to the Pirates for Mike Gonzalez and Brent Lillibridge
- Brewers agree to terms with Kevin Mench, Capuano

- Mariners agree to terms with Putz
- Padres offer David Wells one year deal, filled with incentives

Braves Trade LaRoche to Pirates

The Braves have traded Adam LaRoche and a minor leaguer to the Pirates for Mike Gonzalez and a player to be named later, according to ESPN.com. LaRoche hit 32 HR and had 92 RBI.

BREAKING NEWS: Rangers Sign Sosa

The Rangers and Sammy Sosa have agreed to a minor league deal, with an invitation to Spring Training. Sosa batted .221 with 14 HR and 45 RBI with the Orioles in 2005. The deal was accordingly agreed to in principle and the incentives part of the deal is still be worked on.

Bonds Might Remain Unsigned

After the news that Barry Bonds failed an amphetamine test, word from Giants camp is that they are looking for a way out. An official in the Giants front office suggested a deal for Bonds could blow up. Bonds would have to take a serious pay cut to join any other team, and it is possible that the Rangers might be interested. Barry Bonds could also join the Red Sox with the J.D. Drew contract up in the air. Bonds batted .270 with 26 HR and 77 RBI.

Possiible Destinations for Bonds:
- Red Sox
- Rangers
- Twins?

Offseason Day 63

- Reds resign Kyle Lohse
- Tigers resign Monroe, Robertson, Infante, and Rodney
- A's sign Bradley, Scutaro, Calero, and Kennedy
- Mariners agree to terms with Ramirez
- Braves agree to terms with Soriano
- Rockies agree to terms with Lopez, Sullivan, Holliday, and Affedelt
- Marlins agree to terms with Olivo
- Brewers agree to terms with Mench
- Diamondbacks agree to terms with Hudson, Lyon, and Valverde
- Pirates sign Gonzalez, Nady, and Cota
- Yankees agree to terms with Vizcaino
- Angels agree to terms with Rodriguez and Quinlan
- Phillies agree to terms with Rowand
- Mets agree to terms with Castro and Chavez
- Devil Rays agree to terms with Wigginton and McClung
- Astros agree to terms with Lidge and Lamb
- Cardinals agree to terms with Taguchi
- Indians agree to terms with Betancourt
- Mets finalize deals for Jorge Sosa and Scott Scott Schoeneweis
- Rangers agree to deals with Wilkerson, Otsuka, Bauer, and Benoit
- Cubs agree to terms with Ohman
- Mariners agree to terms with Broussard
- White Sox agree to terms with Joe Crede
- Nationals agree to terms with Snelling

Sosa Nears Deal With Rangers

The Rangers have offered Sammy Sosa a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, a source told ESPNdeportes. According to Jerry Crasnick, the language of the deal, supposedly loaded with incentives, is being finalized. The interest in bringing the former Ranger back to Arlington appears to be mutual. "This is about giving a second chance to a guy who did a lot for the game, and who wants an opportunity to prove he can contribute. We're not setting expectations, and he's not asking for anything other than a chance to compete." said Rangers GM Jon Daniels. Sosa has hit 588 career home runs but only hit 14 home runs with a .221 average in 2005 with the Orioles.

2007 Brewers Projections

C Johnny Estrada
.273 AVG, 11 HR, 57 RBI
1B Prince Fielder
.285 AVG, 33 HR, 93 RBI
2B Rickie Weeks
.268 AVG, 13 HR, 54 RBI
3B Corey Koskie
.252 AVG, 12 HR, 39 RBI
SS J.J. Hardy
.249 AVG, 6 HR, 37 RBI
LF Corey Hart
.265 AVG, 16 HR, 64 RBI
CF Bill Hall
.271 AVG, 28 HR, 77 RBI
*RF Kevin Mench
.265 AVG, 18 HR, 69 RBI
*RF Geoff Jenkins
.262 AVG, 16 HR, 61 RBI

*Both projections are considering they have the starting job with a certain amount of calculated games.

P Ben Sheets
15-6 W-L, 2.92 ERA, 167 K
P Chris Capuano
12-10 W-L, 4.06 ERA, 147 K
P Jeff Suppan
13-9 W-L, 4.12 ERA, 101 K
P Dave Bush
13-7 W-L, 3.82 ERA, 116 K
P Claudio Vargas
9-11 W-L, 4.89 ERA, 112 K

NOTE: THIS IS A TENTATIVE PROJECTION, SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Offseason Day 62

Day 62 Recap
- Marlins resign Dontrelle Willis
- Reds work deals with Ross and Wilson
- Dodgers reach agreement for Hendrickson
- Rockies sign John Mabry
- Indians sign Matt Miller
- Padres resign Josh Bard

Sosa Back to Rangers?

Free agent outfielder Sammy Sosa worked out for the Rangers on Monday. The Rangers, who are in need of an outfielder and DH, might be willing to offer the seven time all star a minor league contract. Sosa hit .221 with 14 home runs and 45 RBI in 102 games for the Baltimore Orioles in 2005.

Willis, Marlins Avoid Arbitration

The Marlins and Dontrelle Willis agree to a one year contract worth 6.45 million dollars. He went 12-12 with a 3.87 ERA in 223 1-3 innings. The Marlins, who also plan to keep Miguel Cabrera, will likely increase their payroll to about 21 million dollars.

Reds Reach Deals with Ross, Wilson

The Reds have rewarded catcher David Ross a two year contract worth 4.5 million dollars. Ross, who was acquired from San Diego in Spring Training, batted .255 with 21 HR and 52 RBI. The Reds also announced they had reached a minor league deal with Paul Wilson, who went 11-6 with a 4.36 ERA. Although Wilson lead the team in wins, he was limited because of injuries.

Dodgers Reach Agreement With Hendrickson

The Dodgers and Mark Hendrickson have agreed to a one-year contract worth $2,925,000. Henrickson was 6-15 with a 4.21 ERA with 99 strikeouts with the Devil Rays and Dodgers and will probably opt for middle relief with the signings of Randy Wolf and Jason Schmidt.

Offseason Day 61

Day 61 Recap
- Blue Jays resign Lyle Overbay (4/24)
- Phillies sign Antonio Alfonseca, Ryan Madson
- Red Sox avoid arbitration with Kyle Snyder

Jones to Pittsburgh?

If the Cubs are serious about moving OF Jacque Jones, Pittsburgh is the most likely destination. The Pirates are looking to add a left handed bat and are willing to trade either Chris Duffy or Nate McLouth. The trade would work well for the Pirates because of Jones' familiarity with the NL Central, while the Cubs would get a year, two tops, out of either Duffy or McLouth. Cubs top prospect Felix Pie is expected to take over in center field in 2008, so it is possible that the player the Cubs get would get the full time job in '07, and platoon with Pie in '08.

The Pirates have re-upped their offers to Brian Lawrence and Tomo Ohka, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. The Cubs continue to talk with Cliff Floyd and are working to avoid arbitration with Mark Prior and Will Ohman, before starting with Carlos Zambrano. Cubs GM Jim Hendry said he plans to talk with Zambrano's agent before Spring Training.

Overbay Gets Extension

The Blue Jays and Lyle Overbay have reached an agreement on a four year deal, worth 24 million dollars. After players like Juan Pierre or Dave Roberts receiving ten million a year, Overbay, who batted .312 with 22 HR and 92 RBI, accepts a deal that would give him 6 million a year. This signing will obviously join Moises Alou and Chris Carpenter as the best signings this off season. Now that Overbay is signed, the Blue Jays have three remaining arbitration eligibles: Alex Rios, Reed Johnson and Scott Downs.

Offseason Day 60

Day 60 Recap
- Mets close in on Jorge Sosa
- Rockies near deals with Lawrence, Mabry
- A's make offer to Erstad
- Padres sign Estes, Greene
- Jeff Nelson retires

Rockies Making Noise

Just one day after acquiring Rodrigo Lopez from the Orioles, the team announced that they will continue their hot pursuit for free agent pitcher Brian Lawrence. Lawrence, who is also drawing interest from the Padres, Mariners, and Pirates, did not pitch in 2006 but according to his agent, is feeling better than ever. The Rockies are also close to finalizing a deal with free agent 1B/OF John Mabry, who batted .205 with 5 HR and 25 RBI.

Sosa Nears Deal With Mets

The Mets are closing in on a short term deal for Jorge Sosa, according to club officials. Sosa was 3-11 with a 5.42 ERA with Atlanta and St. Louis last season, but was obviously the Mets backup plan considering they lost out on Barry Zito (Giants) and Jeff Suppan (Brewers). The Mets are also looking into signing Aaron Sele and Ramon Ortiz. The Mets have no interest in Jeff Weaver or Tomo Ohka, who has received more than one two year offer. Sele went 8-6 with a 4.53 ERA with the Dodgers last year, and wouldn't be a terrible risk because he pitched in 29 games last year and averaged about six innings per start. Ramon Ortiz pitched with the Nationals last year going 11-16 with a 5.57 ERA. He also averaged about six innings per start but was very inconsistent at times. Assuming Sosa signs with the Mets and they sign either Sele or Ortiz, the back end of their rotation is still very weak:

P Tom Glavine 15-7 W-L, 3.82 ERA
P Orlando Hernandez 11-11 W-L, 4.66 ERA
P John Maine 6-5 W-L, 3.60 ERA
P Jorge Sosa 3-11 W-L, 5.42 ERA
P Aaron Sele 8-6 W-L, 4.53 ERA

* Pelfrey and Perez will likely recieve the spots of Sosa and Sele

A's Strike First For Erstad

The Oakland A's were the first of many teams to make an offer to free agent outfielder Darin Erstad. According to MLB.com, the A's made him a one year offer to be their center fielder. Erstad, who batted .221 in 40 games with the Angels, is also drawing interest from the Rockies, Mariners, Cubs, and Devil Rays.

Arbitration Elibibles

106 players filed for arbitration but the biggest names to file are as follow:

- Carlos Zambrano (Cubs)
- Mark Prior (Cubs)
- Dontrelle Willis (Marlins)
- Miguel Cabrera (Marlins)
- Freddy Sanchez (Pirates)
- Mike Gonzalez (Pirates)
- Joe Mauer (Twins)
- Justin Morneau (Twins)
- Brad Lidge (Astros)
- Morgan Ensberg (Astros)
- Francisco Rodriguez (Angels)
- Aaron Rowand (Phillies)
- Chase Utley (Phillies)
- Doug Davis (Brewers)
- Joe Crede (White Sox)
- Akinori Otsuka (Rangers)
- Alex Rios (Blue Jays)
- Aaron Harang (Reds)
- Matt Holliday (Rockies)
- Rodrigo Lopez (Rockies)

For a complete list, visit the Salary Arbitration List

Offseason Day 59

Day 59 Recap
- Diamondbacks resign Juan Cruz and Jorge Julio

- Orioles trade Rodrigo Lopez to the Rockies for Jim Miller and Jason Burch

- Cubs sign Tomas Perez to a minor league deal

- Astros sign Richard Hidalgo to a minor league deal
- Nationals sign Jerome Williams and Brandon Claussen