Team by Team Updates from Orlando

Angels: After signing Gary Matthews to a five year deal, the Angels have kept fairly quiet. GM Bill Stoneman arrived late Monday and had minor discussions with a couple different teams. The Angels are tossing names around like Bartolo Colon and Felix Rodriguez in hopes of acquiring a bat. But other than just rumors, there has been no news to report.

Astros: The latest news from the Winter Meetings for the Astros is that Andy Pettitte wants to pitch next year and is leaning towards returning to the Astros. This could influence Roger Clemens decision on whether he wants to return to Boston, New York, Houston, or just retire. The Astros are also discussing a possible trade for Jason Jennings.

Athletics: The A's appear to be the number one team to sign Mike Piazza as their DH. The deal is a two year deal worth 15 million dollars. They are also working on a deal with Alan Embree.

Blue Jays: The Blue Jays are desperately trying to retain Ted Lilly but it appears that the Cubs are the favorite. Lilly has received a four year offer, worth 40 million dollars. "That's just hearsay from our end," Ricciardi said. "I personally talked to Ted Lilly on Saturday and had a great conversation with him. That's really all I can go on." The Blue Jays are also targeting Gil Meche, and are talking with the White Sox about trading Vernon Wells.

Braves: Reports from Orlando are saying that the Braves may look to trade Adam LaRoche and Marcus Giles. However, there are also rumors concerning Andruw Jones as well. It appears that GM John Schuerholz will look to trades before signings.

Brewers: The Brewers have been talking with teams about trading Geoff Jenkins or Kevin Mench, and have heard the Red Sox are interested in acquiring Derrek Turnbow. The Brewers are also interested in signing Kenny Lofton. They also are working a deal with Tony Graffanino who appears to be staying in Milwaukee.

Cardinals: The Cardinals have inked a five year, 65 million dollar deal with Chris Carpenter. The also plan to meet with Jason Schmidt. Other than that, the Cardinals have been relatively quiet.

Cubs: The Cubs have made an offer to Ted Lilly at an estimated 40 million over four years. They are also looking into Jason Schmidt and Gil Meche. They are also looking to trade Jacque Jones, have inquired about Jason Jennings, and may look to sign outfielders Cliff Floyd and Kenny Lofton.

Devil Rays: The Devil Rays main priority is to build their bullpen. However, that has not stopped them from looking to trade Rocco Baldelli, Jorge Cantu, or Carl Crawford. They are also working on a deal to sign Akinori Iwamura.

Diamondbacks: The Dbacks have been very quiet, hoping they could possibly sign Mark Mulder. The have also met with the agents of Keith Foulke.

Dodgers: The Dodgers appear to be interested in Jason Schmidt and have only had few conversations. On Monday, the Dodgers and Red Sox were talking about a trade for Manny Ramirez, but according to Colletti, the deal has a less than "5 percent" chance of getting done. They are close to finalizing a deal with Mike Lieberthal and rookie closer Takashi Saito.

Giants: The Giants have signed numerous players over the past week and have just began to finalize them. They have signed Dave Roberts, Rich Aurilia, Bengie Molina, and have resigned Pedro Feliz. The Giants are looking into signing Ryan Klesko, and have inquired about the Mariners Richie Sexon and the Cubs Jacque Jones.

Indians: Joe Borowski will take a physical either today or tomorrow for the Indians and then he will sign a one year deal. However, they will still look into signing Octavio Dotel or Keith Foulke. The Indians are really focusing on pitching and beefing up their bullpen after signing Dellucci.

Mariners: The Mariners are in hot pursuit of two pitchers. They plan to meet with Jason Schmidt and appear to be the favorites if the Cubs sign Lilly. However, Schmidt has said he wants to win now and has no problem leaving the West Coast. They are also looking to trade for Jason Jennings, but so are several other teams.

Marlins: The Marlins are showing serious interest in acquiring Rocco Baldelli. The Marlins are reluctant to part with pitching, but according to sources, Scott Olsen could get the deal done.

Mets: The Mets were in hot pursuit of Barry Zito but may have to settle for a veteran because of how high Zito's price tag is. Scott Boras is reportedly asking for a six to seven year deal, worth 102 million dollars. The Rangers seem more willing to offer the big deal.

Nationals: The Red Sox and Giants are talking a three way deal with the Nationals concerning Manny Ramirez. They would probably lose Chad Cordero and possibly acquire Noah Lowry. However it is just speculation. The Nationals Ryan Church, Jose Vidro, and Chad Cordero are all drawing interest in other trades.

Orioles: Rodrigo Lopez is on the topic of most general managers list of pitchers. The Mariners, Brewers, and Mets have all inquired about Lopez but no deal appears imminent. The Brewers have offered Kevin Mench but a formal offer will have to be sketched out. The Braves appear interested in Brian Roberts but the Orioles are reluctant to trade him.

Padres: The Padres are closing in on a deal with Greg Maddux. The deal is estimated at a one year deal worth 10 million dollars with an option for one more. They are also interested in Jason Schmidt and Ronnie Belliard.

Phillies: A frustrating off season so far might make a turn for the worst. Pat Burrell is drawing little to know interest and the Phillies continue to struggle to find pitching. Eaton only pitched in 65 innings and pitched okay when he returned. They are looking to Chicago to acquire Freddy Garcia, possibly reuniting Aaron Rowand. The Cubs might also be interested in Aaron Rowand because they are in need of a center fielder.

Pirates: The Pirates are talking with the Braves and Reds about Adam LaRoche and Adam Dunn. They have also inquired about Trot Nixon for right field. None of these deals appear to be finalized soon. The Pirates do have a slight advantage with the overload of pitching. They could acquire a decent hitter for a pitcher or two.

Rangers: The Rangers and Vicente Padilla have agreed to a three year deal, worth 33 million dollars. This will set the minimum for other second tier pitchers like Ted Lilly and Gil Meche. The Rangers also expect to make a serious run for Barry Zito, who is seeking a six year deal, worth 17 million annually.

Red Sox: The Red Sox are close to signing Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew. They also plan to finalize a deal with Daisuke Matsuzaka. Theo Epstein has also set a deadline for when he will stop trying to trade Manny Ramirez. THIS JUST IN: The Red Sox have agreed to a 5 year deal, worth 70 million dollars. I do not see Manny Ramirez being traded because the teams that are pursuing him do not have what the Red Sox want. Or they are not willing to part with what the Red Sox want.

Reds: The Reds have signed a 2 year deal, worth 5 million dollars total with Dave Weathers. Other than Weathers and Gonzalez, that is all the news from the Reds office. Adam Dunn is drawing some interest from teams but no deals have been worked out.

Rockies: The Rockies have signed LaTroy Hawkins and he will be their setup man. Several teams have inquired about Jason Jennings including the Astros, Cubs, Mariners, Mets, Rangers, and Twins. They also have interest in Kenny Lofton and Darin Erstad.

Royals: The Royals have focused on pitching, and have made an offer to Miguel Batista (3/24). They also have put Gil Meche as a top priority but it appears he will either go to the Cubs or Blue Jays.

Tigers: Jeremy Bonderman and Marcus Thames' names have come up in trades but the Tigers do not appear to be interested in trading them. They are interested in trading for Marlins pitcher Renyel Pinto. Pinto, 24, went to the Marlins last year in the Juan Pierre deal. He pitched from the bullpen most of the season.

Twins: The Twins are serious about acquiring Jason Jennings and a deal could get struck by tomorrow. With Liriano out for 2007 and Radke to retire, the Twins are looking for pitching and due to a lack of funds, will have to do it by trade. They are also working a deal to keep Rondell White.

White Sox: White Sox pitcher Brandon McCarthy may start in AAA next year unless they can trade one of their pitchers. Javier Vasquez and Freddy Garcia have both drawn a lot of interest from the Mets, Phillies, and Yankees and it is more than "50 percent" possible that one of them gets traded. The White Sox are also interested in acquiring Vernon Wells but I do not know if they have what it takes to trade him. They also have interest in Aaron Rowand.

Yankees: The Yankees have made an offer to Andy Pettitte worth 15 million for one year. The Yankees and Bernie Williams have also had minor discussions about a deal. They are also close to a deal with Kei Igawa. They have interest in Ted Lilly, Gil Meche, and Freddy Garcia (via trade).

Red Sox Close In On Penny

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Red Sox and Brad Penny are closing in on a one year deal. A lot of language still needs to be worked out, but Penny could take a physical in the next week or so. This is a solid move by the Red Sox, who bring in a cheap ace who could put up big numbers. Not only that, but it allows them to keep Clay Buchholz in the minors or spot starting with the Red Sox. 

If Penny, 29, can return to 2007 form, it is possible the Red Sox would be open to trading Daniel Bard, or perhaps Clay Buchholz. Buchholz could net them a potential All Star catcher in Jarrod Saltalamachhia, or a better prospect if he shows improvement. The Red Sox could probably lock up Penny, probably at a good price too if the economic crisis doesn't bottom out and turn around. However, if both find success, the Red Sox would likely move Penny for prospects and give Buchholz the everyday job. Ugh, it's not even January and I'm already speculating!

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Source: Red Sox Won't Re-Sign Schilling

According to a source with knowledge of the Red Sox offseason plans, the Red Sox do not plan to re-sign pitcher Curt Schilling, who is reportedly looking to return in June or July and finish off the season with the contender. Schilling recently made comments about Manny Ramirez not trying in Boston, and that has annoyed several Red Sox executives. Schilling also complained that he could have pitched in the playoffs if the Red Sox gave him the go ahead for surgery sooner. 

Schilling has put together an unbelievable career, going 4-1 with 2.06 ERA in the World Series and putting 216 wins over the course of twenty-years with the Orioles, Astros, Phillies, Diamondbacks, and Red Sox. If he has got the Hall of Fame on his mind, he would be smart to retire and ride off on a somewhat good terms.

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Teixeira to Red Sox?

According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are very interested in first baseman Mark Teixeira. Teixeira is coming off a great year and is probably looking at 19-22 million dollars annually. The Nationals and Orioles are both interested in Teixeira, but it is hard to see him choosing the lowly Nationals over the Red Sox or Angels. However, Ken Rosenthal suggests that Teixeira could be intrigued by being the face of a young franchise, the same way Alex Rodriguez was with the Rangers. The Red Sox would need to move either Mike Lowell, Kevin Youkilis, or David Ortiz to open up a spot for Teixeira, so when the Red Sox start shopping one of those guys, we know talks are serious.

Bringing in Teixeira would make the Red Sox a force in the AL, and it would probably help them in their pursuit of free agent A.J. Burnett. At this point, the Angels are still the favorites.

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Red Sox Call Up Bard

The Red Sox have called up relief pitcher Daniel Bard, the Providence Journal is reporting. Bard is 1-0 in eleven appearances with the Triple-A Red Sox, and owns a 1.13 ERA with 29 strikeouts and 6 saves. Bard will give the Red Sox another late inning relief option, possibly setting up for closer Jonathan Papelbon.

The Red Sox are expected to option Hunter Jones to make room for Bard. Since Bard is not on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox will also need to make room for him there.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Offseason Day 2

Well the off-season was full of news, reports, and rumors today. It was reported by more than one source that the Red Sox have won the Daisuke Matsuzaka bidding and bid 42 million dollars. An announcement is expected tomorrow. Jose Valentin and Kaz Matsui signed with their respective teams. Valentin with the Mets and Matsui with the Rockies. Joe Girardi was named to the Yankees TV Booth. I think he is one in line to manage for the Yankees when Joe Torre is done. The Phillies and Red Sox were active in the off-season today, the Phillies offered Soriano a deal (5 yr. 73 million) and the Red Sox offered J.D. Drew a deal (terms not reported). Justin Verlander and Hanley Ramirez won the Rookie of the Year Awards. The Cubs contacted Ted Lilly's agent and told him that Lilly was one of their prime targets to join their rotation. The White Sox are shopping around some of their pitchers, they are interested in acquiring hitting. Nomar Garciaparra is still drawing interest. Garciaparra could fit at first base for the Yankees, Orioles and Indians, and the Padres are interested in signing him to play second. Finally, Dave Roberts has begun preliminary negotiations with the Brewers.

Day 2 Recap
- Red Sox posted highest big for Daisuke Matsuzaka
- Jose Valentin agreed to a one year deal with the Mets
- Kaz Matsui agreed to a one year deal with the Rockies
- Joe Girardi will be broadcasting for the Yankees this year.
- The Phillies offered Alfonso Soriano a contract
- The Red Sox offered J.D. Drew a contract
- Justin Verlander won AL Rookie of the Year. Hanley Ramirez won NL Rookie of the Year
- Cubs contacted Ted Lilly about pitching for them
- White Sox shopping around Freddy Garcia and Mark Buerhle
- Brewers began preliminary talks with Dave Roberts
- Nomar is drawing interest to play different positions (1B,3B,2B)

Source: FOXSPORTS and ESPN

2009 American League Predictions

American League East

1. Tampa Bay Rays: 93-69

2. Boston Red Sox: 89-73

3. New York Yankees: 86-76

4. Toronto Blue Jays: 82-80

5. Baltimore Orioles: 73-89

The AL East is going to be a really close race, but the depth the Rays have will keep them on top the whole season. While the Yankees have strong pitching, they are more vulnerable to injuries because of their age.

American League Central

1. Chicago White Sox: 90-73

2. Minnesota Twins: 86-76

3. Cleveland Indians: 83-79

4. Detroit Tigers: 79-83

5. Kansas City Royals: 77-85

The AL Central is up in the air so it is hard to predict, but I expect strides from all teams in the Central. If the Tigers don't hold a fire sale midseason, they could pose a threat for the division. 

American League West

1. Los Angeles Angels: 86-76

2. Texas Rangers: 83-79

3. Oakland Athletics: 78-84

4. Seattle Mariners: 75-87

The Athletics and Rangers both made improvements over the offseason, but the A's young pitching and the Rangers spotty rotation still has them behind the Angels. As for the Mariners, they need to trade their veterans to bring in more young prospects. 

American League MVP: Evan Longoria, Rays

American League Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Blue Jays

American League Rookie of the Year: Matt LaPorta, Indians

American League Manager of the Year: Ozzie Guillen, White Sox

ALDS: Red Sox defeat Rays; White Sox defeat Rays

ALCS: Red Sox defeat White Sox

American League Champion: Red Sox

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Matsuzaka's Fenway Debut

The Red Sox/Mariners game tomorrow is shaping up to be the best game of the year (so far). Not only will Daisuke Matsuzaka be making his Fenway Park debut, but it will be against Ichiro and the Mariners, with Felix Hernandez on the hill. Matsuzaka is already looking forward to pitching to him, and you bet Ichiro is looking forward to the same. "Ever since he left Japan to go to the Majors," Matsuzaka said, "he is someone I've wanted to face again. However, Suzuki has only hit a weak .235 (8-for-34) against Dice-K in their two mutual seasons in Japan. Matsuzaka, who dominated the Royals in his debut is expected to dominate most of his opponents for the first time because they do not know his tendencies. Here is one take on it from Red Sox correspondent for MLB Rumors Dale Nakashjima: "Matsuzaka has suprised me and many others with his command and poise on the mound. He will face a lot of new teams for the first time and he'll just be told to go out and pitch. The Red Sox defense, with minor wholes, is still pretty darn good and with eight known pitches that he is comfortable throwing at anytime, he will be tough to beat. He could come into July with a 10-0, 10-1 record because no one could figure him out, then he could coast the rest of the season into a 17-5, 18-6 record. He will keep his ERA low, that is for sure, the park that he will pitch in [Fenway] works well with his pitches and will work for him, surprisingly." Hernandez has also dominated as of late, and will probably continue to all year. It will be determined tomorrow who came to hit when the first pitch is thrown at 7:05 ET. Personally, knowing Matsuzaka's history as a pitcher, he always wants to finish a game and if Hernandez brought his stuff, it is almost guaranteed that Matsuzaka will go as far as he can to get the win. My prediction is for Red Sox over Mariners.

Dale Nakashjima: "Although Daisuke Matsuzaka will want to impress his Red Sox fans and he might give up a run or two early, I see him finishing this one out and getting the W."

Red Sox Give Varitek Deadline

The Red Sox have given free agent catcher Jason Varitek a Saturday deadline to accept or reject their one year offer, according to the Boston Herald. Negotiations have been going on since November, so it is obvious that the Red Sox and Varitek disagree on his value. The Red Sox have gone after Miguel Montero and Jarrod Salatalamachhia, but feel that the price is not worth it. Both the Diamondbacks and Rangers have asked for Clay Buchholz in any trade, and the Red Sox are not ready to move him. Buchholz has the potential to be a solid starter, but might not play a significant role with the team next season with the depth the team had added through free agency. 

We'll know more Saturday. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Red Sox To Finalize Tazawa Deal Soon

According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox and Junichi Tazawa have agreed to a three year deal worth 3 million dollars. The Globe is reporting that he chose the Red Sox over the Rangers, who reportedly offered more money than the Red Sox. However, the Japanese presence the Red Sox have with Hideki Okajima, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and others in their minor league system made it easy for Tazawa to pick them. 

He is expected to fly into Boston sometime this week to take a physical and officially announce the deal. 

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Red Sox Sign Lester

The Red Sox and Jon Lester have agreed to a five year deal worth 30 million dollars, with a 13 million dollar team option for 2014. Lester, who overcame cancer to pitch in the World Series, is the third Red Sox player to be signed this offseason. He joins Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis as the Red Sox homegrown talent signed to long term deals. His ability to keep the ball down consistently played into his success this past season. If he can keep his walks down, he should be in for another big year.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Tigers to Acquire Lugo?

According to the Boston Globe, the Tigers are talking with the Red Sox about sending either Nate Robertson or Dontrelle Willis to the Red Sox for Julio Lugo. Lugo struggled in 82 games for the Red Sox this season hitting .268 with 1 HR and 12 SB. In eight games for the Tigers this season, Willis was 0-2 with a 9.38 ERA, and has two years and 22 million dollars left while Lugo has two years and 18 million dollars left. As for Robertson, he went 7-11 with a 6.35 ERA in 32 games and has two years and 17 million dollars left. 

The obvious choice would be Robertson, who is closer in contract value and would probably benefit from a switch to the Red Sox. No deal is imminent at this point. 

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Red Sox Deal Crisp To Royals

According to MLB.com, the Red Sox have traded Coco Crisp to the Royals for pitcher Ramon Ramirez. The Red Sox have been trying to deal Crisp for nearly two seasons now, and land a solid reliever in return. Crisp hit .283 in 118 games for the Red Sox, with 7 HR and 41 RBIs while Ramirez went 3-2 with a 2.64 ERA in 71 games. At this point, the Royals do not have room for him, so they might need to trade David DeJesus or Mark Teahen, both of whom are drawing interest on the market.

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Red Sox To Trade Lowell?

The Red Sox would like to pursue a power hitting corner infielder and will look to trade struggling veteran Mike Lowell. Lowell hit .274 with 17 HR in 113 games, a year after hitting .324. The Indians, Twins, Tigers, and Dodgers are all in the market for a third baseman, and would likely be willing to make a trade if the the Red Sox picked up most of the salary. Lowell has a solid year or two left, so he could be a solid pick up, especially if you do not have to give up too much.

Another possible landing spot is the Diamondbacks, who may move Mark Reynolds to second base. The Red Sox would be able to land Miguel Montero in that deal, who could take over at catcher or third in 2009 if needed.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Lowe Looking For Boston Reunion?

According to the Boston Globe, Dodgers pitcher Derek Lowe would like to go back East and play for the Red Sox. Lowe was 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA in 34 games this season, but is thirty-five and teams probably do not want to give him the four year deal he is reportedly seeking. The best Lowe can get is a three year deal worth about 9-12 million dollars annually. One thing that might worry the Red Sox is that before Lowe went to the Dodgers, his ERA was well over five, so a move to the AL now that he is past his prime might cut his career short if he can not over power AL lineups. 

However, Lowe has had a lot of success in the playoffs and brining in a veteran like Lowe would allow the Red Sox to trade one of their young pitchers for a corner infielder or a catcher. Imagine adding Garrett Atkins to that lineup and giving up Clay Buchholz and two other prospects, or acquiring Jarrod Saltalamacchia or possibly Russell Martin. 

The Red Sox and Yankees are in similar spots with their rotations and could look to make a big trade involving some of their young guns, similar to what happened last year with Santana. Anyone else thinking Jake Peavy?

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Red Sox Need To Find DH Replacement

We're now a month and a half into the season and David Ortiz is still struggling at the plate. He is hitting .203 with 0 home runs and a .317 on-base percentage. He can't hit anything but a fastball, and he struggles catching up to that depending on the pitcher. Ortiz is the only DH without a homerun, and is slugging just .293.

The Red Sox are 2.5 games out of first and will need to pick it up if they want to stay in contention. Ken Rosenthal suggests the Red Sox trade Clay Buchholz for Rangers prospect Justin Smoak or Cardinals prospect Brett Wallace. The Red Sox could approach the Indians about Victor Martinez. They are looking for major-league ready pitching in return and could ask for Buchholz or Bowden. Martinez is hitting .400 with 7 home runs in 155 at-bats.

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Red Sox Interested In Taguchi

So Taguchi's option was declined by the Cardinals the other day, ending his tenure with the team. Taguhi, 38, batted .290 with 3 HR and 30 RBI as the Cardinals backup outfielder, but his speed and defense makes him much more valuable. The Red Sox are finding ways to bring in Japanese players as a bargaining chip when negotiating with other Japanese players, including Hitoki Iwase. Beyond Ramirez, Ellsbury, and Drew, the Red Sox do not have much for their outfield. Bobby Kielty was not impressive as a backup and they could use a more effective one. A one year deal worth two million dollars would fit nicely with Taguchi, who can play all three outfield spots and communicate with pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima. According to MLB Rumors Correspondent Brady Yu, one Red Sox executive was intrigued by the idea, but would not confirm interest in signing him. We will know by the end of the month if they are interested or not, but I think this is a perfect match.

Red Sox Looking For Young Catcher

The Red Sox will explore the market for a young catcher this offseason, in hopes of finding someone who can take over by 2011 or 2012 full time. The Red Sox could trade one of their better pitching prospects for someone like Jeff Clement, who could take over full time as soon as 2010. 

John Perrotto suspects the Red Sox will give Jason Varitek a two year deal, but I think they would be smart to trade for someone like Miguel Montero, who has a strong swing that could improve him numbers if he played in Fenway Park. Platooning Varitek and Montero would make for a solid tandem, especially if Montero finally breaks out at the plate. He has handled three aces very well (Haren, Webb, and Johnson) this season and is likely up for the challenge.

Other options include Kelly Shoppach, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Ryan Doumit.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Report: Red Sox Make Offer To Timlin

According to MLB Rumors Correspondent Steve Wilson, the Red Sox have offered Mike Timlin a one year deal to pitch in the bullpen again. He will probably get a one year deal around 3-4 million dollars, he deserves it. He has been nothing but consistent for the Red Sox and his whole career and was solid in the bullpen for the Red Sox in the playoffs. This past season, he was 2-1 with a 3.42 ERA and 31 K and was drawing interest from the Phillies, Giants, Reds, and Astros. More on this deal as it comes out.

Red Sox After Saito, Mulder

According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have made an offer to closer Takashi Saito after he was non-tendered by the Dodgers. Doctors who have viewed his records are encouraged by what they have seen, and think he will pitch again. There are not too many teams after the thirty-nine year old, so the Red Sox could get him at a reduced price. Saito was 4-4 with a 2.49 ERA and 18 SV in 45 games for the Dodgers last season.

The Athletics, Brewers, and Red Sox will be among teams watching Mark Mulder throw in two weeks. Mulder has pitched in just twenty-games over the past three seasons, but he feels that he made a breakthrough this offseason and will be ready to pitch next season. At this point, it seems like it would come down to the Brewers and Athletics. Ken Macha, who managed Mulder in Oakland, is now managing in Milwaukee and Oakland is his old team, and he may want to return to his former team. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.