MLB Rumors: Latest on Cliff Lee, Free Agents, Trades and More
The competition continues between the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers.
The two teams are right in the thick of the race for free-agent ace pitcher Cliff Lee, who is at the center of offseason news in Major League Baseball. Lee was traded to the Rangers last season from Seattle, and helped Texas in its historic run to its first World Series.
The Yankees had originally thought they would land Lee, and have made him their top priority. But New York is also busy working on contracts with shortstop Derek Jeter and closer Mariano Rivera, two of the most beloved players in franchise history.
Both teams are just part of what's already been a busy offseason that's included plenty of trades, contract agreements and rumors.
Let's examine 10 stories that are out there:
10. What About Greinke?
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Word began circulating not long ago that Kansas City may possibly trade ace pitcher Zack Greinke, and would listen to offers during the offseason.
Greinke's contract is set to expire after the 2012 season, and two general managers recently told ESPN.com they could see Greinke winding up in Texas. That would make sense, especially if the Rangers don't re-sign Lee.
The Kansas City Star reported last month that Greinke won't sign a new deal if the Royals remain uncompetitive.
9. Uggla Traded To Atlanta
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The Atlanta Braves picked up Florida second baseman Dan Uggla on Tuesday, in exchange for infielder Omar Infante and left Mike Dunn.
Uggla, a two-time All-Star, finished last season with a .287 average, 33 home runs and 105 RBI. He rejoins manager Fredi Gonzalez, who was with him in Florida. Gonzalez was hired by Atlanta to replace long-time skipper Bobby Cox.
Uggla could become a free agent after next year's World Series.
8. Tampa Bay's Challenge
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The Rays will lose Carl Crawford to free agency, but that's not their only problem.
Tampa Bay is likely going to have to rebuild its bullpen, since Rafael Soriano, Joaquin Benoit and Grant Balfour are all free agents.
Tampa Bay is also looking to cut its payroll as well.
Hopefully they'll find a balance, and find some answers in a young, talented farm system.
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7. Phillies Keep Contreras
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The Philadelphia Phillies have re-signed Jose Contreras to a two-year deal for $5.5 million with incentives. There's a club option for 2012.
Contreras finished the regular season with a 6-4 record and four saves. In 56.2 innings, he had a 3.34 ERA, with 57 strikeouts and 16 walks.
Along with Contreras, the Phillies also announced the hiring of Ryne Sandberg as the manager for their Triple A club, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Sandberg turned down the offer as the Chicago Cubs bench coach.
6. Young Is Available
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Padres right-hander Chris Young is another free agent that's still available.
The Padres decided not to pick up his $8.5 million option, but want him back on the team. If he doesn't return, look for the Mets, Mariners and Dodgers to take a look at Young.
5. Buck Close To Joining Marlins
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With Dan Uggla now gone to Atlanta, the Florida Marlins are now on track to signing All-Star catcher John Buck. Reports state he is close to a three-year, $18 million contract.
Buck hit .281, with 20 home runs and 66 RBI last season with Toronto.
4. Buchholz Joins Boston
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The Boston Red Sox claimed reliever Taylor Buchholz off waivers from the Blue Jays.
Buchholz was designated for assignment by Colorado in September, and then claimed by Toronto. He missed the 2009 season with Tommy John surgery. The year before, though, he had a 2.17 ERA, and opponents hit only .188 against him.
3. Westbrook Stays With Cardinals
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Righthander Jake Westbrook has agreed to a two-year, $16.5 million contract with St. Louis.
Westbrook has a 73-75 career record, and was traded to St. Louis after spending the bulk of his career with the Indians. He was a rookie with the Yankees in 2000.
2. Yankees In Early Stages With Jeter
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The New York Yankees captain is in early stages with team executives about contract talks.
Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner had said on the radio that talks could get "messy" but hopes negotiations don't last long, according to the New York Daily News.
The Associated Press reports that Jeter, agent Casey Close and other executives met in Tampa last week. The Yankees are also in talks with closer Mariano Rivera.
Sports Illustrated's John Heyman said Jeter's contract is expected to be at least three years, which would keep him as a Yankee for the rest of his career.
1. Rangers Meet With Lee
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Cliff Lee met with Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan, general managing partner Chuck Greenberg and general manager Jon Daniels on Monday in Little Rock, Ark.
"We wanted him to know we were interested and we feel like they are interested in us as well," Ryan told ESPN.com. "We said that we wanted to meet again at some point, but didn't decide when. It would definitely be before the winter meetings."
No offer was made.
The winter meetings will be held from Dec. 6-10 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., and that could be when Lee makes his decision. Lee met with the Yankees last week.
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