Come To Think Of It...Thoughts Simmering On The Baseball Hot Stove

Random thoughts as the MLB GM meetings continue in Dana Point, California:

• Having seen the selections for the National League's Gold Glove award today, I was going to start this article off with my comments on the picks. But then I read Rob Neyer's column in espn.com and while I don't always agree with him, I couldn't have said it better. So I won't.  Check it out:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=neyer_rob

• Rumor has it that Rafael Furcal may not be re-signing with the Dodgers after all. It had been widely assumed that was the case, but a recent report indicated the sides are far apart on the length of the contract. While I can't see a 4-year deal for the oft-injured shortstop, I think the switch-hitter would look good playing shortstop and batting leadoff for the Cubs in 2009.
• The Peavy trade talks have apparently narrowed to three NL teams. While only the Braves have acknowledged being involved, it seems that whoever makes this deal will also have to take on the contract of Khalil Greene. While strong defensively, Greene is a negative on offense due to his pathetic on-base percentages. His line last year? .213/.260/.339.  Ouch.
• A reported 4-year, $100 million dollar contract offer by the Milwaukee Brewers to CC Sabathia has been laughed off as "window dressing." Is that how far we've come, that a $25m per year deal is not to be taken seriously? GM Doug Melvin, for one, is not happy with that assessment. And I don't blame him. Ultimately, it will likely take an offer that exceeds the 6-year, $137.5m contract signed by Johan Santana last year to lure Sabathia. If he wants to play in New York, look for the Yankees to get him.
• Among the right field possibilities for the Cubs is ex-Mariner left fielder Raul Ibanez. The left-handed hitting outfielder will be 37 next June, and may not make anyone forget Roberto Clemente in right field, but the man can hit. And he is a leader and strong clubhouse presence, according to those in the know. They could do a lot worse.
• It is no longer a slam dunk that Ryan Dempster will re-sign with the Cubs. It is no secret that GM Jim Hendry loves him, but his reported 3-year, $36m offer has made the right-hander want to check out his worth in the open market. He is seeking a contract in the neighborhood of 4 years, $60m.
• If the Angels can't re-sign Mark Teixeira, they may be interested in Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee. How about a D-Lee-for-Chone Figgens swap? 
• In an effort to beat the expected tax increases to players' salaries under the Obama administration, look for free agents to ask for higher signing bonuses (which are likely excluded from the higher tax rate) and to make a stronger effort to sign before Jan 1st.
• The oft-rumored trade for Rockies star outfielder Matt Holliday may finally be close to reality. He was seen walking around the GM meetings in California. He can be a free agent after 2009, so it will be interesting to see what teams are willing to offer.
• The White Sox are said to be shopping Jermaine Dye, Nick Swisher and Javier Vazquez.
• And finally, Bleacher Report senior writer Bob Warja has been seen spending WAY too much time in front of his computer searching for baseball rumors, come to think of it.