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Odds & Ends: Paul, Embree, Zobrist, Wakefield

Links for Monday, as we digest Ryan Howard's $125MM extension...

• Since the Dodgers called Xavier Paul up from the minors, he should be getting regular playing time with Manny Ramirez out, reasons Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times.
• Alan Embree told Dan Barbarisi of The Providence Journal that he won't be extending his contract deadline again.  He hopes to be called up by the Red Sox by April 30th.
• The AP has details on Ben Zobrist's $18MM extension with the Rays.
• Though the knuckleballer doesn't say it, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says "it's obvious [Tim Wakefield] isn't keen on his new [bullpen] assignment."
• Jim Callis of Baseball America explores what might happen if MLB allows trading draft picks.
• Joel Sherman of the New York Post wonders how long Javier Vazquez will be given to get on track.
• With tongue firmly in cheek, Grant of the McCovey Chronicles predicts free agent-to-be Jayson Werth will sign with the Giants next winter.
• ESPN's Keith Law shares his rankings of the top 100 prospects for the June amateur draft.  (ESPN Insider subscription required.)
• Speaking of young players, MLB.com's Jane Lee talks to Athletics director of player personnel Keith Leippman about some of the top prospects in Oakland's farm system.
• ESPN.com's Eric Karabell says that if Matt Capps can keep up his strong start, the right-hander will be a good trade chip for Washington over the summer.  Karabell also notes that if Capps is dealt, it will likely be to a team looking for set-up help, not a closer.
• Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times says it's a close call between Derek Jeter or Manny Ramirez for the title of "best big contract in baseball history."

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