Odds and Ends: Taveras, Kemp, Mota

Today’s random linkage.

• Correction to the Justin Duchscherer post – he only has one more arbitration year, not two.  He’s set to reach free agency after the ’09 season.
• Rob Neyer points us to a quality interview with Yankees beat writer Tyler Kepner over at NoMaas.org.
• MLB.com’s Jim Molony says the Marlins have renewed interest in Rockies center fielder Willy Taveras.
• LEN3 thinks the Twins need a reliever more than anything.
• Dave Cameron wonders if Matt Kemp is overrated.
• Craig Brown of Royals Authority examines the team’s trade candidates.
• The Padres’ Paul DePodesta runs through his team’s top trade candidates as well as general considerations in trading.
• The Dodgers are close to signing their first-round pick, Ethan Martin.
• Oscar Villarreal refused the Astros’ assignment to the minors and may be released.  Also at this link, the Astros have an offer out to first round pick Jason Castro.
• The Indians signed Bryan Bullington, the Pirates’ first overall pick in ’02.