Dodgers Rumors: Manny, Furcal, Peavy

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti talked to the media yesterday; here’s the latest.

• Tony Jackson of the L.A. Daily News believes Colletti will pursue a competent backup catcher to allow more rest for Russell Martin.  A decision is due on Gary Bennett’s $900K option within seven days.
• So far this offseason, Colletti and Scott Boras have exchanged two voicemails.  They’ll meet in person to discuss Manny Ramirez and other Boras clients (Derek Lowe, Greg Maddux, Andruw Jones, maybe Joe Crede) at next week’s GM meetings.  Colletti will not put the other team needs on hold to deal with Manny.
• Colletti has had preliminary talks with the agents for Rafael Furcal, Casey Blake, and Nomar Garciaparra, while Jeff Kent is expected to retire.
• Colletti intends to acquire a top of the line starting pitcher, but Jake Peavy is unlikely (the Dodgers would have to pay extra due to the same-division factor).  Free agents Lowe and C.C. Sabathia may be considered.  The Dodgers have seven days to decide on Brad Penny’s $9.25MM option versus the $2MM buyout.
• The Dodgers would love to have Takashi Saito back, but the situation with his elbow injury is unclear.
• Juan Pierre and Andruw Jones have expressed a desire to be traded through the media, but not formally to the Dodgers.