Week in Review: 10/19 – 10/25

We’re nearing the end of the 2008 season, as the Phils lead the Rays 2-1 in the World Series, but that doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of material here on MLBTR. Let’s look back at the past week!

• Talks for Padres ace Jake Peavy slowed down a bit this week, but there are still plenty of rumors circulating. We learned that Peavy will want full no-trade protection, and heard that he is not a good fit for the Cardinals (sorry St. Louis fans). Executives feel it will take top prospects such as Tommy Hanson or Jason Heyward, but we’ve heard Frank Wren say they are not available… multiple times. As has been said countless times, there’s no rush to trade Peavy, though it’s hard to imagine a deal getting done without at least some of Atlanta’s top young players.
• I’ll resist making a bad pun about the "Holliday Season" approaching (ok, no I won’t) as I link to this piece here, informing us that yet another huge name – Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday – has been officially made available on the trading block. The Rox will be looking for solid young starters in return. The Phillies were interested in July, we know the Mets have been searching for a power-hitting corner OF, and what would any trade sweepstakes be without at least mentioning the Red Sox or Yankees these days?
• If you don’t feel like giving up the pitching for Holliday, you could always go ahead and go after Manny Ramirez. We’ve been hearing a lot about him these days as well. I’d be surprised to see him get the six years he’s after, though I also don’t see him taking the enormous two-year deal the Dodgers are reportedly preparing to offer. Speaking of Manny, in case you forgot… Curt Schilling really doesn’t like him.
• The Mariners put an end to their GM search, hiring Jack Zduriencik of the Brewers to fill the position. Zduriencik carries a great reputation as a result of several successful draft picks for the Brewers.
• Couple of notes on rehabbing pitchers: The Cardinals will buy out Mark Mulder’s 2009 option, and Mark Prior could be ready for the beginning of the 2009 season. Both are among a list of pitchers who would like to attempt comebacks in San Diego.
• The Marlins will discuss what to do with Mike Jacobs, Kevin Gregg, and Scott Olsen, three arbitration-eligible players they are willing to move. Dan Uggla will likely be staying put unless they’re blown away by an offer.
• The Blue Jays claimed Bryan Bullington off waivers from Cleveland and also signed Adam Loewen following his release from Baltimore this week. Loewen will attempt a Rick Ankiel-esque comeback as an outfielder following even more injury problems in his pitching arm.
• The Orioles may have lost Loewen, but some good news for their fans: They began discussions about an extension for Nick Markakis this week.
• Tim continued the Offseason Outlook series with entries for the Red Sox and Dodgers.
• For more on the Red Sox offseason, here’s a look courtesy of several New England media outlets, and one more from Tom Massarotti. It also seems like they may not want to pay top dollar for Derek Lowe.
• Here’s a look at the projected Elias Rankings for NL 1B/OF, AL infielders, and NL Infielders as well.