Odds & Ends: Manny, Papelbon, Pudge, Peavy

Links for Thursday…

• The Nationals remain interested in Duaner Sanchez, says Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post.
• Yahoo’s Jeff Passan talked to Mark Prior.
• Joel Sherman of the New York Post heard Manny Ramirez and Scott Boras consider the contract with the Dodgers a one-year deal with a safety net.  Sherman wonders if the Yankees and/or Mets could get involved depending on how Manny’s 2009 season plays out.
• Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon commented about Manny to Chris Jones in the April issue of Esquire.  It’s a good article and there’s a lot more to it than the Manny comments.
• Free agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez is working out at first base, according to Will Gonzalez of MLB.com.
• The Padres have the third pick in the June draft.  Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune asks whether they’ll finally take a player with big upside.
• Jake Peavy’s agent Barry Axelrod seems to be writing off the Padres, in comments to Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune: "It’s tough with the Padres’ situation.  They are not very good and it looks like it is going to be another long year for them."
• Marlins shortstop Robert Andino is out of options, so Mike Phillips of the Miami Herald says this is his audition.
• ESPN’s Buster Olney says Mark Mulder’s audition is drawing closer and he’s throwing well.  Olney also says Luis Gonzalez is waiting by the phone.  For a look at the other remaining free agents, click here.