The latest hot stove notes from SI's Jon Heyman…
- Manny Ramirez "is planning to exercise" his $20MM player option for 2010. This was expected but it'd still be interesting to see Manny jump back into free agency, maybe seek two years and $30MM.
- Heyman echoes what we've read regarding Brandon Webb – the D'Backs will pick up his $8.5MM option for next year, as Webb is not interested in renegotiating. On a related note, MLB.com's Steve Gilbert looks at some options for the two open spots in Arizona's rotation.
- The Red Sox "would still love to make a run at Felix Hernandez." Who wouldn't? I don't expect Felix trade talks to become reality unless the Mariners try and fail to sign him to an extension first. Heyman considers Roy Halladay more realistic for the Sox; Doc's price would presumably be slightly lower with the '09 season concluded. According to Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail, Halladay, his wife, and his agent had dinner with Jays president and CEO Paul Beeston last week to discuss the future.
- The Red Sox "were thought to have offered" $15MM to left fielder Jason Bay. How many years?
- Heyman says the Mariners and Brewers "are expected to be in the mix" for free agent lefty Jarrod Washburn. Scott Boras surely knows a move to the NL would help Washburn, who was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
