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Gotham Baseball’s Mark Healey checks in with an interesting rumor mill.

The Mets have been linked to Brad Penny, who is now a hot trade commodity since the Jason Schmidt signing.  Penny started the All-Star Game, but he also posted a 6.25 ERA in the second half.

The Reds have interest in Rodrigo Lopez.  He’s OK, but I can see the Reds overpaying.  Speaking of Lopez, the Royals are having heated discussions about him.  KC is on the way to crafting a slightly less laughable rotation.

The Twins are all over Steve Trachsel for a two-year pact. 

The Florida clubs are tossing around a Baldelli/Yusmeiro Petit + prospect type deal.  I don’t see the Fish getting Baldelli without breaking up their rotation, personally.

The latest from ESPN:

Mike Lieberthal is officially the backup catcher in L.A.  I like the move.

The Twins are still trying to convince Brad Radke to return.

The A’s are closing in on a contract with Mike Piazza to be the DH.

The Astros are interested in bringing back Aubrey Huff.

Ken Rosenthal has some fresh hot stove for us.

He says that the Cubs are still going after both Ted Lilly and Gil Meche.  They are also looking into outfielders Kenny Lofton, Cliff Floyd, and Ryan Church.  It’s a little early in Matt Murton’s career to be platooning him, yes?

Rosenthal adds the Mariners to the Miguel Batista suitors.  The Cards and Royals and also still in the mix.

The just keep on comin in:

Brian Bannister for Ambiorix Burgos is near completion. I’m scratching my head on this one. Bannister, when healthy last year, was very promising as a young starter; Burgos on the other hand, probably won’t even make the bullpen for the Mets in any significant role. As a Phils fan though, this is pretty good news. Kenny Rosenthal again with the scoop.

Also, the Red Sox have spent some more money today, throwing 4 years and $36MM at Julio Lugo. Like Drew, Lugo gets on base and defends well, and maybe ~$9MM per is a decent deal for this market. Source: ESPNews

by Chris Hurst

Sorry for the delay,

No real juicy rumors tonight other than the "hot" Mench and Lieber rumors, and the White Sox still trying to move a starter. But here are some of the latest tidbits:

• The Red Sox are considering trading for Brendan Donnelly, who will go to arbitration for the Angels. A potential deal reportedly would only cost a minor prospect.
• In other Angels news from the same article as above, the Braves are still holding out for Scot Shields in an Adam LaRoche deal, to which the Angels say, "What are we, stupid?"
• Humberto Sanchez could see a new team already if the White Sox can convince the Yanks to trade him for Mark Buehrle.
• The M’s asked for John Danks when the Rangers asked about Jeremy Reed.
• David Dellucci passed his physical with the Indians, making his three-year deal with the team all but official.
• The Orioles and Braves had a Hayden Penn/Brian Roberts for Adam LaRoche/Marcus Giles deal in negotiations, but the deal fell through and is apparently beyond saving.
• Talk of a Lastings Milledge/Joe Blanton deal has been rumored, as Oakland GM Billy Beane and Mets GM Omar Minaya met today.

Hot off the presses at BP, JD Drew’s PECOTA projection doesn’t look so hot: .286/.395/.472 (.867 OPS.) Oh, and only 14 homers. His OBP is very good though, and he will play above average defense.

by Chris Hurst

Rosenthal says Miguel Batista will either be a Royal or a Cardinal.  KC has apparently offered $24M over three years, which is doubtless much more than the Cardinals are offering.  Then again, if you could sacrifice a few million bucks and play for the defending world champs, wouldn’t you? 

If he pulls this off, Walt Jocketty will again be picking up a nice pitcher on the relative cheap: Batista isn’t going to win you 15 games, but he’ll give you lots of innings and be in the vicinity of league average.  Or better: Batista has thrown at least 180 innings in four of his last five seasons, and the last time his ERA+ was below league average was 2000.  Chase Field didn’t help his numbers last year, but he’ll be a decent pickup for whichever Missouri team ends up with him.

By Jeff Sackmann, Brew Crew Ball

Of course ESPN’s live thread from various writers at the Winter Meetings is a must-read for rumormongers.  Here are the highlights:

The Reds have offered a two-year, $6MM deal to Mark Loretta.  Where does that leave Brandon Phillips?

Seattle may not be shopping Adrian Beltre or Richie Sexson, after all.  In the case of Sexson – why not?

Oakland’s still the favorite for Mike Piazza.

The Rangers still like Kenny Lofton at CF; haven’t heard what the Cubs are thinking lately about Lofton.

The Rockies aren’t left with many options for CF.  If they don’t get Lofton, it could be such studs as Darin Erstad or Steve Finley.

The Padres could sign a second baseman like Ron Belliard.  They’re also in the mix on Jason Schmidt and still hope to sign Greg Maddux.

The Devil Rays and Barry Bonds?  Denied, accoring to Buster Olney.  Where would that leave Jonny Gomes?

Possible Barry Zito suitors include the Mets, Rangers, Mariners, and Angels.

Rumors are flying fast and furious now.  Don’t forget that you can click the December 2006 link under Archives and see the entire month.

Or, just bookmark this link right now.

Phil Rogers, Dave van Dyck, and Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune gathered their notes from the meetings today to create a big ole’ rumors column.  New stuff:

The Giants and Orioles could be the main players for Jacque Jones.

Julio Lugo "seems almost certain to sign with Boston." 

Keith Foulke might accept arbitration in Boston.

Some quick hits from MLB.com’s writers:

The Astros have "mild interest" in Jason Schmidt but are currently waiting on Andy Pettitte.

Negotiations between Barry Bonds and the Giants are picking up.

The Indians are considering Eric Gagne and various other health risk relievers.

Doug Melvin of the Brewers has a little bit of interest in Kenny Lofton or Steve Finley, but would prefer to combine the aging CFs into one guy.  That would be awkward.

Jim Bowden is up to something; Chad Cordero, Ryan Church, and Jose Vidro have drawn interest.

The Mariners and Pirates have some interest in Adam LaRoche.  The Bucs are probably out on former Pirates Jeff Suppan and Barry Bonds.

The Marlins definitely want Rocco, but Dontrelle Willis and Josh Johnson will not be involved.  Ricky Nolasco won’t cut it, so they’d have to concede Scott Olsen or Anibal Sanchez.  The Fish are not so interested in Willy Taveras at this point.  As far as bounceback closer options, the Marlins might go after Dan Kolb or Derrick Turnbow.  Interestingly, the Marlins could also have interest in B.J. Upton as their CF.