Five Teams Interested In Ken Griffey Jr.

Five teams are reportedly interested in one of the most forgotten free-agents this offseason-Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey who just turned 39 years old, batted an uncharacteristic .249 last season.

His low performance last year has been attributed to a knee problem that was caused when Griffey fell over a shoe enclosure in the Red’s clubhouse at the beginning of 2008.

According to SI.com and Griffey’s agent, three American League teams and two National League teams may be interested in the outfielder’s services. Two of the American League teams include the Tampa Bay Rays and the Seattle Mariners for sure. The other three teams have not been mentioned as of today.

Griffey is expected to settle for a short duration contract possibly one to two years max. The future hall of famer is considered to be a possible fit for team looking to fill the DH position if the current outfield is already occupied.

More to follow on “the Griftster”…

Red Sox And Varitek Working Towards Possible Deal

RBI Magazine has learned from mulitple news sources that the Red Sox have begun negotiations with last year’s Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek.

The Boston Globe is reporting that Varitek’s agent Scott Boras and Red Sox officials are still “exchanging ideas” even after their recent troubles.

Jason Varitek is a Type A free agent who rejected the Red Sox’ arbitration offer earilier this month and started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of career starts recorded - except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

Mets Could Offer Derek Lowe $18MM Per Year

Multiple MLB sources and Mets.com are now reporting that the Mets may make a run at acquiring pitcher Derek Lowe. Once again, agent Scott Boras is at it, this time with Derek Lowe.

RBI Magazine has learned from multiple reports that Lowe is seeking atleast $18MM per year. The Red Sox who just lost an offer to the Yankees involving another Scott Boras client Mark Teixeira, may still be interested in pursuring Lowe as well.

Yahoo Sports has confirmed that the Mets are currently engaging in “deep negotiations” with the all-star pitcher.

Red Sox Say No Way To Mark Teixeira

RBI Magazine has learned that the Red Sox made a drastic attempt to sign Mark Teixeira yesterday morning in Texas. Red Sox officials boarded a plane and flew to meet with Teixeira and his agent Scott Boras.

According to MLB.com, during the meeting Red Sox officials examined the other possible deals that Teixeira was previously offered by the other teams still hunting for the switch-hitter’s services.

Red Sox principal owner John Henry decided that these offers could not be matched saying “No Way!” to Scott Boras and Mark Teixeira dropping all potential offers and the idea of Teixeira becoming part of the Red Sox organization.

Other teams said to be interested in the first-baseman are the Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Angels.

Update 9:22 EST: Teixeira and his agent Scott Boras are seeking $195 million contract. Is he really worth this much? RBI Magazine says NO WAY!

RBI Magazine Forum Discussion

Yankees May Offer Manny $50 Million

Many news sources including the New York Daily News that spoke to a few baseball officials say that the Yankees may be interested in seeking a two year deal worth $50 million with Manny Ramirez. The New York Daily News was also told by this “so-called” baseball official that the Yankees want Manny because they see him as the perfect addition to the lineup behind Alex Rodriguez. Are the Yankees indeed getting closer?

Other MLB sources told RBI Magazine that it is most likely that the Yanks will not exceed a two year deal with Ramirez. RBI Magazine was also told that the Yankees have stopped all trade negotiations with the Brewers involving Mike Cameron. This may be due to the recently spiked interest in Manny.

On Sunday, RBI Magazine learned that the Yankees were said to be willing to give everything they have to acquire Manny Ramirez if they can not get their hands on Mark Teixeria. The Yankees were expected to offer Ramirez roughly $20 million over a span of three years if there chances at the first baseman Teixeria do indeed bust.

The Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals have allegedly offered Teixeria an 8-year -$160 million option sometime over the duration of the last two weeks, an amount the Yankees will need to meet or beat. Oh., and we cannot forget about the Dodgers chances but word has it that they may be losing ground.

Phillies Re-Sign Jamie Moyer

The Phillies announced this afternoon that they have successfully negotiated and re-signed left-handed pitcher “Jay-Mo” Jamie Moyer. Moyer who just turned 46 years old, won 16 games for Philadelphia this past season and played a major role in the Phillies Championship run.

Currently a dollar figure has not been announced but the contract is for 2 years.

Moyer filed for free agency back in November and both sides had trouble agreeing to a deal. Honestly as a Philadelphia native and Derek Lowe in the mix, the chances of having Moyer in a Phils uniform looked very dim. I think Philadelphia fans can not relax. Ja-Mo is back!

Update 5:05PM EST. Jamie Moyer’s deal with the Phillies is estimated to be for $16 million.

Story developing…..

Yankees Are Chasing After Manny

“Manny” New York Yankee fans would love to see Manny Ramirez play baseball in the Bronx. The unrealistic thought of Manny in a Yankees uniform may not be so unrealistic for long.

According to multiple news sources like the Bleacher Report the Yankees will give everything they have to acquire Manny Ramirez if they can not get their hands on Mark Teixeria. The Yankees are expected to offer Ramirez roughly $20 million over a span of three years if there chances at the first baseman Teixeria do indeed bust.

The Yanks have already restructured their organization as promised, adding CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett to the defensive roster and tapping the cap for over $200 million.

The Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals have allegedly offered Teixeria an 8-year -$160 million option sometime over the duration of the last two weeks, an amount the Yankees will need to meet or beat.

Chances are in favor that one of these two players will be a valuable entity and acquisition to the Yankees come the 2009 season. Updates to follow….

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Dodgers Inch Closer To Deal With Casey Blake

According to multiple MLB baseball sources, the Dodgers are inching their way closer to signing a 3-year $17 million deal with third basemen Casey Blake. As a matter of fact, some news sources say the deal is complete. However, the Dodgers have not confirmed that information nor have they scheduled an official announcement of the third baseman’s return.

Blake had an offer from the Twins earlier this off season, but Minnisota was only willing to offer Blake only two years plus an option, while it has been on his agenda to seek a 3-year minimum deal. Blake was among those who declined arbitration Sunday night.

Blake currently has a batting average of .264 and an overall slugging percentage of .447 in his 9 year career that began with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1999.

What’s In Store For CC Sabathia?

One of the most prominent free agents during this year’s off season is still uncertain of where he will play in 2009. CC Sabathia who has multiple offers currently on the table, had a meeting scheduled with the Yankees last night.

The Yankees have offered Sabathia $140 million over a six year period, but he is still reluctant to accept. Sabathia has shown interested in the Red Sox and the Angels according to many MLB sources as winter meetings will continue.

Throw Mark Teixeira into the mix, and now I dare you to bet on where Sabathia will end up. The Angels are trying to work a deal with Teixeira but as of yet, both sides cannot even agree on what they will eat for lunch. If the Angels can not ultimately reach a deal with Teixeira, they may focus their attention on adding Sabathia to their rotation.

The Red Sox and Yankees have also expressed a great deal of interest in acquiring Teixeira.  According to Newsday.com, the BoSox would move Kevin Youkilis from first base to third base. Not a bad idea if you ask me.

If the Yankees fail to sign the first-baseman, it is possible that New York may try to grab Manny by hair as quickly as possible. Obviously, who ever takes on the “burden” of signing Mark  first will most likely not be able to sequentially sign CC Sabathia.

Also still up for grabs is Derek Lowe, who is apparently not happy with any team or offer as of yet. Could Teixeira and Lowe come as a package deal to either the Red Sox or Yanks?

And with that said, this off season has really just begun.

Jason Varitek Expected To Reject Arbitration

Catcher Jason Varitek may be forced to make a career-changing decision come midnight this Sunday, December 7th. The long-time Boston catcher will be faced with the decision of either accepting or rejecting the Red Sox’ offer of arbitration.

If Varitek decides to decline the offer and the Red Sox fail to sign the catcher, they would be awarded two 2009 draft picks; a first-round and another random pick later in the draft.

Agent Scott Boras has been expressing his concerns involving playing time for Varitek since the conclusion of last season.

Varitek started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of starts recorded, except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

With that being said, and with Boras seeking a multi-year contract, the arbitration offer currently on the table is highly expected to be declined.

RBI Magazine conducted a poll when we first heard about Varitek’s situation. Out of 584 total votes; 78% (457) believed Jason Varitek will be wearing a Red Sox jersey next year.  68 voters agreed Varitek will not play for Boston next year.

Other free agents such as Mike Timlin and Sean Casey have not been offered arbitration by Boston as negotiations continue.

Updates to follow….

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