April 2010 - Baseball Wiretap
Damon Rejected Yankees' Offer As Recently As Last Week
Free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon turned down a one-year, $6 million offer from the Yankees as recently as last week.
Sports Illustrated reported the offer, half of which would have been deferred with no interest.
"We're always open to New York," Damon said on WFAN Friday. "But I think right now we also have to be open to whatever offer comes out now. Because I know [the Yankees] have a full roster right now, [but] I never say never anymore."
The Giants, Braves and Athletics have shown some level of interest in Damon this offseason, but none have come close to signing him.
Fielder Is No Hurry To Discuss Extension
Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder is in no hurry to discuss a contract extension with the team.
Fielder wants to stay in Milwaukee for as long as he can, but feels no urgency.
"I came up here and I love it here, so I want to stay here as long as possible," Fielder said Sunday. "I'm here for two more years anyway, so I'm just trying to see what happens then and all the other stuff hopefully will work out."
Fielder, who has one year left on his contract, hit .299 with 46 homers and tied for the major league lead with 141 RBIs last season.
Report: Mora To Join Rockies
Melvin Mora has agreed to a one-year, $1.275 million deal with the Rockies, according to multiple reports.
Mora will be a right-handed hitting utility player for Colorado in the 2010 season.
The Orioles declined their $8 million option on Mora in October, making him a free agent.
Nationals, Hudson Close To Deal
The Nationals are close to a deal with free-agent infielder Orlando Hudson, according to Tim Kurkjian of ESPN The Magazine.
The contract would be for $3 million with incentives that could bring its value up to $4 million, according to the report.
Rockies Turn Attention Towards Mora
Having lost out on Orlando Cabrera, the Rockies have turned their attention towards free-agent infielder Melvin Mora.
Cabrera agreed to a one-year deal with the Reds on Sunday morning.
Joba: I Want To Start
Joba Chamberlain wants to be in the starting rotation for the Yankees next season.
Chamberlain told the New York Post on Saturday night that he will arrive in Tampa next week with his eyes set on being a starting pitcher in 2010.
"I'm going to go in and understand a lot of guys are fighting for that spot," Chamberlain said. "Nothing is guaranteed."
Chamberlain's main competition for the spot with be Phil Hughes, who excelled as a reliever in 2009.
Source: Giants, Wilson Agree To Deal
The Giants and closer Brian Wilson have agreed to a one-year, $4.4 million deal, according to sources.
Wilson, who earned $480,000 in 2009, was third in the league with 38 saves last year.
"We're very proud of Brian, from the beginning when he was drafted to developing in our system," Giants vice president of baseball operations Bobby Evans said.
"He's done a great job and become such a meaningful part of our organization. He's been an important part of this ballclub."
Dodgers Eyeing Four For Fourth OF Spot
The Dodgers are looking at four players to assume the role of fourth outfielder.
Los Angeles is considering Garret Anderson, Brian Giles, Gabe Gross and Reed Johnson, according to sources.
The Dodgers opened up a spot in the outfield when they traded Juan Pierre to the White Sox last month.
Morneau To Carry Olympic Torch
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau will help carry the Olympic torch leading up to the Vancouver Games.
Morneau grew up just outside of Vancouver and grew up a die-hard hockey fan.
He says the honor is "something that's once in a lifetime."
Athletics Negotiating With Gabe Gross
The Athletics are targeting free-agent outfielder Gabe Gross, major-league sources told FOX Sports.
Gross, 30, has been with the Rays for the better part of the last two seasons.
Oakland would likely use Gross as a reserve, leaving open the option of signing Johnny Damon as well.
Report: Cabrera To Join Cincinnati
The Reds have beat out their competition for Orlando Cabrera.
Rangers Give Feldman One-Year Deal
Scott Feldman was a 17-game winner in 2009.
Cabrera Being Courted By Reds, Rockies And Nationals
Colorado and Washington are also pursuing Orlando Hudson.
Wedge Expects To Be Candidate In 2011
Eric Wedge expects to be a managerial candidate in 2011.
Reds, Gomes Getting Closer To Deal
Cincinnati is waiting to hear from Jonny Gomes.
Mets Invite Catalanotto To Spring Training
Frank Catalanotto has played first, second and third base, as well as both corner outfield spots during his career.
Penguins Reportedly Offered To Buy Pirates
The Pirates reportedly considered offering to buy the Pirates last fall.
Report: Mets Watching Chien-Ming Wang Closely
The Mets are one of the team's interested in Chien-Ming Wang.
Nationals, Dunn Discuss Possible Extension
Adam Dunn and the Nationals are interested in a long-term pact.
Angels, Saunders Agree On 2010 Pact
Joe Saunders has 33 wins in the last two seasons.
Wuertz, A's Reach Two-Year Deal
The contract includes a club option for 2012.
Mariners, Byrnes Agree To Contract
Eric Byrnes has joined Seattle.
Twins Confident About Re-Signing Mauer
Rod Gardenhire believes Minnesota will retain Joe Mauer.
Verlander, Detroit Working On Long-Term Deal
Justin Verlander could get a deal similar to Felix Hernandez.
Tigers Could Target Blalock, Kennedy
The Tigers might be looking for insurance in the infield.
Minaya Says He's In Charge Of Mets
Omar Minaya insists that he's pulling the strings in New York.
Indians Trying To Make Room For Hudson
The Indians have thought about trading Fausto Carmona in order to sign Orlando Hudson.
Nationals Invite Batista To Spring Training
Miguel Batista has won 95 games in his career.
Marlins, Turnbow Reach Agreement
The agreement is a minor league deal.
A-Rod Thought He Might Be Forced To Retire
Alex Rodriguez underwent arthroscopic surgery in March 2009 to repair the labrum of his right hip.