Published reports continue to indicate that the Nationals have serious interest in Manny Ramirez, but those reports are false according to a baseball source who asked not to be identified. The Nationals have often said that they are looking for players for the long term. According to a baseball source, Washington has serious interest in free-agent outfielder Milton Bradley.

Outfielder Matt Holliday is expected to headline the 2009 free agent class, with the Athletics unlikely to even attempt signing him long-term. Holliday employs Scott Boras as his agent, which could drive the former Colorado slugger's price up in the thin market. The Rockies hoped to sign Holliday to a long-term contract in the spring of last year, but they were not able to take their star player out of the upcoming free-agent class.

Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald believes that Adam Dunn would be wonderful in the Cubs' lineup but doubts the team will sign him. Miles believes that Chicago manager Lou Piniella would have a hard time finding a spot for Dunn in the team's lineup.

A person in regular contact with Yankee brass said Tuesday he believes the club still wants Andy Pettitte back and believes a deal will get done, perhaps as early as next week. According to this person, someone in the Yankee organization was putting out that word as something of a scare tactic, knowing that Pettitte badly wants to pitch for the Yankees next season. "They just want him at their price, that's still the bottom line," the person said. Pettitte earned $16 million last season and apparently is reluctant to take a $6 million cut.

The Cubs and Rockies appear close to a deal involving pitcher Jason Marquis, which could allow Chicago to sign free agent hitter Milton Bradley. Sources confirmed Tuesday night that the Cubs and Rockies are close to a trade that will send Marquis and most of his $9.8 million contract to Colorado for embattled reliever Luis Vizcaino. It has been considered a foregone conclusion throughout most of baseball the last two weeks that Bradley is headed to the Cubs, with mainly the payroll issue delaying the inevitable.

Scott Boras, the agent for free agent slugger Manny Ramirez, has contacted the Dodgers in an effort to re-open negotiations with the team. Boras contacted the Dodgers on Tuesday, one day after Los Angeles' GM Ned Colletti revealed that Ramirez was still the team's first choice. "I think teams look at what he was like when he was out of a situation that he did not feel was most pleasing," Boras said of Manny, "and at how he performed in an environment he wanted to be in -- much like the one he'll be going to. I think they'll look at the totality of the circumstances and realize the impact this player can have."

The Baltimore Orioles are apparently interested in signing Richie Sexson. Club officials apparently have had at least one conversation with Sexson's agent Casey Close although the depth of their interest is uncertain. RealGM Note: Sexson had a Reina Value of -97%, as he was ranked 850th in season FIC and 'deserved' to make just $390k.

The Mets have offered the free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe a three-year contract for about $36 million, according to people who have been briefed on the discussions. The Mets are not willing to offer Lowe more than a three-year deal. Boras would not comment specifically on the Mets, but said, ?Obviously, we?ve taken offers from a number of teams.? Boras said he was still in the process of establishing Lowe?s market. Lowe is believed to be seeking a five-year, $90 million deal.

The Diamondbacks have reportedly reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension with catcher Chris Snyder. According to ESPN.com, the deal is pending completion of a physical exam. The package was believed to be worth $14.25 million with a fourth-year club option that could raise the overall value to more than $20 million.

The Marlins are reportedly one of the final three teams in the race to sign reliever Derrick Turnbow. The Pirates are also seriously interested in the former Milwaukee pitcher. Florida wants to see if it can sign Turnbow to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.