The Phillies have released veteran Geoff Jenkins and have reportedly begun to pursue Gary Sheffield, who was cut loose by the Tigers on Tuesday morning. Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said that the team has reached out to Sheffield's agent. Any team that signs Sheffield would only have to pay him $400,000, because Detroit guaranteed his $14 million salary for this season.

Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson has approached the team about renegotiating the option year on his contract. Before the 2006 season, Wilson signed a four-year, $24.4 million deal, and a team option for 2010 is worth $8.4 million. He is willing to take a lower salary to stay in Pittsburgh. "What we have going here ... this is probably the best team I've been around," said Wilson. "There's a future here."

Pedro Martinez is reaching out to prospective suitors, but finding little interest in his $5 million-plus asking price. The Royals, before signing free-agent right-hander Sidney Ponson to a minor-league contract, rejected an overture from Martinez because they were unable to afford him, major-league sources say. Several of Martinez's friends, including the Dodgers' Manny Ramirez, have told him that he needs to be more realistic with his salary desires, sources say. The Dodgers would be interested in Martinez if he dropped his price dropped to the $1 million to $2 million level.

John Lackey doesn't believe that the Angels are trying hard to come to terms on an extension heading into the 2009 season. "They're not trying very hard," Lackey said when asked about any progress on an extension. "It's kind of on them at this point. I love playing here and I'd like to stay, but I've put myself into a category that they need to get to." If Lackey enters the free agent market next winter, he could be considered the top pitcher on the market.

The Giants and Nationals have both been expressing interest in free-agent lefty Will Ohman, according to major-league sources. The Dodgers remain on the periphery of the Ohman bidding, but there are conflicting signals about their current level of interest. The Marlins and Padres are further back in the mix.

The Mets are believed to have made Pedro Martinez an offer, but it's believed to be well below his $5 million minimum asking price. "I can assure you, we are not paying him $5 million," one Mets person said.

The Dodgers still lack a fifth starter, with has allowed rumors that Pedro Martinez will return to the team to increase. Pedro reportedly told Tommy Lasorda and scouting advisor Ralph Avila that he wanted to finish his career where it all started. "That's what he said," said Lasorda. "I don't know, it was just conversation." Manny Ramirez said he called Martinez on Sunday morning after hearing reports that Martinez might be coming to the Dodgers. "He said he has two options," said Ramirez. "I don't know what he's going to do. He has to do what's best for him."

The Indians made an offer to free-agent pitcher Pedro Martinez earlier this offseason, but can no longer afford him. The offer came before Cleveland acquired Mark DeRosa from the Cubs. They will pay the infielder $5.5 million in 2009.

The Red Sox and outfielder Jason Bay have agreed to postpone negotiations on a contract extension. Boston will have the entire 2009 season to evaluate Bay, who at 31 years of age, is older than a majority of the team's core. "You play for six years, you earn the right to be a free agent, and you don't want to sell yourself short," Bay said Sunday. "That doesn't mean that there won't be some concessions, but you put yourself in this position. I think it's in my best interest to kind of explore."

Pedro Martinez has looked impressive this spring, and has garnered more attention from teams than expected heading into the final weeks of Spring Training. The Dodgers, Mets, Pirates and Indians have shown interest in Martinez this offseason, and agent Fern Cruz claims that more clubs are showing interest now. In the World Baseball Classic, Martinez has allowed one hit while fanning six in six innings.