Free Agent Rumor - 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.
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.
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.
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.
Cabrera Being Courted By Reds, Rockies And Nationals
Free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera is being looked at by Cincinnati, Cleveland and Washington.
However, according to a major league source, neither of the teams are close to a deal with Cabrera.
Both the Rockies and Nationals are also believed to be pursuing second baseman Orlando Hudson, which could affect where Cabrera lands.
Reds, Gomes Getting Closer To Deal
The Reds have extended an offer to free-agent outfielder Jonny Gomes.
Cincinnati general manager Walt Jocketty confirmed the offer to Gomes, who hit 20 homers in 287 at-bats for the Reds last season.
"I talked to (Gomes') agent a little while ago," Jocketty said. "Hopefully, we can get something worked out."
Report: Mets Watching Chien-Ming Wang Closely
The Mets are watching free-agent pitcher Chien-Ming Wang closely, according to ESPN Insider.
Wang's agent told ESPN that four or five teams are interested in the right-hander, who had elbow surgery in July.
Nationals, Dunn Discuss Possible Extension
Adam Dunn signed a two-year deal with the Nationals last offseason, but it's clear that Washington wants him over the long-term.
Dunn and the Nationals have opened talks about a contract extension that would reinforce the first baseman's prominent role in Washington.
The slugger said on Friday that the extension is "something I want to do." Talks are still preliminary -- Dunn described them at "stage zero" -- but the mutual interest underscores the satisfaction on both sides.
Angels, Saunders Agree On 2010 Pact
Joe Saunders has 33 wins in the last two seasons.
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.
Indians Trying To Make Room For Hudson
The Indians have thought about trading Fausto Carmona in order to sign Orlando Hudson.
Jays Interested In Damon, Delgado
Johnny Damon and Carlos Delgado are options in Toronto.
Reds, Rockies Battle For Orlando Cabrera
Orlando Cabrera is deciding between Cincinnati and Colorado.
Wang May Sign Before Spring Training
Chien-Ming Wang wasn't going to return until a few months into the season.
Smoltz Could Follow Pedro Plan
John Smoltz might wait until July to sign with a team.
Mets In Deep Talks With Tatis, Likely Done With Delgado
Fernando Tatis would platoon with Daniel Murphy.
Tribe Considered Signing Thome
The Indians considered bring back Jim Thome.
Mora, Rockies Share Mutual Interest
Five teams are looking at Melvin Mora.
Rays Have Interest In Damon
The Rays have emerged as a suitor for Johnny Damon.
Brewers Working On Another Minor Deal
Milwaukee's 40-man roster is full.
Yankees Can't Afford Damon
Johnny Damon appears to officially be done in New York.
Manuel Wishes Phillies Still Had Cliff Lee
Charlie Manuel wishes there had been a way for the Phillies to land Roy Halladay and hold onto Cliff Lee.
Twins Could Be An Option For Thome
The White Sox ruled out adding Jim Thome on Monday.
Cardinals Aren't Interested In Edmonds
Jim Edmonds is speaking with two teams.
A's Want To Sign Sheets Or Damon
Oakland has some money to spend on the free agent market.
Mets Still Considering Smoltz
The Mets would use John Smoltz as a starter.
Wang Looking For Major-League Offer
Chien-Ming Wang wants a spot in a Major League rotation.