Jermaine Dye is still without a job, but he believes he can help his former team. ''I haven't watched every game, but I watch every so often,'' Dye told the Sun-Times on Thursday, when asked if he had been keeping tabs on the Sox. ''I like to see what the guys are doing. ''It's tough to believe that they're in the position they're in,'' Dye said. ''I've talked to some of the guys, and they're battling to figure it out.'' Dye was asked if he believes he can help the White Sox. ''I could,'' Dye said. ''You have to play a certain type of baseball in [U.S. Cellular Field], and small ball is nice, but you need a balance.''

There has been a lot of talk about futures in Philadelphia, but don't count shortstop Jimmy Rollins among those concerned about their next contract. Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard signed a five-year, $125 million extension on Monday, which many speculate could keep the team from re-signing outfielder Jayson Werth this coming winter. Rollins will become a free agent after the 2011 season. "If you're a guy that is a one-team guy it's because the opportunity allows you to do that," Rollins said. "It means you're pretty good, I guess. It means you're important to the team. Of course, if you're pretty good you can switch teams a lot and make a lot of money, too. Some guys choose that." Rollins said a few years ago that he could see himself finishing his career in San Francisco or Oakland, where he grew up. "We weren't good then," Rollins pointed out about the Phillies. "We're good now. As long as we're good, I'm good."

Talks between the Phillies and outfielder Jayson Werth on a potential contract extension have hit an "impasse," according to Werth's agent. Agent Jeff Borris told CSN Philly that he has discussed Werth's future with Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. "I've had dialogue with Ruben since the winter meetings," Borris said. "I don't want to rule out the possibility of his re-signing with the Phillies, but it would appear right now we're at an impasse." Werth's name has popped up in rumors because the Phillies signed first baseman Ryan Howard to a five-year, $125 million extension on Monday, which may limit their ability to compensate the outfielder.

The Brewers couldn't have been happy to see the Phillies announce a five-year, $125 million extension for Ryan Howard earlier this week. The development will likely raise the price tag of first baseman Prince Fielder, who Milwaukee would like to sign to a long-term deal but may not be able to afford him. Fielder can't become a free agent until after the 2011 season, but Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune writes that the Brewers can't afford to wait that long to decide what to do with their slugger. His numbers compare with those of Albert Pujols, Howard and Mark Teixeira, and he's younger than all three.

The Red Sox have agreed to terms with Cuban catcher Adalberto Ibarra on a five-year deal worth $4.3 million, according to reports. He will be placed on the team's 40-man roster once the contract becomes official. Boston doesn't have a catcher under contract for the 2011 season and they have struggled defensively at the position this season.

The Rays have signed utility-man Ben Zobrist to a five-year contract extension. The first three years of the extension are guaranteed with the team holding options for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, which will cover Zobrist's first two years of free agency. He hit .297 with 27 home runs and 91 RBIs in 2009.

Derrek Lee is in the final year of his contract and the Cubs aren't interested in discussing a possible extension. Lee's agent, Casey Close, told ESPN's Jayson Stark that when he approached Chicago about a long-term deal their response was: "Let's see how this year plays out." The Cubs aren't against extensions, but Lee is 35 and will make $13 million in 2010.

Russ Ortiz has chosen to become a free agent after being designated for assignment over the weekend. The Dodgers said the right-hander opted out on Thursday. They had cut the 35-year-old right on Sunday. The Dodgers purchased Ortiz's contract from Triple-A Albuquerque on April 5. He was 0-1 with a 10.29 ERA in six games.

The Cubs could sign pitcher Braden Looper, according to sources. "Sources: Free-agent RHP Braden Looper threw today for #Cubs in Chicago. Willing to be flexible on role if Cubs want him. #MLB," Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports wrote on his Twitter page.

The Giants aren't interested in adding free-agent outfielder Jermaine Dye, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Dye's asking price and his defense are the main sticking points. He turned down an offer from the Nationals earlier this year.