May 2006 - Baseball Wiretap

Wells Still Prefers Diego

San Diego Union-Tribune

Benson On The Move To Baltimore?
The Mets, in a revitalized push to trade Kris Benson, are in serious discussions with the Orioles about shipping him to Baltimore, most likely for reliever Jorge Julio.

Newsday

Smoltz 'Ecstatic' About Arm Off Elbow Operations
John Smoltz is "ecstatic'' about the way his arm feels after the first two weeks of his offseason throwing program.

CNNSI.com

Cuba Free To Play In WBC

ESPN

Chacon Hoping To Avoid Arbitration

NY Daily News

Boston Still After Crisp
Top prospect Andy Marte would most likely have to be dealt to acquire Coco Crisp. Another rumor as Steve Finley coming over in a deal for David Wells.

Boston Globe

Epstein Back In Beantown
Theo Epstein and Red Sox management issued a joint statement Thursday saying he will return to the organization full-time.

Associated Press

Arroyo Gives Boston A Hometown Discount
Bronson Arroyo took a hometown discount from the Red Sox on Thursday, agreeing to a three-year contract worth about $11.2 million.

AP

Owners Approve Sale Of Reds

AP

Baldelli Might Be Back From Elbow Surgery In Time For Opening Day

ESPN

Dodgers Coming Into Molina Picture With The Price Tag In Freefall
Bengie Molina's price tag has dropped so far that the Dodgers are interested in signing him for one year, multiple sources said Wednesday.

LA Times

Arroyo Close To Long-Term Deal Against Advice
Bronson Arroyo, in an apparent show of allegiance to the Red Sox, is extremely close to overriding the advice of his agent and agreeing to a three-year contract.

Boston Globe

Mets Sign Versatile Japanese Pitcher

AP

Soriano Looking For $12 Million From Nationals
Alfonso Soriano, who made $7.5 million last year, submitted a proposed salary of $12 million, while the Nationals countered with an offer of $10 million.

Washington Post

Contreras Won't Sign Long-Term Deal

Daily Southtown

Oakland Continues To Monitor Thomas

SF Chronicle

Zambrano, Prior And Pierre Appear Headed For Arbitration
When the deadline came Tuesday for both sides to exchange proposed 2006 salaries, Carlos Zambrano had a $1.2 million difference with the club and Mark Prior only a $700,000 gap.

Chicago Sun-Times

Pavano Optimistic About 2006

Hartford Courant

Finally A Decision For A-Rod On WBC
Alex Rodriguze flip-flopped many times between the Dominican Republic and United States, before finally making up his mind Tuesday night.

ESPN

Astros Avoid Arbitration On Lidge And Wheeler

ESPN

Blue Jays Ink Lilly To $4 Million Deal

AP

Giles Avoids Arbitration

AP

Marquis Agrees To One-Year $5.15 Million Deal

Yahoo!

ARod Finds Himself On Dominican WBC Roster

AP

Zambrano, Mets Agree On One Year Contract

AP

Schneider Agrees To $16 Million Over Four Years
Catcher Brian Schneider agreed to a $16 million, four-year contract with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration.

AP

Texas Gives Teixeira Big Raise, Avoids Arbitration

AP

Jays Still Talking To Molina
It's believed the Blue Jays don't want to go above $4 million for Bengie Molina in order to stay within their payroll constraints.

The Globe and Mail

Prior, Zambrano Close In On Arbitration

Chicago Sun-Times

Lackey Signs One-Year Deal With Angels

AP