July 2008 - Baseball Wiretap

Burnett Leaning Towards Yankees?
The Yankees have emerged as the clear front-runner for free-agent right-hander A.J. Burnett, according to major-league sources.

FoxSports

Yankees Re-Enter Teixeira Derby
Are the Yankees capable of walking away from this offseason with CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira?

SI.com

Farnsworth Signs With Kansas City
Kyle Farnsworth has agreed to a two-year, $9.25 million contract.

MLB.com

Arizona Signs Felipe Lopez
The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to sign infielder Felipe Lopez to a $3.5-million, one-year contract.

SI.com

Lugo For Byrnes Being Discussed
Steve Phillips of ESPN reported early Thursday morning that the Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks are discussing a trade involving shortstop Julio Lugo and outfielder Eric Byrnes.

Press Herald

Yankees Send Cabrera To Brewers For Cameron
Mike Cameron will patrol center field at the new Yankee Stadium.

New York Daily News

Putz Traded To Mets
J.J. Putz will set up Francisco Rodriguez for the Mets.

New York Daily News

Boston Getting Closer With Teixeira
The Red Sox are making progress in their efforts to sign free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, according to a major-league source.

FoxSports

Cubs Trying To Acquire Chone Figgins
The Chicago Cubs have made trade inquiries about third baseman Chone Figgins.

Los Angeles Times

Putz To Mets, F. Gutierrez To Seattle In Possible 3-Way Deal?
J.J. Putz could be headed to the Mets in a three-team trade with the Mariners and Indians, according to major-league sources.

FoxSports

Grading The Deal: Yankees 'Finally' Land Sabathia
CC Sabathia just became the richest pitcher ever, and he did so with a level of class and character that will help the Yankees even when he isn't pitching.

Christopher Reina/RealGM

Detroit Set To Acquire Edwin Jackson
The Detroit Tigers are set to acquire right-hander Edwin Jackson from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Matt Joyce.

FoxSports

Pirates And Phillies Swap Catchers
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired catcher Jason Jaramillo from Philadelphia in exchange for catcher Ronny Paulino.

RealGM Staff Report

Royals Claim Cuevas Off Waivers From Braves
The Royals on Wednesday claimed RHP Jairo Cuevas on outright waivers from the Braves.

RealGM Staff Report

CC To Make 52 Percent Of Rays' Payroll
If rumors are true that CC Sabathia has agreed to a seven-year deal with the Yankees worth $160 million, he will average a salary of more than $22.8 million annually.

Andrew Perna/RealGM

Brewers: No Deals In Works Involving Fielder
Brewers' general manager Doug Melvin claims that there are no trade offers on the table for either Prince Fielder or J.J. Hardy.

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

No Competition For Dodgers To Sign Manny?
The Dodgers appear to lead the race to sign free-agent slugger Manny Ramirez, who hasn't generated nearly as much interest as was expected.

Los Angeles Daily News

Shortstop Izturis, Orioles Agree On Deal
The Orioles have signed free-agent shortstop Cesar Izturis to a deal reportedly worth $6 million over two years.

ESPN

Reports: Lefty Embree To Join Rockies
The Denver Post and MLB.com are reporting that the Rockies have signed left-handed reliever Alan Embree to a one-year deal.

ESPN

Source: Peavy To Cubs Has Hurdles
Jake Peavy may still wind up as a Cub, but if that trade goes down, it reportedly won't happen during the winter meetings.

ESPN

Sabathia Can Opt Out After Third Year
CC Sabathia will receive an opt-out clause after three years, which was a prerequisite for him to sign with any team, not just the Yankees, according to a source.

FoxSports

Cardinals Offer Anikel For Putz
The Tigers are interested in J.J. Putz, and the Cardinals have offered center fielder Rick Ankiel and a prospect, according to a rival general manager.

FoxSports

Nationals Could Offer Teixeira $200M Over 10 Years
The Nationals and Orioles are both willing to pay Mark Teixeira $20 million per season.

Los Angeles Times

Boston Could Sign John Smoltz
John Smoltz is throwing and thinks he will be ready early next season.

ESPN

Giants Already Know Their Lineup For 2009?
Pablo Sandoval is currently projected as the Giants' third place hitter.

San Francisco Chronicle

Yanks Up Offer To $161M Over 7 Years, Sabathia Accepts
While a deal is not done, the source said there are "zero major road blocks" that would prevent the Yankees from an reaching agreement with CC Sabathia.

ESPN

Mets Open To Pedro's Return
The Mets are still open to re-signing Pedro Martinez despite spending a pretty penny on closer Francisco Rodriguez.

MLB.com

McLouth, Doumit, Maholm Offered Extensions
The Pirates have initiated talks with three players -- center fielder Nate McLouth, catcher Ryan Doumit, and pitcher Paul Maholm -- regarding long-term contract extensions.

Post-Gazette

Burrell's Agent Says Phils Not Interested
Pat Burrell may prefer to remain with the Phillies, but his agent claims that the veteran left fielder will almost certainly will be playing elsewhere in 2009.

Courier Post

Torre Pitches To Pettitte; Boston Interested
Andy Pettitte is still talking with the Yankees about a contract, but the Dodgers and Red Sox have entered the race, as well.

New York Daily News