May 2008 - Baseball Wiretap

Baltimore Looking At Coste To Fill Void
The Orioles are looking for a veteran catcher to serve as a bridge to top prospect Matt Wieters, and are looking at Chris Coste.

Yahoo!

Manny Almost A Yankee, Says Dominican Media
A report out of the Dominican Republic claims that the Yankees are close to a deal with Manny Ramirez, but GM Brian Cashman has denied the rumors.

MLB.com

CC's Deal Means Webb Is Close To Payday?
With the Yankees having signed CC Sabathia to a contract in the same realm as Johan Santana's, Diamondbacks' ace Brandon Webb appears to be in line for a rather large payday.

Arizona Republic

Mariners Could Start Two Catchers?
For the first time in years, the Mariners could put two catchers in their starting lineup next season.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Burrell Could Become Tampa Bay's DH?
The Rays are talking to free agent Pat Burrell about coming to Tampa to fill their DH spot.

SI.com

Pirates Buy Up Doumit's Arbitration Years
It is believed Ryan Doumit's deal could be worth a total value of $20 million over four years or $30 million over five years.

ESPN

Angels Pull Out Of Teixeira Chase
The Angels confirmed to MLB.com on Sunday night that they have pulled out of the bidding for free agent Mark Teixeira's services.

MLB.com

Boras Spoke With Yankees Last Week About Teixeira?
Yankees' general manager Brian Cashman reportedly spoke with Mark's Teixeira's agent Scott Boras last week.

MLB.com

Ricciardi Doubts How Burnett Will Fare In New York
Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi will be monitoring how A.J. Burnett does with the Yankees, and admitted some doubt that he'll be able to handle New York.

New York Post

Manny Telling Friends Yankees Will Offer 3-Year Deal
Free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez has reportedly been telling close friends that the Yankees are prepared to offer him a three-year contract.

Yahoo!

D-Backs, Red Sox To Discuss Byrnes Deal?
The Diamondbacks and Red Sox could soon revive talks on a trade involving outfielder Eric Byrnes.

Yahoo!

Looper Close To Signing With Brewers
Reliever Braden Looper is reportedly close to signing with the Brewers after he was not offered arbitration by the Cardinals.

Yahoo!

Rangers Won't Contend Until 2010?
Management in Texas has been hesitant to put a timetable on when they expect to contend in the American League again, but recent comments indicate that it won't be for another season.

Star-Telegram

Pirates Could Move Alvarez Up Ladder Quickly
If the Pirates are happy with what they see in Pedro Alvarez this coming spring, he could make his way to Pittsburgh much faster than originally planned.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Yankees Now A 'Serious Player' For Teixeira?
With the Red Sox wavering in their pursuit of free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, the rival Yankees have reportedly become serious players in the race.

New York Post

Teixeira's Decision Could Come Soon
Mark Teixeira's decision could come soon, and a baseball source claims that the Red Sox are leading the race.

MLB.com

Crosby Clears Outright Waivers
Athletics' shortstop Bobby Crosby has cleared outright waivers, which means he'll remain with the team for now.

MLB.com

Nats, Cabrera Agree To One-Year Deal
The Nationals and pitcher Daniel Cabrera have agreed to terms on a one-year deal, according to baseball sources.

MLB.com

Pettitte's Return To Yankees 'Inevitable'
Andy Pettitte's return to the Yankees now appears to be "inevitable" as the two sides work out a monetary figure for a new contract.

MLB.com

Oakland Turns Their Attention Towards Giambi
The Athletics are poised to begin talks with free agent Jason Giambi, who won the 2001 AL MVP award while with Oakland.

San Francisco Chronicle

Damon Helped Yanks Land CC Too?
Johnny Damon famously made recruiting calls to A.J. Burnett before the free agent pitcher signed with the Yankees, but it has been reported that he had a role in CC Sabathia's signing, as well.

New York Post

Sabathia Gets $9.5M From Yanks Already
CC Sabathia will receive $9.5 million from the Yankees before he even throws his first pitch in pinstripes.

ESPN

Phillies' Howard, Hamels, Lidge To Skip WBC
A trio of Phillies have reportedly declined an offer to play for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.

ESPN

Officially Re-Signed, Furcal Denies Braves' Charges
Shortstop Rafael Furcal has officially re-signed with the Dodgers and remains adamant about denying reports that he had agreed to a deal with the Braves.

Los Angeles Times

FCC Receives 26 Complaints About Utley F-Bomb
At a rally at Citizens Bank Park after the Phillies' Oct. 31 championship parade, Chase Utley leaned into a microphone and used the f-word when exclaiming that the team was the "World Champions."

York Dispatch

Angels: 'We're In The Game' For Teixeira
The Angels have heard the rumors that the Red Sox might be out of the race to sign Mark Teixeira, and are making it known that they are still a contender.

Los Angeles Times

Phillies Aren't Talking Extension With Howard
Phillies' first baseman Ryan Howard won't become a free agent until after the 2011 season and has avoided talk about a possible extension but admitted that nothing has been discussed.

Philadelphia Daily News

Rivera Agrees With Angels On Three-Year Deal
Free-agent outfielder Juan Rivera is returning to the Angels with a $12.75 million, three-year contract, the team announced Friday.

ESPN

Wilson: Pirates Need More Players To Compete
Shortstop Jack Wilson now wants to play for the Pirates in 2009, but believes that the team needs more talent to contend.

ESPN

Sources: Teixeira Deal Would Take $184M
Red Sox executives returned from negotiations with Mark Teixeira's representatives on Thursday believing that it'll take upwards of $184 million to land the slugger.

ESPN