June 2009 - Baseball Wiretap

Anaheim Ends Court Fight Vs. Angels
The city of Anaheim is dropping its legal challenges against the name of the Angels.

ESPN

Rickey: I Could Still Lead MLB In Steals
Rickey Henderson was voted into the Hall of Fame earlier this week, but if a team came calling he'd come out of retirement in a heartbeat.

New York Daily News

Rice Turned Down Chance To Play With Yankees
Legendary Red Sox outfielder Jim Rice, who was finally elected to the Hall of Fame on Monday, could have extended his career with the Yankees in 1990, but elected to retire.

Boston Globe

Reds Haven't Spoken With Abreu Recently
The Reds have been looking for an outfielder this offseason, but general manager Walt Jocketty admitted that he hasn't spoken with Bobby Abreu recently.

MLB.com

Uehara Signs 2-Year Deal With Orioles
Koji Uehara finalized a $10 million, two-year contract with the Orioles on Tuesday, making him the first Japanese-born player in franchise history.

ESPN

Yankees' President Subpoenaed Over Stadium
A New York Assembly committee has subpoenaed the Yankees' president as they investigate the use of millions of dollars in public funding to build the new Yankee Stadium.

ESPN

Astros Sign Russ Ortiz
Russ Ortiz underwent Tommy John surgery last season.

Houston Chronicle

Grading The Deal: Braves Finally Get Their Starter In Lowe
The Braves initially wanted Jake Peavy and then A.J. Burnett and have now settled on Derek Lowe for $60 million over four years.

Christopher Reina/RealGM

Lo Duca In Talks With Houston
Paul Lo Duca has been in negotiations with the Astros, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle.

Houston Chronicle

Pirates Sign Craig Monroe
The Pirates today agreed to terms with outfielder Craig Monroe and catcher Miguel Perez on minor league contracts with invitations to spring training.

Post-Gazette

ESPN's Pedro Gomez Casts HOF Vote For Jay Bell
ESPN.com had 11 Hall of Fame voters among its contributors, and they listed each member's votes for the Class of 2009.

ESPN

Lowe Will Sign With Atlanta
Derek Lowe was talking to the Braves about a $60-million, four-year contract.

SI.com

Lowe Leaning Towards Accepting Atlanta's Ofer
Derek Lowe has received a four-year contract offer worth about $60 million from the Braves.

ESPN

Gibbons, Marlins Reach Deal On Contract
The Marlins have reportedly agreed to terms with outfielder Jay Gibbons on a Minor League contract.

Yahoo!

Mets' Minaya: Adding Pitching Is 50/50
Mets' GM Omar Minaya believes that the team's chances of landing another starting pitcher this offseason stand at "50/50".

Yahoo!

Report: Angels Give Scioscia 10-Year Deal
The Angels have reportedly given manager Mike Scioscia a 10-year extension that could keep him with the organization through the 2018 season.

ESPN

Twins, Kubel Discussing 2-Year Deal
The Twins are willing to approach outfielder Jason Kubel about a two-year contract.

Star Tribune

Smoltz: I'll Be A Starter In Boston
John Smoltz says that he will be a starter once he is ready to pitch for the Red Sox after missing most of last season following major shoulder surgery.

Boston Herald

Source: Angels Express Interest In Dye
The Angels are reportedly interested in White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye now that they have officially lost first baseman Mark Teixeira.

Chicago Sun-Times

Mota Agrees To Rejoin Dodgers' Bullpen
Reliever Guillermo Mota has reportedly agreed to the terms of one-year contract to rejoin the Dodgers in the bullpen.

Los Angeles Times

Hardy, Brewers Agree To One-Year Pact
The Brewers and shortstop J.J. Hardy have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal reportedly worth $4.65 million.

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Astros Sign Valverde To One-Year Deal
The Houston Astros announced today that the club has signed right-handed pitcher Jose Valverde to a one-year, $8.0 million contract.

KHOU.com

Giants Willing To Make 4-Year Commitment To Manny Using Options?
Sources told the Boston Globe that the Giants are willing to make a four-year commitment to Manny Ramirez, but in the form of a one-year deal with three options.

Boston Globe

Infante, Braves Agree To Deal
Omar Infante, who started 77 games at five positions for Atlanta last season, agreed Monday to a two-year contract with the Braves.

ESPN

Red Sox Interested In Montero
Whether or not Jason Varitek returns, the Red Sox are reportedly interested in signing free agent catcher Miguel Montero.

MLB.com

GM Expects Young To Be With Rangers
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels expects Michael Young to be with the team in Spring Training, despite the shortstop's trade request.

MLB.com

A-Rod Takes Kate Hudson On Date
Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez appears to be done with Madonna. He was seen out on a date with actress Kate Hudson last week.

New York Post

Braves, Rangers Interested In Ben Sheets?
It is believed that the Braves and Rangers could give free agent pitcher Ben Sheets the type of lengthy contract he wants.

Boston Globe

Could Valentine Return To Rangers?
There is some belief that Rangers' president Nolan Ryan might look to bring former manager Bobby Valentine and pitching coach Tom House back to the organization.

Chicago Tribune

Braves Expected To Make Lowe An Offer
The Braves met with free agent pitcher Derek Lowe last week and are expected to issue him an offer on either Monday or Tuesday.

New York Daily News