Alex Rios and the Blue Jays have extended their talks on a six-year contract extension that could be worth about $64 million, according to the Associated Press. Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi said on Monday that he will extend the discussions a few more days. "We're too close to let it get away at this point," Ricciardi said, "so we'll extend it a little bit longer. Like I said, if I didn't think we were close there would be nothing to talk about but we're too close so we'll just keep talking." The deal could include a 2015 option that would increase it's worth to $76 million. The two parties have more time to negotiate, with the Blue Jays' 2008 Season Opener in New York pushed back to Tuesday due to rain.

The Blue Jays and outfielder Alex Rios are inching closer to agreeing on the terms of long-term a contract extension, according to the Globe And Mail. "It looks better today than it did yesterday," Paul Kinzer, Rios's agent, said Sunday. "It has to get done," Kinzer added. "Both sides want it done before the opener." The Blue Jays will kick off their season early Monday afternoon against the Yankees.

The Brewers have made long-term contract offers to both Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun but don't appear optimistic about reaching agreements anything soon, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. "We are having a number of discussions with our young players and their agents, and we'll see where it goes," team owner Mark Attanasio said. "From their standpoint, they're all young and in the upswing of their careers. They're not in any rush, and if I were 23, I'd probably not be in any rush, either," he added.

Contract negotiations between Alex Rios and the Toronto Blue Jays have hit a stalemate, according to the Toronto Sun. "The deal is there," general manager J.P. Ricciardi said. "It's up to them." Toronto is offering Rios $65 million over six seasons. If Rios doesn't accept the offer by opening day, then extension talks will no longer be a priority for the club. RealGM Note: Rios 'deserved' to make $10.5 million in 2007 and has been Toronto's most consistent hitter over the past couple of seasons.

The Reds will cut veteran pitcher Mike Stanton on Monday, according to MLB.com. "That was the probably the toughest one I've ever had to do," Manager Dusty Baker said. "He just got back from a family emergency, and [you] find out you're out of a job."

Miguel Cabrera got $140 million over seven years from the Tigers, which leads many to believe that Matt Holliday is worth just as much, according to the Denver Post. The two have similar statistics and big-league experience. "I don't know if I am comparable or not, or how it will affect me," Holliday said. "I am happy with my two-year ($23 million) contract right now." "There will be certain things that we can do in our market and certain things we can't do. Eventually we will make a very competitive offer. If that's not good enough, we understand," Colorado GM Dan O'Dowd said.

The Blue Jays and outfielder Alex Rios are closing in on a long-term deal, according to the Toronto Star. The two sides have reportedly been in discussions since October on a deal that is now rumored to be worth $65 million over six years. The aforementioned deal could also have an option for a seventh year and wouldn't take effect until 2009. "If it were done, I'd tell you ... but we're still talking," GM J.P. Ricciardi said. RealGM Note: Rios 'deserved' to make $10.5 million in 2007, giving him a Reina Value of +314%.

Claudio Vargas has reportedly cleared waivers and could become the fifth starter in the Mets' rotation, according to the New York Post. The right-hander was released by the Brewers on Tuesday, and GM Omar Minaya hinted that the team has strong interest in him. "That's a good name," Minaya said. "We're going to take a close look at him."

The White Sox are not interested in signing free-agent power slugger Barry Bonds, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "He can't play for me," Manager Ozzie Guillen said. "First of all, we have a DH. Second, my club goes by the rules - all 25 guys."

The Twins and reliever Joe Nathan are closer to a contract than ever before, according to the Pioneer Press. "We're closer than we thought we were," Nathan said after his agent met with Minnesota GM Bill Smith earlier this week. "They had very good talk. Things are headed in a good direction right now," Nathan said Thursday. "We feel very optimistic." Nathan claims that he does not want to negotiate during the season, which gives the two parties just 10 days to agree on a deal.