Players Mov'in the news

Mike Lamb-3B-Brewers Dec. 8 5:38 pm et

The Brewers are working to re-sign free agent Mike Lamb, MLB.com reports.

Lamb barely played after joining the Brewers on Sept. 5, going 3-for-11 the rest of the way, so it's something of a surprise that Milwaukee wants him back. Because Lamb is already getting $3 million in 2009 after the Twins cut him in the first year of a two-year deal, finding a team that will give him playing time should be his priority. In Milwaukee, he'd stand to compete with Bill Hall for starts at third.
Source: Hot Stove Blog


Erik Bedard-S-Mariners Dec. 8 5:34 pm et

Erik Bedard (shoulder) received the green light to begin a throwing program, MLB.com reports.

The favorable report should be enough to ensure that Bedard is tendered a contract before the Friday deadline. The Mariners could actually have an excess of pitching if Bedard is ready for the season. They have Brandon Morrow, Jarrod Washburn, Carlos Silva, Ryan Rowland-Smith and Miguel Batista to go along with Felix Hernandez and Bedard.
Source: Mariners.mlb.com


A.J. Burnett-S-Blue Jays Dec. 8 5:30 pm et

According to ESPN's Steve Phillips, indications are that the Braves and A.J. Burnett are moving closer to a deal.

Peter Gammons seems to think the same thing, though there are no quotes anywhere to back it up. The Cardinals' reported interest has failed to materialize, and it looks like Atlanta's four-year offer with a vesting option for a fifth year is the best proposal on the table.
Source: ESPN.com


Jerome Williams-S-Athletics Dec. 8 5:28 pm et

Athletics signed RHP Jerome Williams to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

Williams got off to a really nice start in Puerto Rico this winter, but he had struggled over his last three starts and is now 1-3 with a 5.04 ERA and just 14 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings. He had a 3.25 ERA in five starts and eight relief appearances in the Dodger system last season. He'll probably be a part of Triple-A Sacramento's rotation.

J.J. Putz-R-Mariners Dec. 8 5:19 pm et

Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times believes a J.J. Putz-to-Detroit deal could get done.

The Tigers are pretty short on talent to trade for someone who would be as sought after as Putz would be if put on the open market Baker believes the Mariners would have interest in Jeff Larish, but he's more of a No. 2 player in a Putz-type deal. Seattle would need to get a bigger talent along with Larish. The Indians have more to offer, and at $5.5 million for 2009, Putz is cheap enough that a team like the Red Sox or Yankees could potentially target him as a setup man.
Source: Seattle Times



CC Sabathia-S-Brewers Dec. 8 5:06 pm et

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said it's "a possibility" the Dodgers could make an offer to free agent CC Sabathia.

Sabathia reportedly told Colletti he "wants to be a Dodger" in a chance meeting Sunday night. The speculation has long been that he'd prefer to join the Dodgers or Giants if the money is there.
Source: Hot Stove Blog


David Eckstein-SS-Diamondbacks Dec. 8 5:03 pm et

According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, free agent David Eckstein is drawing interest from five teams, most of which want him as a second baseman.

He doesn't name the teams, though he speculates that Baltimore and San Diego have openings at shortstop for him. The Orioles are known to prefer Cesar Izturis.
Source: FOXSports.com