Various interesting tidbits from around baseball:

 

* The general managers meetings are this week in Key Biscayne, Fla., and rumors are again floating about the Pirates trading catcher Jason Kendall to San Diego. Reportedly, the Padres are offering first baseman/outfielder Ryan Klesko. Klesko has two years and $16 million left on his contract and Kendall has three years and $34 million remaining on his deal.

 

*One pitcher who intrigues them (Cleveland) is Esteban Loaiza, who won 21 games with the White Sox in 2003. He fell to 10-7 this year, getting traded from Chicago to the Yankees."

 

*The representatives for Red Sox closer Keith Foulke, meanwhile, told one autograph- show promoter he would want $10,000 per hour to appear. Life is good for the curse-breakers.

 

*If and when the Diamondbacks arrange a deal for Randy Johnson, expect the lefthander to ask for an extension to his current contract, which runs through 2005. Given that he's 41, he'll take a deal for 2006 -- for about the $16 million he currently makes -- in return for waiving his no-trade clause.

 

*Friends (of his, not ours) say Jon Lieber was peeved that the Yankees didn't pick up his $8- million option for 2005. We can't blame him. Now that Lieber is just another free agent, look for him to wind up elsewhere. Perhaps a reunion with the Cubs?

 

*It's a real mess in Arizona and figures to get worse as the winter wears on. With the re-signing of Richie Sexson (for whom they gave Milwaukee six players) looking more and more unlikely, the D-Backs would seem to have no choice but to trade Randy Johnson and get whatever they can for him. The Cardinals, with a surplus of young, inexpensive pitching talent in Rick Ankiel, Danny Haren and Kiko Calero, look to be the best bet.

 

*The Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers all are among the teams believed to have interest in Varitek, and each has the resources to make a legitimate bid, even with the Rangers having downsized in the post-Alex Rodriguez era.

 

*If/when the Yankees get Beltran, they will look to move Kenny Lofton. The Phillies will be the first team they call... The Phils could also trade for a starter and will keep an eye on what the Yankees do with Kevin Brown."

Lieber or Odalis Perez for that 3rd starter. Just do it Kenny.

Lieber or Odalis Perez for that 3rd starter. Just do it Kenny.

I like that Lieber idea too. In fact, I like it better than trading PK, JG and prospects for Randy Johnson. Especially if he wants another year at $16 million taked on to his contract.

I like that Lieber idea too.  In fact, I like it better than trading PK, JG and prospects for Randy Johnson.  Especially if he wants another year at $16 million taked on to his contract.

Exactly. I've heard Lieber could be had for only $5 or $6 million. He's really pissed at the Yankees for not picking up his option, and it looks like he won't go back there. Perez wouldn't be a bad idea either depending on the price, he's a very solid lefty who would fit in well to our rotation as well.

Jon Lieber would be a prefect fit.

How would you guys feel about giving Lofton another try. He could lead off for us and since they have to make room for Beltran he will be given away for peanuts.

I would take Lieber over Perez. But our defense would have to get better Lieber gets a lot of outs on the Ground. Yes SIGN LIEBER. Typical pitcher for the cell

No thanks to Kenny Lofton. Lofton's effort is extremely spotty, yet he has no problem cashing those paychecks regularly.

IMO, it makes the Yankees look STUPID to pay Lieber to get healthy and then after he comes back and pitches well, they decline his option and try to cheap him.

Makes me wonder why they made that deal in the first place.

As I said in earlier threads, I'd LOVE to see Jon Lieber on the White Sox.

He's not Randy Johnson, but all he'd cost is money.

The general managers meetings are this week in Key Biscayne, Fla., and rumors are again floating about the Pirates trading catcher Jason Kendall to San Diego. Reportedly, the Padres are offering first baseman/outfielder Ryan Klesko. Klesko has two years and $16 million left on his contract and Kendall has three years and $34 million remaining on his deal.

If the Padres do that, why not look at acquiring Ramon Hernandez.

A couple of former Sox linked to the Mets:

 

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. -- The New York Mets hired two special assistants Tuesday, getting former major leaguer Tony Bernazard from the players' union and grabbing Sandy Johnson from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

 

 

New general manager Omar Minaya made the moves, adding to a crowded front office. The Mets already have former GM Jim Duquette and assistant John Ricco, along with special advisers Al Goldis and Bill Livesy, and they're all staying on.

 

 

"Everybody will have a responsibility," Minaya said. "I do have a plan that everybody is going to have a job description."

 

 

Bernazard and Johnson will spend much of their time as talent evaluators. The Mets and first-time manager Willie Randolph still have to fill out a staff, with Sandy Alomar Jr., Rudy Jaramillo and Manny Acta in the mix to become coaches.

 

 

 

I find it interesting that Sandy is considering coaching. Apparently, after sniffing around the majors, there wasn't enough interest in him as a player.