Not much out there today.
T.R. Sullivan talks about the Rangers' offseason outfield efforts, saying that Texas offered 5 years, $75 million to Torii Hunter, a number which was about what folks were projecting would be necessary to sign Hunter. Sullivan also runs down some other possibilities:
Mike Cameron could be a more viable option for a shorter contract. He'll start next season with a 25-game suspension because he tested positive for a banned stimulant but that hasn't kept the Rangers from expressing interest.
"The outfield in general, we would like to find a long-term fit for us," Daniels said. "I'm not sure we will or how that will play out. But we have capable in-house options if we don't find the right fit."
Marlon Byrd and David Murphy are the internal center-field candidates and the Rangers would be satisfied to go with them if they can upgrade on the corners. That's why they're interested in Fukudome, who can play all three positions but would likely be considered for a corner spot with Texas. There are reports though that Fukudome may stay in Japan.
Jose Guillen is the best free-agent corner outfielder and he hit .290 with 23 home runs and 99 RBIs for the Mariners last year. But he also has played with eight teams in the past nine years, and that can raise a red flag.
Trade talks are ongoing. The Rangers are among a number of teams who have talked to the Red Sox about Coco Crisp and they have talked to the Tampa Bay Rays regarding Rocco Baldelli. But his health is a serious question mark. They have asked the Kansas City Royals about David DeJesus but have been told he's not available.
The Angels may move Reggie Willits after adding Hunter. The Rangers like Willits as a leadoff hitter but aren't sure he's a front-line outfielder. The Rangers have minimal interest in Scott Podsednik, who was let go by the White Sox earlier this week, and don't seem him as a center fielder.
The New York Mets, among other teams, have interest in catcher Gerald Laird but don't appear willing to give up one of their top young outfielders, either Carlos Gomez or Felix Martinez. They may talk about some of their young pitching -- either Mike Pelfrey or Philip Humber -- so look for the Mets and the Rangers to have further discussions.
And Buster Olney says execs around baseball are stunned by the money the ChiSox gave to Scott Linebrink. One exec is quoted as being stunned that they were willing to give up a first round pick, as well, although the ChiSox are only giving up a 2nd rounder, by virtue of their poor 2007...