@Ken_Rosenthal: Sources: #Yankees in serious discussions with Ibanez. He is willing to take less to play for them than he could get elsewhere.

What surprises me the most about this tweet is how Raul is willing to take less money to play for the Bombers. I guess he knows if he’s not in Philadelphia the team that gives him the best chance to win in 2012 is the Yankees. Especially when you consider he’s a perfect fit in that stadium with the short porch.

Only thing else I have to say is Brian Cashman – Git RRRRRR Done!

“I think it will be helpful; I do,” Girardi said at Modell’s Sporting Goods in Times Square. “I think we’ve had a good offseason; I think Brian has done a really good job this offseason in what he’s done. But I think it’s important to our club that you add that other bat. The American League is going to be tough.” (MLB.com)

The three main names that have been thrown out so far are Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Raul Ibanez. With the first two holding a place in many fans hearts you’d have to wonder how Ibanez has any chance. All along I’ve said the Yankees shouldn’t live in the past and if there’s a better option then they should exercise it. Thankfully it looks like that one of them won’t be handed a roster spot.

“When you think about Raul Ibanez, he has had success wherever he has [gone],” Girardi said. “There could be other things that could happen; I can’t tell you it is going to be one of those three guys, or anyone. But obviously, we know they know how to play here.”

…

“Obviously, we know what Johnny and Matty have meant to this organization over the years, and how they’ve been successful in New York,” Girardi said. “I’m curious to see how it is all going to shake out.” (MLB.com)

In my opinion the best option would be Raul Ibanez. He struggled in 2011 but still hit 20 homers with the Philadelphia Phillies. I have no doubts in my mind that he can reach that number in Yankees Stadium, remember Citizens Bank Park is just as much a hitters park as the Stadium.

He’d also form a nice platoon at the DH position with Andruw Jones on days that Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixiera and Derek Jeter aren’t getting breathers. See Ibanez can’t hit lefties anymore while Jones still mashes them, sounds like a good match to me.

Like Joe said it will be interesting to see how this plays out. All three can provide a spark to the lineup but we know Cashman’s preference is to trade for a hitter not sign one.

@jcrasnick: The Scutaro trade frees up some $$ for #RedSox to make an “aggressive bid” for Roy Oswalt, said a baseball source

By trading Scutaro the Sox freed up $6 million which could be all they need to land Roy. Oswalt is said to be looking for a one-year deal worth around $8 million. The asking price isn’t too bad considering his injury history and only starting 23 games in 2011.

Jerry Crasnick brought up one good question earlier this evening regarding this rumor.

@jcrasnick: If #RedSox wanted to free up $$ for a run at Oswalt, why have they already signed Padilla, Silva, Cook and Andrew Miller?

My answer would be the other guys are all cheap, throw a dart and hope you get a bullseye type. You know Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon types that the New York Yankees struck gold with last year.

I’d say the Sox brought them in hopes they can find a starter as they weren’t sure if they could free up the money for a solid starter like Oswalt.

Can’t blame them for covering their asses. If they bring in Oswalt and strike gold then they’ve got some good depth in their rotation. Even if no minor league deal works out they’d have a serious upgrade if Roy is brought in.

Veteran free-agent righthander Roy Oswalt would be an excellent veteran presence in Boston’s starting rotation, and even though the Red Sox are aware that Oswalt would be open to a one-year deal, he still appears to be out of Boston’s price range.

The Sox may have competition from the Yankees on Oswalt, who is also being eyes by the St. Louis Cardinals, where Oswalt would love to pitch. (Nick Cafardo – Boston Globe)

I’m not surprised that Oswalt would “love” to pitch for the defending Major League champions. He had the taste of pitching in a superstar rotation last year and pitched quite well in the fourth spot with no pressure. In St. Louis he’d most likely enjoy the same luxury thanks to Cris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Jaime Garcia.

The only question in my mind would be will the Cardinals match the dollar figure he’s looking for. If they are I’d expect him in St. Louis and staying put in the National League.

@TroyRenck: Rockies have talked to Brad Lidge’s reps. Lidge will seriously consider Colorado, where he grew up and still has a home.

What’s interesting is this is something that Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports touched upon about ten days ago.

@Ken_Rosenthal: Street trade to #Padres expected to kickstart #Rockies’ pursuit of FA Brad Lidge, a Denver-area native.

With the current closer market and being from Denver I wouldn’t be one bit surprised to see Lidge wind up with the Rockies.

He’s not that big of a homerun threat as many think which means he could be a pretty good fit for this team. He’s only had two seasons where he’s given up more then ten.

In 13 career appearances at Coors Field he’s got a 3.86 earned run average. Yes, for a relief pitcher that’s not that good but remember one or two bad outings skews their stats. What I would look at is the fact that he only has one homer in those appearances. Compared to most pitchers in that park that’s not much.

—-

If he signs with Colorado the question will be what role does he fill? Will he be the closer?

The Rockies have said their going into Spring Training with Betancourt in the role, so you’d assume Lidge would be the setup man. For how long though?

After returning from injury, Brad had a great second half. He finished with a 1.40 ERA over 25 appearances. If he continues to pitch like that and Rafael falters just a little, then Lidge could easily take over. Which is another reason I’m sure he wants to head home.

It’s a place that could offer the opportunity to close.

@ScottMCBSSports: Phillies, Jimmy Rollins continue “dialog” but the sense is that a deal is not close.

The good thing for Phillies is fans is that the team hasn’t set a deadline on an agreement, at least as of yet. Honestly though how could they? There are no other viable options out there.

@ScottMCBSSports: Heard that Phillies so far have not set a deadline on J-Roll. But both sides reaching point where something needs to happen.

If I were the Phillies I’d start pushing to make a deal happen. I know they don’t want to go more then two or three years but like Miller said they’re “reaching point where something needs to happen”. Jayson Stark of ESPN did tweet yesterday that there are other options for Rollins. His first choice may be Philadelphia but I’m sure his mind will change soon if something doesn’t happen.

@jaysonst: Jimmy Rollins’ agent, Dan Lozano, has told #Phillies he’s having dialogue w a 2d team on Rollins. Other clubs believe #Tigers have interest.

Los That Sports Blog – Video: Rajon Rondo’s Off-The-Forehead Alley Oop To Rudy Gay
Guyism – John Elway may not support Tim Tebow, but these girls in bikinis do
Larry Brown Sports – Rather Large Fan Fight Breaks Out During Bruins-Canadiens Game (Video)
Unathletic Mag – Doesn’t Tim Tebow Look a Little Like the Werewolf from Monster Squad?

Camel Clutch Blog – Comic Book Storylines I would like to see play out on WWE Television
Tailgating Ideas – Video: ‘Bama Dancing Grampa
Gunaxin – Thanksgiving Football Fun
Buzz on Broad – Sixers and Hip Hop Part Ways

Moon Dog Sports – Dear Urban Meyer: Please Take The Ohio State Job
Backyard Sports – Twitter Takes Over Mississippi State End Zone
Terez Owens – Phillies and Wives Hit Up Havana Nights
Pro Football Zone – A.J. Smith, Norv Turner Likely Gone After this Season

So the Phillies clearly have some flexibility to add one or even two more significant salaries for 2012. Say, $10 million for Rollins, $10 million for Cuddyer, and then $1.5 million for each bench player or reliever. (High Cheese)

Yeah, the math adds up and they could afford what he’s suggested. Only problem is I don’t see how that can happen. With Jose Reyes set to make between $18 and $20 million, I’m not sure how the Phillies will be able to resign Jimmy Rollins for only $10 million, especially if the deal is less then his desired five years.

Personally, I think the Phillies will wind up having to forget about Cuddyer which is a real shame. I think Cuddyer is the guy who could make their off season complete but they just won’t have the money for it and the reason is there are no other shortstop options.

With the lack of solid talent at the position the Phillies are going to have to spend the money to bring Rollins back, probably $12 to $15 million. Unfortunately after that there won’t be much money left and they still have the need for some bench help and a veteran reliever.

We’ll see though since Ruben Amaro Jr says there’s flexibility.

“A lot of it kind of depends on what happens with Jimmy,” Amaro said. “To answer your question, we do have the flexibility. A lot of it depends on whether we can get to terms. We have some flexibility to do some things still, and hopefully we’ll put the right pieces of the puzzle together.” (High Cheese)

According to sources, Cuddyer toured Citizens Bank Park and had lunch with Phillies officials. He also met with manager Charlie Manuel, who flew in from Florida. (CSN Philly)

CSN reports that the Phillies love his right handed bat and the versatility he’ll bring to the team. I say, no shit who wouldn’t? Especially a team like the Phillies who have nothing but left-handed bats and a couple of pinch-hitters who couldn’t touch the field last season.

Cuddyer is so versatile he can fill in at all of the positions that the Phillies have need in, left field, third base and first base. In addition to that he can also spend some time in right field, shoot he could even play some second base if they need it. All while batting from the RIGHT side, something the Phillies sorely need.

Being able to play so many positions means the Phillies could give Michael four or five starts per week, between platoon situations and just general rest for aging veterans. Which would make his price tag worth their while.

I haven’t seen what he’s looking for financially, just that he wants a three year deal. For a guy whose 33 I can’t blame him. If I was the Phillies I wouldn’t even blink at that, he’s worth it.