MLB Trade Rumors

Article first found at Boston Sox Journalism .

While Cubs GM Jim Hendry continues to insist that Carlos Zambrano isn't available, rumors to the contrary continue to surface.

The New York Post seems to think that Zambrano is readily available.

Sherman wrote today in the New York Post that "two AL officials say the Cubs are definitely dangling Zambrano," while acknowledging Zambrano's unwillingness to approve a trade.

According to internet speculation, the Seattle Mariners are willing to at least explore the idea of moving prized young starter "King" Felix Hernandez this winter. The thinking is that they may not be able to lock him up long-term.

And, well, the M's just happen to be in need of a third baseman—assuming Adrian Beltre doesn't return. Meanwhile, the Mets desperately need pitching.

It's a match made in heaven, right? I mean, neither player has a no-trade clause.

Tim Dierkes of MLBTraderumors.com is reporting that the Giants are close to a deal with utility man Mark DeRosa.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal tweeted around 12:45 Monday afternoon that DeRosa and the Giants were nearing a two-year agreement worth $12 million. 

Whispers wandered around the web earlier this week that the New York Yankees had called the Chicago Cubs to inquire about the availability of the Cubs' ace, Carlos Zambrano. A lot has been written already about that potential marriage, so I won't waste a lot of space on it other than to mention it as a foundation for the discussion I'm about to begin.

Who hates the Yankees? Okay, everyone outside of New York. But the hatred is especially deep in Boston, where the rival Red Sox watched the Bronx Bombers spend a billion dollars to buy a World Series championship in 2009.

The recent reports suggesting that the Bronx Bombers were interested in at least exploring a trade with the Cubs for Big Z has left me wondering, once again, just what the hell Jim Hendry is thinking.

True, Zambrano has a full no-trade clause and hasn't expressed any willingness to relinquish it, but for Hendry to not even entertain the idea, if true, is stupid.

I, along with roughly 75 percent of the Braves fan base, was quite taken aback when I fired up the old Blackberry this morning and realized that Atlanta was in serious discussions with the Yankees about Javier Vazquez.

Perplexed may be the best word for how I felt when the deal was finalized.

The Braves traded their best starter from 2008 for outfielder Melky Cabrera (a career .270 hitter), a left-handed rookie pitcher in Mike Dunn, and a prospect. Hardly seems like the Braves got the better of the deal.

In the mood for a nice tease, but don't feel like dropping by the bank to get some singles and let the wife know about your "very important work project?"

Go to ESPN.com and click on the rumor central area. Or, mlbrtraderumors.com.

Same old blood rush without the touch.

In reality, the baseball season never ends.

Tonight on SportsCenter: The Yankees have JUST won the 2009 World Series!

Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings have officially come to a close.

What we saw this week was a lot of talking and very little action from most teams, but a few intrepid general managers forged headlong into the free agent market, essentially setting the bar for all free agent signings that will follow.

Additionally, we saw a handful of teams able to strike deals with the intent of improving their fortunes heading into next season.

As is often the case, much of the winter’s action will happen in the weeks between the Winter Meetings’ conclusion and the opening days of Spring Training.

One of the hottest rumors flying around Thursday at baseball's Winter Meetings is that the Boston Red Sox have agreed to trade third baseman Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers for minor league catcher Max Ramirez.

Lowell, who has dealt with numerous injuries over the past few seasons, is set to make $12 million in 2010, while Ramirez's salary is substantially less; Ramirez made $402,000 last year.