MLB Hot Stove

Here is a look at the MLB rumors circulating today...

- Daniel Barbarisi of The Providence Journal says the Red Sox and Varitek are on their way to signing a 2 year deal. No word for how much. Varitek was rumored to be looking for a four-year deal worth $40 million deal, but if his stock has sunk low enough for a two year deal, the Sox will probably jump on it.

- The Braves seem to be going after Jon Garland. I think that would be a good guy from them to grab, since he always seemed like an NL pitcher to me, and he can really eat up some innings.

- Derek Lowe laughed at the Mets three years and $36 million offer. He is looking to make at least 16 million a year, and wants at least 3 years.

- The Rangers are keeping an eye on Manny Ramirez. I don't take that report seriously, and the Rangers should really be focusing on their awful pitching.

- The Dodgers are rumored to be pursuing a trade for Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis. No actual trades have been offered yet.

- According to Sportsline "that Marlins-Red Sox conversation about Hanley Ramirez? Lasted 20 seconds, and took place a week before Thanksgiving. And that was for a package including Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury". Funny how information comes out.

- **UPDATE** "According to Ken Rosenthal, the Rays are close to signing Pat Burrell to a two-year, $16MM deal. It'd be a solid move, as the Rays can increase his value by not using him in the field. The '08 Rays struggled against lefties (.726 OPS) and Burrell crushes them (.952 OPS in '08) (Sportsline)." This would be a great move for the Rays, since the contract isn't too long, and he can be used as a DH.

**UPDATE** Rays have signed Burrell

-BMack