-Dexter Sports
11:43 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

It is officially here. The Democrats kicking butt, the Red Sox going after another Japanese arm and the White Sox already talking trade. It surely wouldn't be November without any of these on the radar. Well, enough "Mumbo Jumbo." Let's take a look at some early rumors hitting the Mill today.

• According to the New York Post, The Mets and Rays are in talks about swapping arms. The Mets have some serious interest in either Andy Sonnanstine, Edwin Jackson, or Jeff Neiman. It is thought that the Rays like Aaron Heilman, but feel his value has diminished. With all the depth, I wouldn't be surprised if a hitter is involved. Could a deal be worked out for Jose Reyes? Though it is highly unlikely money wise, Reyes is a good fit for that type of offense. One thing I'm certain on is that Billy Wagner is not an option. After failing with Troy Percival, I do not see the Rays forking money to someone aging and declining in ability. I wouldn't think this is anything close, becuase New York has also looked at White Sox Javier Vazquez to bolster the rotation in absence of Oliver Perez.

• The New York Post is also reporting that free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett is on the Yankee Radar. Well, Duh! Burnett could be a part of a possible three free agent signings at starting pitching. The Yankees have also been rumored to be interested in C.C. Sabathia, and bringing back Andy Pettite. Derek Lowe has also been a favorite of Cashmans, according to the media. hey have a rich history of having older guys respond to New York, (Mike Mussina, David Cone, Dwight Gooden, Roger Clemens) so why not bring in a Greg Maddux, Paul Byrd, Tom Glavine,Kenny Rogers, Freddy Garcia, or Jaime Moyer to fill the 5th spot in the rotation? A one year deal wouldn't hurt, and they have a bunch of depth in AAA. Pardon me, I must of forgot we were talking about the Yankees. They love to spend money.

• Like always, the Chicago White Sox are quick to bolster the trade block. According to the Chicago Tribune, the White Sox are looking to add team speed. One insider says that Kenny Williams is locked on bringing in center fielder Wily Taveras from Colorado. Williams is also rumored to be shopping center fielder Nick Swisher and starting pitcher Javier Vazquez. The Rockies have no interest in either, but would like a young starting pitcher, such as Lance Broadway. If the Rockies did this straight up, it could certaintly be a steal, that adds to the young arms in their organization. If Taveras or Matt Holliday is traded this off-season, expect Olympic center fielder and top prospect Dexter Fowler to man the Coors Field outfield in 2009.

• Could the admitted 'roid user be heading back to Oakland? After the Yankees declined his option for 2009, it seemed very possible. Especially since Billy Beane and company just hired Giambi's personal trainer, Bob Alejo, to be the strength and conditioning director for the upcoming season. Alejo followed Giambi to New York after the 2001 season. This would be a classic Beane signing, and definitely a decision the fans would love. Oakland's love for Giambi is much like San Fransisco's love for Barry Bonds. If he were to come cheap, which I think he could, since he recieved 5 million in his buyout, Beane will be calling. With the right timing, I honestly believe that Giambi can get back those power numbers he lost in New York. Heck, maybe his trainer would have something up his sleeve.

• According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins have contacted the Texas Rangers about young catcher Max Ramirez. Stockpiled with catchers, the Rangers are looking for some young pitching in return. The Marlins are looking to deal talented lefy Scott Olson, and this could be a good fit. I think it is interesting to note that the talk of Jarrod Saltalamacchia has died down a lot since the emergence of Taylor Teagarden and Max Ramirez. If I were Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski, I would at least put in a call on the young fella. Considering that currently Dusty Ryan is the best catcher in the organization. Prospect James Skelton is raw, but he could win out the starting job in spring training, if the Tigers do not find a replacement for Ivan Rodriguez and Brandon Inge, who will be the starting third baseman in 2009.
  

• According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are the lead team in acquiring Japanese standout Junichi Tazawa, who asked Japanese teams not to draft him, so he could pursue a Major League career. Seattle, Detroit, Chicago and Florida, among others have contacted the 22 year old. It is rumored that he could be looking for a major league contract. (To find out more about Tazawa, check out the Scouting The Sports top 100 prospects.)

Interesting Fact:

Thought I would pass this along. Did you know that the Nationals had the smallest attendance for a first year ballpark of the last 17 teams that have opened new stadiums in the "Camden Yards Era." It is so bad it is in Washington D.C., that the Television and Radio ratings were the worst in the Industry, and it wasn't even close to the second to last ratings. It is a good thing MASN carries the Baltimore Orioles as well. It surely is time for a change in Washington. Good thing Barack Obama is coming in. We will see what he can do with the Nationals in his first four years. Getting numbers up would be a success.

Coming Up:

Coming up here on Dexter-Sports:

• I'll break down some top relievers in the 2009 Draft Class (and there are some doozies).

• I plan on taking a look at some of the best rookie performances you didn't hear about

• I'll also look at the it factor in the 2009 Draft. I'll break down some performances of top ranked pitchers, and explain how sometimes scouts don't care about the numbers and over look actual performance.
  

• I also have a podcast in the works. It will break down the top free agents nobody is talking about.