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The Rangers, who need starting pitching more than anything else, may choose to spin Brad Wilkerson off in a deal for a pitcher, and a league source said late Wednesday night they were involved in talks with the Toronto Blue Jays, who are known to covet Wilkerson.
-- Washington Post

Omar Minaya's top priority was trading Kris Benson, and the Mets were moving closer to that goal yesterday with the Rangers after talks with the Royals broke down Tuesday night. A baseball official with knowledge of the discussions said the most recent proposal involved sending Kris Benson to the Rangers for outfielder Laynce Nix and righthander Juan Dominguez. Ideally, Minaya would like to clear Benson's salary in order to make other moves, with an eye toward acquiring the Athletics' Zito or the Diamondbacks' Javier Vazquez.
-- Newsday

The Mets were still talking to the Arizona Diamondbacks about a trade that would bring them right-hander Javier Vazquez, and the name of top Mets prospect Lastings Milledge has surfaced in those discussions. It's also possible that Arizona would take right- hander Kris Benson back as part of a Vazquez deal.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

The Mets and Devil Rays have talked about second baseman Kazuo Matsui, a baseball official confirmed yesterday. Matsui has a no-trade clause to all teams but the Yankees, Dodgers and Angels. So even if the Mets and D-Rays end up working something out, Matsui would have to approve it.
-- New York Post

The Mets are one of several teams that have inquired about the marquee left-handed pitcher Barry Zito, but they should not be hopeful about snagging him because the Oakland Athletics have been telling teams they probably will not trade him.
-- New York Times

Omar Minaya is concentrating on less attention-grabbing moves, like the Mets' addition of Jose Valentin, who has agreed to a one-year deal.
-- New York Daily News

The Yankees offered salary arbitration to Bernie Williams and relievers Al Leiter and Ramiro Mendoza before the midnight deadline, allowing the Yankees to continue negotiating with them until Jan. 8. Leiter and Mendoza are likely to return on minor league contracts, and the Yankees hope to re-sign Williams for a 16th season in pinstripes.
-- New York Times

The Yankees were expecting to consummate a contract with Bernie Williams for close to $2 million, plus incentives, two American League executives said yesterday.
-- Newsday

Al Leiter is contemplating retirement but is leaving the door ajar to make sure it's the correct decision. Leiter, who the Yankees have an interest as a lefty specialist after he appeared in 16 games (10 starts) for them last year, signed up for World Baseball Classic duty although he knows it's a long shot he will make the USA squad.
-- New York Post

According to agent Scott Boras, right-handed reliever Julian Tavarez is on he Yankees' radar. Also drawing interest from the Yankees are Roberto Hernandez, Rick White, Octavio Dotel and Jeff Nelson.
-- New York Post

Since the Red Sox didn't offer lefty specialist Mike Myers arbitration, talks with the Yankees are expected to intensify. Myers is seeking a two-year deal.
-- New York Post

The Twins spent early Wednesday talking with the Texas Rangers about a deal for third baseman Hank Blalock during Major League Baseball's winter meetings. The Twins would give up pitching in return, which could involve lefthander J.C. Romero.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune

Julio Franco and the Braves are apparently parting ways. The 47-year-old first baseman wasn't offered arbitration by the Braves by midnight Wednesdays. Manager Bobby Cox said earlier Wednesday he was counting on Franco to platoon again with Adam LaRoche. But the Braves didn't want to pay Franco what he might get through arbitration - at least double his 2005 $1 million salary.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Braves catcher Johnny Estrada struggled mightily after being plowed over on a play at the plate in June. That helps explain why the Braves didn't get much in return when they traded the 2004 All-Star on Wednesday. Estrada was dealt to Arizona for right-handed relievers Lance Cormier and Oscar Villarreal, both young, neither distinguished. The Braves plan to use Duluth's Brian McCann, 21, as their starting catcher and pursue a veteran backup.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

If free agent Nomar Garciaparra signs with the Indians, manager Eric Wedge will give him a regular position.
-- Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Phillies have moved to Plan B, and that could mean that Ryan Madson is the team's newest starter. The Phils thought late Tuesday they had a chance to make a trade with one of two teams, one of them the Los Angeles Dodgers. But yesterday afternoon, Phillies general manager Pat Gillick said those avenues, while they haven't reached a dead end just yet, seem rather unlikely.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

The Reds decided at the 11th hour to offer infielder Rich Aurilia arbitration. Reds manager Jerry Narron spelled out what Aurilia's role would be to Aurilia's agent, Barry Axelrod. Axelrod called the Reds at 9 p.m. to express Aurilia's wishes to return.
-- Cincinnati Enquirer

The Angels pulled an about-face on Bengie Molina on Wednesday, declining to offer the catcher salary arbitration after informing his agent last week that they would, effectively ending the Angel career of the popular two-time Gold Glove Award winner and clutch hitter. Unless the Angels trade for another catcher, they will enter 2006 with Jose Molina, a strong defender with limited offensive abilities, and rookie Jeff Mathis, a highly touted prospect, sharing the bulk of the catching duties.
-- Los Angeles Times

The Marlins said this week they will not grant refunds to season-ticket holders -- a position that put already fuming fans in an even fouler mood due to the team's trading of key players.
-- Miami Herald

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