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The Yankees appear open to the idea of trading Randy Johnson, which would allow the Yankees to enter the competition for the prized free-agent starter Barry Zito.
-- New York Times

It seems the first seeds for a trade were planted by Randy Johnson himself. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made a condolence call to Johnson after his brother's recent death. In it, the pitcher emphasized the importance of being close to his family and Cashman took it as a trade request. San Diego right now appears to be his most likely destination, but the Dodgers, Angels and Diamondbacks are all said to be in the mix.
-- New York Daily News

The Padres have an opening in their rotation and general manager Kevin Towers has been trying to meet with another 43-year-old left-hander -- David Wells -- to fill it. But Wells, who was pondering retirement at the end of last season, canceled a meeting with Towers last week because of illness. The name of reliever Scott Linebrink was mentioned in several stories about a possible swap for Randy Johnson.
-- San Diego Union-Tribune

Because an owner or officer of a baseball club cannot own a casino, there are questions concerning Marian Ilitch, wife of Detroit Tigers owner Michael Ilitch. Michael owns the Tigers; Marian owns the casino. That's their story, and they're sticking to it.
-- New York Times

The Mariners are considering a trade of 3B Adrian Beltre after the first of the year to clear money for a run at free agent Barry Zito, according to a baseball source. Seattle signed former Padres third base super prospect Sean Burroughs last week.
-- Fox Sports

Free agent DH/1B Shea Hillenbrand is hoping to hear from the Angels, according to an industry source. The Halos are said to be looking for a bat after OF Juan Rivera was injured in the winter league. The Yanks also have interest in Hillenbrand.
-- Fox Sports

Word is the Twins are talking with Michael Cuddyer, who has two years before free agency, about a multiyear contract, then will get serious about Joe Mauer (three years) and Justin Morneau (four years).
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

John Danks, the ninth overall pick in the 2003 draft, will compete for the fifth spot in the White Sox rotation with newly acquired Gavin Floyd, Charlie Haeger, Lance Broadway and Heath Phillips.
-- Chicago Tribune

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