MLB Truth & Rumors: Feb. 1, 2005

Burnitz seems more like a Band-Aid than a solution for the Cubs. The two guys who could have an impact are Ordonez and Tampa Bay's Aubrey Huff. Tampa Bay does not need to move his salary. It would consider a deal only because Huff has failed to establish himself on the infield corners and it has a stable of young outfielders in Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, Joey Gathright and Delmon Young. To pry Huff away, Hendry would probably have to send the Devil Rays one of his two best prospects, first baseman Brian Dopirak and outfielder Ryan Harvey -- who are both from the Tampa area -- and a truckload of pitching. -- Chicago Tribune

What if someone like Ichiro Suzuki suddenly comes on the market? Seems impossible, but last summer when the Mariners struggled there were whispers he might be shopped. If they get off to a bad start again, who knows? That appears to be a huge longshot. But why rush to add someone like Burnitz, an unattractive but available option? Can you imagine what a guy like Ichiro would do for the Cubs' offense? -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald

The Diamondbacks are continuing to explore their options in center field and an answer, in some form, could come by the end of the week. Arizona has been talking with the A's regarding Eric Byrnes and the Mets regarding Mike Cameron, but Burnitz also remains a viable option. -- Arizona Republic

The Pirates' negotiations with right-hander Pedro Astacio appeared to stall. The sides spoke throughout the weekend and yesterday, including an exchange of contract proposals. But Astacio's agent, Stephen Schneider, strongly suggested last night that his client would be focusing elsewhere. Astacio, thought to be seeking a major-league contract worth $700,000 in base pay plus $2 million or more in incentives, also is in talks with the Rangers, Mariners and Rockies. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Preston Wilson would welcome a trade to a contender. Cameron would prefer to remain a center fielder. Those circumstances have led the Rockies to hold internal discussions about offering Wilson to the Mets for Cameron. -- Denver Post

The Rockies have cooled on trading for Arizona's Robby Hammock. -- Denver Post

The Reds don't seem to have an desire to trade outfielder Austin Kearns, whom the Cubs like. -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald

The Dodgers have won the right to negotiate with free-agent Japanese third baseman Norihiro Nakamura. -- Los Angeles Daily News

The three remaining Astros eligible for salary arbitration -- righthanders Roy Oswalt, Tim Redding and Pete Munro -- have had their hearing dates set. -- Houston Chronicle

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