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News

Hot Stove about to really heat up

Teams forfeit exclusive negotiating rights on Friday

By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com

11/16/09 12:34 AM EST

Sunday did not bring the heat, but prepare for a busy five days on the Hot Stove starting Monday.

Expect to hear about more trade talk and free agent signings throughout the week. On Friday, teams will lose exclusive rights to negotiate with free agents. So far, 165 of the 183 eligible players have already filed for free agency.

Neither Randy Johnson nor Andy Pettitte has filed for free agency, but it will be big news if the pitchers do. Astros closer Jose Valverde has filed and possible negotiations likely will stay in the headlines until he signs.

complete hot stove coverage

The reliever has made public his plans to test the free agent market, but has not ruled out a return to Houston. For their part, the Astros are in need of bullpen help and have expressed their desire to bring Valverde and fellow reliever LaTroy Hawkins back to Houston. However, the Astros' $107 million payroll is expected to shrink in 2010, so it is unclear if the club will be able to bring back both pitchers to the Lone Star State.

Valverde, 31, led the National League with 47 saves for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2007 and led the NL in saves again in '08 with 44, this time in Houston. He missed 41 games in '09 with a strained calf, but excelled upon his return. He was 4-0 with 17 saves and a 1.64 ERA in the second half of the season and didn't allow a run in 17 consecutive outings from Aug. 7 to Sept. 12. He finished the season having converted 19 consecutive save chances, sporting a 0.44 ERA in those games.

Hawkins went 1-4 with a 2.13 ERA in 65 games for the Astros in 2009 and has posted a 1.71 ERA in 89 games in 1 1/2 years with the Astros. He could be an option at closer if Valverde departs.

Here's what else is cooking on the Hot Stove:

Names in the news:

Dan Uggla, Marlins: According to a report in the Miami Herald, the Marlins' No. 1 priority is trading Uggla for inexpensive and young talent. Uggla could make an estimated $8 million in arbitration this winter. The Giants, Orioles and Red Sox have all been linked to the second baseman in recent reports.

Brad Penny, Giants: The San Francisco Giants are reportedly interested in bringing back the right-handed pitcher for 2010. If Penny does not return, it would probably eliminate any chance that the Giants would trade one of their prized starting pitchers for offensive help.

Curtis Granderson, Tigers: The Detroit center fielder remains a hot topic on the hot stove and the talk shows no sign of slowing down. The Yankees, Cubs, and White Sox have all reportedly expressed interest in trading for the center fielder.

The buzz:

  • The Phillies would love to have Chone Figgins at third base, but they are not expected to be in the running because he is seeking a reported five-year, $50 million deal. Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa and Placido Polanco are likely targets. The Phillies reportedly have expressed interest in right-hander Fernando Rodney.

  • The Nationals could be trying to trade Cristian Guzman, but he's owed $8 million next season, which could prove to be an obstacle for teams interested in acquiring him. A few clubs are interested in trading for left fielder Josh Willingham, FOXSports.com reports.

  • The Twins are interested in bringing back Orlando Cabrera and have spoken to him about moving to second base, according to the Chicago Tribune. Cabrera, 35, hit .284 for the A's and Twins last season.

  • The Padres are not in a rush to deal Adrian Gonzalez and won't face any pressure to deal him until next year, ESPN.com's Buster Olney writes.

  • The Mariners believe they can contend in the AL West next year and are expected to pursue Jason Bay and John Lackey, according to The Boston Globe. The club is expected to offer Felix Hernandez a multi-year deal to keep him in Seattle.

    Jesse Sanchez is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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