The Journal News’ Peter Abraham reports there’s chit chat of the Dodgers offering Milton Bradley plus prospects to the A’s in exchange for Barry Zito.
The Providence Journal’s Sean McAdam mentions an unconfirmed report that the Yankees have offered Johnny Damon a 3 year, $39 million deal.
An item from the Toronto Star’s Geoff Baker seems to indicate the Blue Jays are still in the running for A.J. Burnett, and perhaps there’s no deal in place with St. Louis.
If the Jays fail to land Burnett, they would still have the potential to get in on the expected trade bonanza for Oakland A’s left-hander Barry Zito, who could wind up being the showstopper of the meetings. With one season to go until free agency, Zito will almost certainly require a multi-year package from any team he is traded to and the Jays, if Burnett spurns their overtures, will be flush with enough cash to make a tempting proposal.
But Toronto’s biggest achievement at these meetings could be its ability to remake a batting order that was among the most power-deprived in the majors last season. Look for the names of Texas Rangers outfielder Kevin Mench and Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Lyle Overbay to keep coming up this week as the Jays engage in talks on both.