John Lackey News

Because all three were Type A players under the free-agent rankings, their former teams would have received two draft picks if they had been offered arbitration and then signed with new clubs.

I was foolishly under the impression that things couldn't get any murkier for the Los Angeles Dodgers front office.

Apparently, Astros fans have some questions they'd like answered. Make that, more than 100 questions they'd like answered.

The Roy Halladay sweepstakes that began in July are back on, and it appears new Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos is determined to deal his ace -- out of necessity.

As of 12:01 a.m. today, the free-agent market officially opened, meaning clubs no longer have exclusive negotiating rights to the players who wore their uniforms in 2009.

Blue Jays starter Roy Halladay. Photograph by: Fred Thornhill, Reuters The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are once again trying to land Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Some teams lost money in 2009, baseball commissioner Bud Selig said Thursday after the final owners meeting of the year.

It's the time of year in baseball for courting and bluffing - sometimes simultaneously.

Here's a rundown of Thursday's biggest Hot Stove news, rumors and rumblings. Boston and Bay banter The big news of the day came from SI.com, which reported that slugging left fielder Jason Bay turned down a four-year offer for "close to $60 million." MLB.com's Ian Browne reached Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, who said the team wants to keep ...

Baltimore Notable free agents: 3B Melvin Mora Needs: SP, RP, 1B, 3B Topping the to-do list: Pitching was awful -- starters, relievers, hot dog vendors called to throw an inning.

The Nationals are one of several teams who have expressed interest in free agent right-hander John Lackey, according to a baseball source.

John Lackey. Matt Holliday. Jose Valverde. In a weak free-agent class for 2009-2010, those men stand out as the leaders of the mediocre pack, and well deserve the publicity they have already received, and will receive throughout the next month.

Now, he may be one of their first targets in free agency. According to a major league source, the Sox met with the right-hander's agent at the GM meetings earlier this week in Chicago.

John Lackey #41 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim reacts in Game Five of the ALCS against the New York Yankees .

Chicago - As badly as the Milwaukee Brewers could use a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, it's unlikely they will be able to get into serious bidding for right-hander John Lackey , the top starter on the free-agent market.

Pitching wasn't exactly an issue last season for the Boston Red Sox, but as shown in years past, there's no such thing as having too much of it.

Upon further review ... baseball general managers like instant replay the way it is.

Much in the same fashion that CC Sabathia was the top pitching prize last winter, John Lackey will find himself in that position this winter.

Astros general manager Ed Wade faces the pressure this offseason to trim payroll, yet improve the team's weaknesses, like the starting rotation.

Bobby Abreu had no interest in spending another winter - or even another week - without an employer.