The Yankees are telling clubs that they are open to moving outfielder Melky Cabrera, who would be a perfect fit for the White Sox.
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Cabrera trails Brett Gardner in the Yankees' center-field competition.By trading him, the team could open at-bats for Nick Swisher, who was beaten out by Xavier Nady in right field but also plays center, left and first.
The Yankees have talked about trading either Nady or Swisher, but potential suitors might be more willing to part with young talent for Cabrera, who is 24 and four years away from free agency.
Jerry Owens, Brian Anderson and DeWayne Wise have been competing for the White Sox's centerfield job. Cabrera almost certainly would hold greater appeal.
Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. could be another possibility for the White Sox, but a source with direct knowledge of the team's thinking refuted a previous item, saying that the club was not interested in acquiring him.
The Angels recognize that they cannot trade Matthews unless they pay the vast majority of the $33 million remaining on the final three years of his contract, another source said.
Free-agent right-hander Pedro Martinez is reaching out to prospective suitors, but finding little interest in his $5 million-plus asking price.The Royals, before signing free-agent right-hander Sidney Ponson to a minor-league contract, rejected an overture from Martinez because they were unable to afford him, major-league sources say.
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Martinez contacted the Royals through two of the team's Dominican players, right fielder Jose Guillen and catcher Miguel Olivo. He also knows Royals special assistant Luis Silverio, who was the third-base coach for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, and another of the team's special assistants, Rene Francisco.
As a 17-year veteran, Martinez has similar connections with virtually every club, and surely is employing all of his contacts as he continues to seek work.
Several of Martinez's friends, including the Dodgers' Manny Ramirez, have told him that he needs to be more realistic with his salary desires, sources say.
The Dodgers would be interested in Martinez if he dropped his price dropped to the $1 million to $2 million level. At that level, other teams likely would jump in, too.
Marlins closer Matt Lindstrom could be ready for Opening Day, but the team continues to look for relief help due to the loss of Scott Proctor to an elbow injury.The Marlins would like to sign free-agent left-hander Will Ohman, but the pitcher is believed to be seeking terms similar to what the Nationals gave Joe Beimel — one year, $2 million. That's too pricey for the Fish.
The A's, by the way, offered Beimel $1.7 million and thought they were on the verge of signing him before he chose the Nationals.
Chris Coste has secured his hold on the Phillies' backup catcher spot, making Ronny Paulino available.The Marlins, after failing to sign free-agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez, could seek Paulino as a backup to John Baker if they consider him an upgrade over Mike Rabelo.
The Phillies acquired Paulino from the Pirates last Dec. 10.
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