Executives headed home Thursday as the general managers meetings ended. While no deals were consummated, many were talked about.
The Cubs have strengthened their bid to land San Diego’s Jake Peavy — one person in the know describing it as a “major push” — who has expressed a desire to pitch in Wrigley Field. And well-placed sources say the Cubs could take both Peavy’s $63 million for four years and a higher-than-expected new deal for Ryan Dempster. It now appears the Cubs have raised their initial offer to Dempster to four years instead of three, with the dollar amount believed to be about $50 million, with the hope Dempster will sign before Thursday, when he can talk with other teams. … Atlanta remains the favorite to land Peavy because, as one top executive said, “The Cubs don’t have enough [top prospects] to give in return.” Young pitcher Kevin Hart might be one to go in a deal. … The Yankees and Angels also believe they’re in the Peavy sweepstakes. …
The Red Sox apparently have dropped out of talks with the White Sox for starter Javier Vazquez. But one executive insists White Sox GM Ken Williams can “get a lot” in trade for Vazquez, although it might take some time. The Mets remain a possibility. … The White Sox and Yankees have talked several times, including at length late Wednesday night, perhaps about outfielder/first baseman Nick Swisher. Williams and Yankees GM Brian Cashman are close. Could Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano be part of a swap? He is owed at least $27 million for the next four years and has fallen out of favor. Swisher is due $21 million for three years. … The Cubs have asked the Marlins about right fielder Jeremy Hermida, who was 4-for-12 with three homers last year at Wrigley Field, but he is not near the top of their left-handed-bat wish list. …
The Twins’ complaint about having to play the AL Central tiebreaker at U.S. Cellular Field because of a coin flip was talked about at these meetings. Change could come, based on head-to-head records, but nothing was finalized. … The Mets seem to be favorites to sign free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez, who is a Manhattan native. He also played with Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran in Kansas City. … The Mets have dismissed former Bulls general manager Jerry Krause as a scout.
