Buzz: Manny and Varitek Arb, Peavy Deal, CC, etc.
Manny Ramirez will reject salary arbitration before tonight’s deadline, writes Jon Heyman at his blog for SI.com.
The Dodgers will turn to free-agent OF Bobby Abreu or Pat Burrell, among others, if they are unable to retain Ramirez, reports the Boston Globe.
In a separate post, Heyman describes talks between the Cubs and Padres involving Jake Peavy as on ‘life support,’ according to a person familiar with Chicago’s thinking.
However, on his blog for ESPN.com, Buster Olney writes, ‘Peavy is going to be traded, and what will be left is a team looking at a long rebuilding process.’
Heyman also reports here that CC Sabathia expects the Brewers to up their offer from five years to six.
…from a Mets perspective, if the Brewers can re-sign sabathia, they may be inclined to ramp up efforts to sign a free-agent closer, like Francisco Rodriguez, thus putting pressure on the Mets to do the same, and weakening Omar Minaya’s position…
Lastly, also according to Heyman, here, C Jason Varitek is also planning to reject salary arbitration.
…jeez, maybe they should just call these the Heyman Meetings…i hope he has an unlimited cell phone plan…
