Mike Lowell moving to first base for the Yankees?
That was the word on the Newark Star-Ledger website last night. Baseball writer Dan Graziano reported that the Yankees, who appear to be moving closer to bringing third baseman Alex Rodriguez back in the fold, would also like to bring Lowell on board as their full-time first baseman.
"A person familiar with the negotiations, who requested anonymity because discussions are still ongoing, said the Yankees have been in contact with Lowell's representatives about the idea of him signing to be their first baseman," Graziano wrote.
"The idea would be to bring Lowell, who came up through their farm system in the mid-'90s, back into the organization while simultaneously weakening the Red Sox by taking him out of their lineup and infield."
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has had numerous discussions with Lowell's representatives, who have been have been unavailable for comment.
Cubs eyeing Crawford
The Rays are receiving interest in star left fielder Carl Crawford. Major league sources indicate the Cubs may be in the market for Crawford, and would be willing to dangle lefthander Rich Hill of Milton and reliever Carlos Marmol as part of a package to acquire the All-Star . . . The Rays picked up the $2.3 million option on closer Al Reyes, but declined the 2008 option on designated hitter Greg Norton and bought him out for $50,000 . . . Florida's governor, Charlie Crist, came out in support of the building of a waterfront stadium for the Rays. The proposed site is where Al Lang Field is currently located in downtown St. Petersburg . . . The Brewers are trying to bring back free agent closer Francisco Cordero. It appears Cordero is seeking a deal similar to the one Billy Wagner landed two years ago with the Mets - four years, $43 million . . . The Mets are closing quickly on free agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba. The Marlins have also been in the mix. Without Torrealba, the Rockies will turn their attention to free agents Michael Barrett or Jason Kendall.Big fish on market
The Marlins are fielding offers for third baseman Miguel Cabrera. Sources indicate they've had discussions with the Red Sox, but Boston might be saving up its arsenal of young players for a run at Twins lefthander Johan Santana or Oakland righthander Dan Haren . . . The Nationals are one of a few teams making a pitch for free agent center fielder Torii Hunter . . . The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Scott Rolen's relationship with manager Tony La Russa is so contentious that the third baseman might be seeking a trade. Rolen is coming off shoulder surgery and is due to make $12 million . . . The Braves are fairly encouraged by lefty Mike Hampton's recovery from elbow problems after watching him throw a side session in Arizona Tuesday. Hampton will soon play winter ball in Mexico. The Braves will likely make a one-year offer to lefty Tom Glavine. The offer might be similar to the deal Curt Schilling recently signed with Boston, except for the quirky incentives . . . Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, but is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.
