Let's check out some of the latest Hot Stove rumors and moves:

BREWERS GET CLOSER (Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel)
The Brewers have agreed to terms with free agent Trevor Hoffman on a one-year, $6 million contract. The deal carries $1.5 million in incentives, but it does not carry an option for 2010. Hoffman, baseball's all-time saves leader, posted a 3.77 ERA last season while closing out 30 games in 34 opportunities. This is a win-win move for the veteran who could still cash in next year with a good effort and for the Brew Crew, who struggled after losing Francisco Cordero last off-season...MORE

MANNY LIKELY TO GET THREE-YEAR DEAL (SI.com)
The Giants "look like a major threat" to the Dodgers for Manny Ramirez and are "making a serious run at him." Former teammate J.T. Snow apparently raved about him. Nonetheless Heyman says the Dodgers are "probably still considered the favorite." Heyman lists the Rangers as "intrigued." He believes Ramirez will get three guaranteed years somewhere. The Giants are in excellent position to outbid the cautious Dodgers if so inclined. San Francisco has an excellent TV situation and has now paid off more than half its debt on its beautiful franchise-owned AT&T Park...MORE

RED SOX SIGN SMOLTZ, PENNY, AND BALDELLI (Boston Herald)
The Yankees may be spending the big buck, but the Red Sox are going bargain shopping in this slow baseball economy.  With the signing of outfielder Rocco Baldelli, and deals with starters Brad Penny and John Smoltz, as well as first baseman-outfielder Mark Kotsay close to being finalized, the Red Sox' offseason kicked into another gear yesterday. Considering the Yankees already entered hyperspace with three high-profile signings at the end of last year, the Red Sox’ non-splashy entry, with catching still on the docket, puts the three-way American League East battle in 2009 with the Yankees and Rays into better focus...MORE

GIAMBI RETURNS TO OAKLAND (Oakland Tribune)
Athletics signed first baseman Jason Giambi, who had been with the Yankees, to a one-year, $5.25 million contract with a club option for 2010. Giambi, who already received a $5 million buyout from the Yankees, will make $4 million this season. The option for 2010 is worth $6.5 million and includes a $1.25 million buytout.  Giambi batted .247 with 32 home runs and 96 RBI in 145 games with New York last year, reaching the 30-homer plateau for the eighth time in his career. He tied for eighth in the American League in home runs and was second in at bats per home run (14.3) and at bats per RBI (4.8)...MORE

YANKEES READY TO DEAL OUTFIELDER? (FoxSports.com)
Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reports that the Yankees would prefer to trade Xavier Nady rather than Nick Swisher for three reasons, according to a rival executive. Swisher is A) under control for four years and Nady only one, B) a switch-hitter while Nady is right-handed and C) a more versatile defender, playing all three outfield positions and first base. Nady does not play center...MORE

METS ADD A STARTER (ESPN.com)
The New York Mets have agreed to a one-year, $2.2 million contract Friday with free-agent starter Tim Redding, a baseball official told 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand. He must pass a physical before the deal will be official. Redding, 30, posted a 10-11 record with a 4.95 ERA in 182 innings covering 33 starts with Washington last season. The right-hander has a career record of 34-51 in seven seasons with Houston, San Diego, the Yankees and Nationals...MORE

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