Here are some of the latest headlines from around the MLB Hot Stove to heat you up:
DODGERS STILL WAITING FOR MANNY (ESPN.com)
The Dodgers made a $45 million offer to Ramirez in November and then withdrew it when Boras did not respond, and then the Dodgers made an offer of arbitration, and again, Boras did not respond, according to L.A. officials. So the Dodgers have sat back and waited for any other serious bidder for Ramirez to emerge, waited to see if there was any reason to extend their own offer...MORE
VARITEK STAYING IN BOSTON (Boston Globe)
The captain is not going anywhere. Ending a three-month saga hours before a team-imposed deadline, the Red Sox and catcher Jason Varitek agreed to a one-year contract with a team option for 2010, two sources with knowledge of the deal confirmed yesterday. Varitek, who turns 37 in April, will receive $5 million in 2009. The Sox hold a $5 million option for 2010...MORE
SHEETS RUNNING OUT OF OPTIONS (MLB.com)
Ben Sheets and the Brewers have not spoken since the Brewers asked whether Sheets would consider an incentive-based contract similar to John Smoltz's ($4.5MM in incentives) or Brad Penny's ($3MM in incentives). It appears that Sheets was not open to an similar offer, but the Brewers won't offer a multi-year deal. GM Doug Melvin maintains the club isn't likely to sign Sheets, but he hasn't completely ruled out the possibility...MORE
CUBS SHOPPING HILL (Baltimore Sun)
The Orioles and Chicago Cubs are again involved in trade talks, this time about Cubs left-handed starting pitcher Rich Hill. According to industry sources, the teams have had talks about Hill, a one-time top prospect who is struggling to regain his command. Tne industry source said it's a "strong possibility" that Hill will wind up with the Orioles, perhaps as early as next week. The Orioles will likely give up a player to be named, who could be contingent on Hill's success in Baltimore...MORE
IT'S OFFICIAL, CUBS ADD BAKO (Cubs.com)
The Cubs signed catcher Paul Bako, who had been with the Reds, to a one-year, $725,000 contract. The deal was done a month ago, but Bako had to wait for the Cubs to open a roster spot before it was made official. Bako was no longer a fit for Cincinnati with the emergence of Ryan Hanigan and following the trade for veteran Ramon Hernandez...MORE
FOGG LANDS IN COLORADO (ColoradoRockies.com)
Rockies signed RHP Josh Fogg to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. With Jeff Francis potentially starting the year on the DL, there could be room for Fogg at the back of the rotation. Fogg, 32, went 10-9 with a 4.94 ERA in 2007 and won several matchups with big-name pitchers. Fogg signed with the Reds last season and went 2-7 with a 7.58 ERA in 22 games, including 14 starts...MORE
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MLB
dodgers, giants, manny ramirez, red sox, jason varitek, brewers, ben sheets, cubs, ken hill, paul bako, rockies, josh fogg