Steelers, Polamalu agree to 5 year extension
Troy Polamalu has signed a five-year contract worth $33 million, making him the highest-paid Steeler and highest-paid safety in the NFL. It is believed Polamalu will receive up to 15,375,000 million in guaranteed money.
Steelers interested in Aaron Brooks
According to John Clayton, the Steelers recently had quarterback Aaron Brooks in for a visit. The Steelers are interested in bringing Brooks in as the #3 quarterback and possibly battle Charlie Batch for the backup job. A source has told me, the coaching staff are leery about Charlie Batch fitting into the Steelers 4 wide scheme. Ed Bouchette told me he can’t see them bringing Aaron Brooks in.
Four teams inquire about Solomon Torres
The Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies have inquired about Pirates reliever Solomon Torres.
Blue Jays and Pirates talking trade
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Blue Jays are interested in acquiring Wilson, but a trade is unlikely to happen until after the July 31 non-waiver deadline. The Pirates are being asked to pick up half of Wilson’s salary for the next two seasons. If the Pirates decide to move Wilson in the offseason, the Giants and Cardnals could be interested.
Red Sox and Mets inquire about Bay
According to a source, The Boston Red Sox and New York Mets have inquired about Pirates left fielder Jason Bay. The Mets are rumored to be offering prospect Lastings Miledge. I have been told for the Pirates to listen to a offer from the Red Sox, the Sox would have to include highly touted prospect Jacob Ellsbury
Pirates inquire about 3rd baseman Troy Glaus
The Pirates were obviously rejected. The Pirates and Blue Jays have had talks regarding shortstop Jack Wilson. Troy Glaus will not be a part of any deal that involves the Pirates
Pirates interested in Willy Mo Pena
A source has told me the Pirates have inquired about Willy Mo Pena but the Pirates are not the front runners to land Pena. According the Newark Star Ledger, the Red Sox have had talks with the White Sox about a deal that would send Wily Mo Pena to Chicago.
Red Sox inquire about Marte
The Red Sox are interested in acquiring left-handed reliever Damaso Marte, according to a report in the Providence Journal. Marte is holding lefty batters to an .087 batting average (four hits in 46 at-bats). The Red Sox’s present lefty specialist, Javier Lopez, has had a up and down season as opponents are batting .286 (14 hits in 49 at-bats) against him.
Rockies looking elsewhere?
The Colorado Rockies do have interest in Torres but they have their sights set on Boston’s Julian Tavarez and Manny Delcarmen; the Rangers’ Akinori Otsuka; and the Yankees’ Kyle Farnsworth according to the Denver Post
Nationals Pursuing Adam Dunn
This rumor has to make Pirate fans sick. The Washington Nationals, a small budget team are actively pursuing Reds outfielder Adam Dunn who is a pending free agent. Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden drafted Dunn in 1998 and his motivation would be to sign Dunn long-term and make him the cornerstone of the franchise
Penguins interested in David Tanabe
A anonymous source has revealed the Penguins have held discussions with
defenseman David Tanabe within the past week. The anonymous source says a offer has been made from the Penguins and a decision is expected back from Tanabe this week. “We should hear by Wednesday if Tanabe will accept this offer”, according to the anonymous source.The Penguins offer to Tanabe is believed to be a 1 year deal worth 900K. I talked to Rob Rossi of the Trib this morning and he said he is looking into this rumor. A source told me tonight Ray Shero would to have a pool of 9-10 defenseman to pick from.
