--LHP C.C. Sabathia "will have an open mind about every team," his agent, Greg Genske, told reporters at the GM meetings. The Yankees definitely will be in the market for the Milwaukee ace, who is easily the best pitcher available. Sabathia was originally reported to have interest only in the National League or California. Of course, Genske's comment could serve to do nothing other than drive up the bidding by keeping the market open.
--RHP Mike Mussina filed for free agency, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's made a decision to play in 2009 instead of retiring. Even players who retire sometimes file as a formality or to at least keep their options open. Mussina's agent, Arn Tellem, told reporters during the GM meetings his client had not yet made up his mind after notching his first 20-win season in 2008. --LHP Andy Pettitte told a Houston TV station he will not retire. "I would like to play again," Pettitte told KRIV. "Other than that, I will have to see what happens." Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters at the GM meetings the club was interested in a return by Pettitte, who went 14-14 last season, and hoped something could be worked out. Pettitte said he still hadn't spoken with Cashman as of Nov. 7, and he filed for free agency two days later.
--LHP Damaso Marte received a $250,000 contract buyout from the Yankees, who declined his $6 million option for 2009. Marte came to New York in a midseason trade with the Pirates, and he was largely ineffective in pinstripes, going 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA in 25 appearances.
--1B Jason Giambi filed for free agency and likely will leave the Yankees, possibly for Oakland. The Yankees are in the market for a first baseman and could pursue slugger Mark Teixeira but are likely to let Giambi go since his power isn't enough to compensate for his limited athleticism and diminishing average. Oakland signed Giambi's former personal trainer, Bobby Alejo, as its strength and conditioning coach, which certainly would offer enticement for Giambi to return to the A's.
--RHP Carl Pavano filed for free agency, finally freeing the Yankees of his contract after four years spent mostly on the disabled list, and he could sign with ... the Yankees. Incredibly, according to a report in the New York Daily News, Pavano wants to return, and an unnamed source told the paper GM Brian Cashman hasn't "closed the door" on the idea. Granted, the Yankees are desperate for starting pitching, but it would be surprising considering Pavano's rocky past. A return likely also would inspire hostility in the clubhouse, where Pavano was not liked after some dubious injuries.
--RHP Jake Peavy would definitely be traded, Padres GM Kevin Towers told reporters at the end of the general manager meetings, but the Yankees didn't seem likely to be involved. The San Diego ace had reportedly added the Yankees to a list of teams he would waive his no-trade clause for, but he would want a contract extension. Towers said the list of teams involved in talks was down to three, and they were all in the National League.
BY THE NUMBERS: 9 -- Victories for the Yankees by oft-injured Carl Pavano in the last four years. A report indicated the Yankees could consider bringing Pavano back as a free agent.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We're going to show a lot of love. We're going to need to have somebody to love us back. If somebody loves us back, we're going to have a deal." -- Yankees GM Brian Cashman, on how active the club will be in pursuing free agents.
