Hot off the press from SI.com’s Jon Heyman:
- An executive who knows C.C. Sabathia well told Heyman the pitcher’s first choice in free agency is the Giants. It’s not a great fit, as starting pitching is the Giants’ strength and Sabathia would add another $100MM+ contract to their rotation. The Yankees are considered the offseason frontrunners for Sabathia, though former teammate Casey Blake sees C.C. in Dodger blue.
- Heyman believes a claim on Paul Byrd would’ve made sense for the Yanks.
- Heyman agrees with the Dodgers’ choice not to risk a claim on Adam Dunn. That decision is tough to defend, though, since no one expected Reds GM Walt Jocketty to give up two draft picks for $3.45MM in salary relief.
- No one’s interested in Aubrey Huff or Melvin Mora, who have both cleared waivers. The Orioles might have an easier time trading them this winter.