• The Rangers signed their third-round selection, LHP Robbie Erlin, reports T.R. Sullivan at MLB.com.
• Jayson Stark has an extensive breakdown of the Cliff Lee trade–the Cy Young pitcher they needed, not the one they necessarily wanted.
• The Yankees have interest in Tigers OF Josh Anderson, says Danny Knobler at CBS Sports, and now Jim Leyland agrees, says Steve Kornacki at mlive.com.
• John Fay at the Cincinnati Enquirer notes that in a very roundabout fashion, the Reds traded Paul O'Neill for Wladimir Balentien.
• Mark Bowman at MLB.com reports that the Braves have been quiet on the trade front, and aren't pressured to make a big splash after the Cliff Lee deal. They've inquired on a few relievers that apparently aren't available.
• Despite the Phils' acquisitions, the Marlins are still in it to win it, says Alden Gonzalez at MLB.com.
• Fangraphs gives their analysis of the Freddy Sanchez and Jason Hirsh deals.
• Todd Zolecki at MLB.com gets Phillie rival players' takes on the Lee deal.

It appears that you were nearly traded to the White Sox in early December for Jon Garland.  Did that possibility take you by surprise?  What are your feelings on the city of Chicago?

I had heard about the ChiSox rumor and then it was finally in USA today and I really didn't think anything of it.  I called my agent and asked him if he had heard anything and he said no, it was just a bunch of talk from the winter meetings that someone from the media got hold of and ran with it.  I thought Chicago would have been cool, everyone I know says the town is awesome and I know the fans are very loyal.

Did the near-White Sox trade give you a chance to prepare mentally for the eventual deal to Colorado about a week later?

I took the ChiSox deal with a grain of salt so I was completely blindsided by the deal to Colorado.  I don't think anything could have mentally prepared me for that bombshell when it was dropped on me.

The Rockies have an "organization guided by Christianity" (see article here).  Is this drastically different than your past clubhouses?  Do you feel comfortable in this environment as a member of the Jewish faith?   

Being in the clubhouse now for the last few weeks here in Spring Training I have never felt more comfortable around a group of guys in my professional career.  Everyone is very accepting of me and they are all friendly, even the seasoned vets.  I feel as though I've been with this organization my whole career so its definitely comforting to know that everyone gets along even though some of us come from different backgrounds.

Colorado has more starting pitching depth than ever…would you be disappointed not to make the starting rotation right away?  Are you comfortable in the bullpen?

I think I would be disappointed for sure if I didnt make the rotation out of Spring Training.  I was told when the trade went down that I was going to be a vital part of this rotation this year and then they went out and signed like 4 more starting pitchers.  I understand that they are trying to create competition and get the most bang for their buck, but I think that I can outdo them all and win a spot in this rotation.  I'm not very comfortable in the bullpen, I've  been raised as a starter my whole life/career so coming from the pen is not my cup of tea so to speak.  I have a difficult time getting loose and getting into the mindframe of a reliever, but if the pen is where I'm destined to go then so be it, but I believe I'm better suited for starting.

How do you feel about your changeup these days?  Do you have confidence to throw it at any time?

Personally I feel like my changeup is my second best pitch right now behind my fastball.  My confidence in it has swooned the last two years.  I've really got a feel for it and I'm definitely not afraid to throw it in any count to any hitter.

Do you think you'll ever get a chance to pitch against your brother Matt?

I hope that at some point down the line in my career that both Matt and I will have the opportunity to pitch against each other, but I know he still has a lot of development ahead of him, but I know he'll make it!

First issue: White Sox payroll.  My source is saying that adding Tejada would not be a problem – the team’s board of directors are willing to take the payroll up to $105 million.  Should the Orioles accept one of their offers, they’ll still have flexibility for more additions at the July trading deadline as needed.

UPDATE:  There was a miscommunication between my source and I about this deal.  He was not telling me that the Astros were in on Tejada, but rather Jose Contreras.  I’ll go into more detail on this in a separate post.  Sorry for the confusion.

First off, the Astros are talking to the White Sox about what it would take to acquire Jon Garland.  It’s well known that Garland is on the market, and the Astros do have some interesting young arms that are sure to come up in the discussion.  Southpaw Troy Patton had a nice run in high Class A this year, and righty Jason Hirsh righted the ship at Double A Corpus Christi.  Both pitchers are very highly regarded by Baseball America.  Assuming a well-rested Roger Clemens rejoins the Astros in June, the team could once again rest its playoff hopes on starting pitching.

My source also mentioned that Nomar Garciaparra has narrowed his suitors down to the Dodgers and Astros.  I admit, the Astros didn’t cross my mind back in September as a possible destination for the game’s current best available free agent (Clemens excluded).  I still think a two-year deal is in order.