Major League Baseball

MLB offseason buzz: Nov. 15-21

Published Nov. 24, 2009 4:43 p.m. ET

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The World Series may still be fresh in your mind, but MLB GMs are already focusing on next season. Thankfully, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi have all the latest gossip and buzz. Note: All times listed are ET.

Latest free agency news and notes | November 12-14 | GM meetings coverage: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

News and notes: Nov. 15-21

Saturday, Nov. 21

Indians not likely to deal Wood in offseason — 8:52 p.m.

The Indians are in no rush to trade closer Kerry Wood. In fact, they probably will not trade him this offseason.

To move Wood, the Indians likely would need to pay a significant chunk of his $10.5 million salary. Even then, so many late-inning relievers are available on the free-agent market the team probably would not receive top prospects in return.

Better the Indians should open the season with Wood, then trade him in June or July if they fall out of contention.

At that point, Wood would be owed only one-third to half of his salary. The demand likely would be higher. The Indians could make a better deal.

There is one caveat:

Interested clubs might balk at Wood's $11 million club option for 2011, which will become guaranteed if he finishes 55 games next season.

He finished 50 last season.

Friday, Nov. 20

Teahen's flexibility gives ChiSox options

When the White Sox traded for Mark Teahen, they said he would play third base. But as they pursue other players, Teahen's flexibility gives them options.

The White Sox, major-league sources say, are considering a wide variety of possibilities, knowing they can move Teahen to first base or right field. Sox GM Ken Williams, however, said Friday that he "loves Teahen at third", adding that while he will never say never to possible adjustments, he remains committed to his original plan.

Still, offseason plans are subject to change.

If, for example, the White Sox add a third baseman, Teahen could replace free agent Jermaine Dye in right. The same goes if they add a second baseman; Gordon Beckham could stay at third.

Finally, Teahen could take over at first if the White Sox trade Paul Konerko or make him a designated hitter.

"His preference obviously is to play third base — that's where he is most comfortable," said Teahen's agent, Jeff Berry. "(But) he does bring flexibility to any team."

Boras fielding plenty of offers already — 1:48 p.m.

Scott Boras said business has been brisk for him on Opening Day of the free agent season.

Boras told FOXSports.com that he's already fielded offers for eight players.

"This is a very healthy industry," he said. "A lot of teams are trying to get better.

"Every club has the wherewithal to sign premium free agents, because of the money they receive from central baseball and revenue sharing."

Boras declined to say which players received the offers, but he said interest has been strong in reliever Mike Gonzalez and third baseman Adrian Beltre.

Would Yanks pass up Holliday, Bay for Crawford? — 12:00 p.m.

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