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A quick round for your Tuesday reading…

• We went a few days without true Yankee news, but Big Hank Steinbrenner likes to make headlines. He stated that the Yanks are, indeed, talking with the Twins. He adds that nothing is set and it’s still early. Hank talks so much that it kind of makes you wonder what Brian Cashman is doing, doesn’t it? 

• Kerry Wood resigned with the Cubs for one year yesterday. While many people will give the roll of eyes look when reading this, there is some intrigue here. Wood is a candidate for late inning work and possibly even as a closer. The latter would make more sense as it is less taxing than working in middle relief or setting up. Wood, despite the obvious health issues, still has the stuff to dominate, especially as a closer. I can see Piniella falling in love with this guy if he can stay healthy. Yes, it’s a big “if”, but it’s a bigger reward.

• The Mets are still shopping for a catcher even with the acquisition of Johnny Estrada. They are rumored to be talking with the Orioles about Ramon Hernandez, with the Rangers about Gerald Laird, and the Nationals about Brian Schneider. My guess is if they didn’t have to give too much up, they would deal for one of those three and non-tender Estrada. Although, Schneider would not be an upgrade over Estrada.

• There is an excellent article in the St. Louis Newspaper by Derrick Goold regarding the Cards’ shortstop dilemma. Take a look at it as it really breaks down the position by using a number of systems. Good to see some breakdown of value rather than looking at David Eckstein and saying he’s gritty (although he is!). Read the article here.
• There are persistent rumors about Oakland really looking to break up the squad. It will start with Dan Haren. Immediately, teams will look to Haren as the cheaper alternative to Johan Santana. Teams would probably be able to give up a bit less in a trade. The true bonus is that Haren has one of the best contracts in baseball. His salary is in the four million dollar range before his contract runs out in 2010. That’s a far cry from the 25 million per season that a team will have to pony up for Santana. It’s an interesting debate as to who would be the better option…Sounds like an idea for a column.
• Ned Colletti, Dodgers GM, is quoted in the LA Times as saying he will not make a deal, just to make one. He likes his young kids and is interested in how they will mature under Joe Torre. Personally, I love this approach. With potential stars like James Loney, Matt Kemp, Andy LaRoche, Chad Billingsly, and a host of other young players, the Dodgers have enough talent to field a young, exciting team that will respond to Joe Torre. Additionally, The Dodgers are in the one division in baseball where a team can afford to take a look at the kids in the early going. They have enough chips to make a deal during the season for a run at the division crown.
• Last week I wrote about Bartolo Colon being a hidden gem. It seems that teams are checking in on him and fellow rehab project, Matt Clement. I still think Colon is the better investment as he was dominant before where as Clement never lived up to expectations.

That’s it for today. Enjoy the day. Fire back. Be sure to check out our feature on the value of major league managers.