Manny, Laird, Washburn Talks

-"If the Red Sox are a better team without Manny Ramirez, they should trade me; I will not object," said Manny in an interview with ESPN Desportes' Enrique Rojas.
-MLB.com reports that the Yankees and Reds are interested in Gerald Laird, and MLB.com's Bryan Hoch says that the Yanks are still going after Jarrod Washburn.

ESPN's Trade Blog Wakes Up

-Buster Olney reports that the Yankees didn't have a scout in Toronto looking at Jarrod Washburn, but aren't willing to cave in on Seattle prospect demands. Arizona wants Mark Teixeira, but aren't willing to trade Conor Jackson in the deal. With Scott Linebrink on the DL, the White Sox are looking at Huston Street.
-Jayson Stark reports that there's no substance to the Manny talks, but the team remains interested in Brian Fuentes, George Sherrill, Jack Taschner, and John Grabow.
Blogspot Bonus- The Dodgers have optioned Andy LaRoche to AAA, and rumors have been swirling that he could be dealt for releif help.

Arroyo, Molina On Rumor Mill, Chipper To DL

-The Cincinatti Enquirer suggests that the Reds deal Bronson Arroyo to the Yankees for Brett Gardner. Other options could be to Texas for a catcher, to the Cubs for a guy like Felix Pie.
-MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports that the Marlins have talked with the Giants about Bengie Molina, but the asking price could be too high.
-MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports that Chipper Jones will likely be placed on the DL tomorrow.

Jones Out As Tigers Closer

-MLB.com's Jason Beck reports that Detroit manager Jim Leyland has removed Todd Jones as closer now for the time being and Fernando Rodney will take over 9th inning duties for now. This certainly changes Rodney's situation on whether he'll be dealt this week.
-Nothing new on the Jarrod Washburn front, says Ken Rosenthal, he also says that there aren'tany realistic suitors for Manny Ramirez.
-Mike Scioscia isn't ruling out a trade for the Angels, says MLB.com.

Pirates Rumors

-The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pirates will still have to be blown away by an offer for Jason Bay, but the A's, Braves, Mets, and Phillies are interested. Pittsburgh initially took an offer involving Phil Coke, but went in another direction because he reportedly has a damaged labrum. "If the Pirates could have traded Nady and Marte straight up for Jose Tabata last winter, Bucs GM Neil Huntington said, 'We would have done it in a heartbeat.'"

Cubs Standing Pat, Tigers & Braves Rumors

-The Boston Globe reports that the Cardinals have the best shot to acquire AJ Burnett if he's traded.
-The Cubs are very happy with standing pat, according to the Chicago Tribune. GM Jim Hendry believes that Alfonso Soriano will begin to swing a hot bat and be as good an acquisition as they can get.
-MLB.com reports that the Tigers had a scout watching the Giants' Jack Taschner. The Brewers, Mets, and Phillies are also interested.
-MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports that the Braves appear to still be buyers and will be hesitant to deal Mark Teixeira (Arizona?) or Ron Mahay.
-Jarrod Washburn will apparently make his start with the Mariners today, meaning that a trade hasn't been made.
-The Rockies may call up Jeff Francis for tomorrow's start.

Washburn, Mets, and Rays Rumors

-Ken Rosenthal reports that the Yankees have agreed to absorb all of Washburn's salary and trade an average prospect, but right now no deal has been reached and Washburn is slated to start for the M's at 1pm at Toronto. Washburn appears willing to waive his no trade clause, but the team's asking price appears to be too much for New York right now.
-The NY Daily News reports that the Mets' focus is now on Raul Ibanez, but Seattle could be asking for too much.
-The SF Chronicle reports that the Rays are looking at relievers Brian Fuentes, George Sherrill, Alan Embree, and Jack Taschner.