AL Eastbound & Down

A quiet weekend of Jays and AL East rumours, here are a few:

-According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe the Athletics, Orioles, and Blue Jays remain the main teams interested in Ramirez.

-A player we have not touched on here for the Toronto Blue Jays but a possible guy who could add a veteran presence to the Jays rotation and a guy who has pitched well over his career.  It would take the Astros picking up a good majority of his remaining $36MM contract but he would likely cost only a top prospect in the 20-25 range.

The lack of interest in Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez is surprising considering that the club would assume a fair portion of the $36MM left on his deal.  Houston is also surprised at the lack of interest in righty Brett Myers, who would appear to be a good piece for a contending club.

-Any money that the Yankees save in a potential A.J. Burnett trade will be put toward a lefthanded-hitting DH/outfielder type, with Raul Ibanez and Johnny Damon likely in that mix.

-Don’t be surprised if Vladimir Guerrero, Magglio Ordonez, Xavier Nady, or Manny Ramirez wind up with the Phillies.  The Phillies really want to add a righthanded hitter who can pinch hit and occasionally play the outfield.  However, they’re extremely close to luxury tax territory.

-The Roy Oswalt market appears to be very weak, it is too bad he already ruled out a one year deal with the Jays, it seems like a deal that would benefit both sides.  The Boston Red Sox remain in talks, but nothing is imminent.

-The Yankees likely will pay $19-23MM of $33MM remaining on Burnett’s contract and receive multiple minor leaguers in return, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions, writes Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  Those prospects would not be players on the Pirates’ 40-man roster, the source said.