MLB Hot Stove Notes

As Andy Pettitte and Joe Saunders get their arms ready for Saturday night’s game six at Yankee Stadium, some news items FYI and FYE. Pettitte can be the first pitcher in baseball history to win five series clinchers. The others with four are Dave Stewart, Catfish Hunter and Roger Clemens. (Ed Price)

-Further confirming the speculation that Red Sox Assistant GM Jed Hoyer is set to take over as San Diego’s GM, ESPN’s Peter Gammons is reporting that Boston management had a farewell lunch for him. Real subtle, guys.
-Of course with Aroldis Chapman now in New York, teams are lining up to meet with the Cuban flamethrower. The Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox and Cardinals are definitely interested, as are the Mets. But Newsday‘s beat writer David Lennon said that the team is not willing to shell out the $40-60 million that it would likely take to sign him.
-MLB.com and the Houston Chronicle report that former Astros manager Phil Garner, former Washington skipper Manny Acta, Red Sox coach Brad Mills and Dave Clark are the finalists for Houston’s managerial opening.
-ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that Milwaukee may end up with Mark Mulder, reuniting him with pitching coach Rick Peterson and that the Braves are looking to trade starters Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami.
-Mariano Rivera and Ryan Franklin have been named the Sporting News relievers of the year.
-Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he would consider starting Cliff Lee on three days rest during the World Series and that Raul Ibanez could be the DH.