The Weekend Rumor Mill

I can't remember a season in which more brand name free agents remain unsigned as we head into the start of the Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons. With all-time greats like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mike Piazza and Sammy Sosa in limbo, and serviceable contributors like Kenny Lofton, Kyle Lohse, Corey Patterson, and David Wells still unsigned, there could be some significant free agent activity throughout the month of March...
The Reds have offered Kenny Lofton a minor league deal, but the fleet-footed veteran has been insisting on a major league deal. No other teams have been willing to come up with a guaranteed major league contract, either, so Lofton may have to soften his stance. Otherwise, Lofton could be looking at the end of what has been a well-traveled, but highly productive career as one of the game's best leadoff men...

The Marlins have shown interest in Patterson, but have so far resisted the contractual demands of agent Scott Boras, who wants a two- to three-year deal for the defensive-minded center fielder. With top prospect Cameron Maybin tweaking his hamstring earlier this week, the Marlins may step up efforts to sign Patterson. Even if Maybin is fully healthy, most scouts believe he needs at least another half-season of Triple-A seasoning before he should be trusted with a fulltime major league job...

Lofton and Patterson are currently unemployed, but another center field candidate could be looking at a job transfer very soon. The Rangers continue to shop Marlon Byrd, whom they've offered to the Cubs. So far, the Cubs have only been willing to offer Matt Murton straight-up, and that's not a deal the Rangers want to do. They'd prefer--you guessed it--some young pitching in exchange for Byrd. If traded, Byrd would likely fill Chicago's center field gap for a season, giving Felix Pie another summer of preparation at Triple-A before moving up to the Windy City in 2009...

Kyle Lohse will likely sign with someone soon; he just won't be getting the three- to four-year deal that he was demanding during the off-season. The Mets may make an offer, especially if Orlando Hernandez' bunion continues to prevent him from throwing. The Phillies have some interest in bringing him back, but preferably on a one-year deal. And then there are the Cardinals, who need help everywhere, but especially in the starting rotation...

Mike Piazza has supposedly generated interest from two or three teams, but it's very possible that he will call it quits. His knees won't allow him to catch anymore, while his unwillingness to play first base hurts his versatility. As strictly a DH, Piazza has a very limited market, especially since most American League teams already have their DH spots sewn up. Perhaps the Angels will take a flier on Piazza...

There's no truth to the rumor that Sammy Sosa will be signing with the Royals or the Mets. The rebuilding Royals have already said that they have no interest in the aging right fielder. As for the Mets, they could use a right-handed bat to platoon with Ryan Church, but Sosa's lack of versatility would make it unrealistic to break through the Mets' deep and flexible bench. The Mets would prefer an outfielder/first baseman, one who could platoon with Church while backing up the ailing Carlos Delgado (hip) at first base.