The A-Rod to Boston talk is heating up again. I spent part of my night getting calls from all sorts of people ... during Survivor no less ... about that and on a UTK that should be up sometime today. Here's the deal as I can put it together right now: Boston gets A-Rod, Texas gets Manny and either forks over some cash or takes back someone under contract for a similar amount. I can't figure out who the someone that would fit would be - it sounds like the number they're looking for is around 15 mil. Yes, that means Boston would then move Nomahhhhhhh to another team. Speculation focuses on Anaheim and LA, but both Bay teams are trying to see if they could make it work. Looks like the winter meetings could open with a bang.

The Marlins are also busting ass on Pudge. With a Sunday deadline looming, they've made a 3 year offer. A one year out clause was rejected. If Pudge signs, expect Javy Lopez shortly behind him ... but if Pudge doesn't sign in Miami, would Lopez land there? It's possible.

Vlad's agent, Diego Benz, is asking for an 8 year deal at $18-20 million. Not many takers out there for that and it's not even in the vicinity of what he's going to get. I'll be surprised if Vlad gets much better than Sheffield's deal.

Expect a complaint from John Schuerholz if the Yanks are allowed to end run the rule on signings. He'd sure like that pick. The Cubs lose their first rounder for signing Hawkins, but their early look at the draft board didn't like what they could get for the slot price and Hawkins had suitors.

Any recommendations on last minute flights? I'm looking at all the major online places but if you know a trick, email me. Also, for you baseball type folk who will be in New Orleans, email me for my cell # and location if you don't already have it.