The seeming lack of interest in free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson has been one of the biggest mysteries of the offseason, but it's still too soon to jump to conclusions.
The White Sox are willing to offer free-agent right-hander Freddy Garcia a spot in their rotation even after signing another physically questionable pitcher, Bartolo Colon. The Mets, too, envision Garcia as a potential starter even if they re-sign lefty Oliver Perez; they could move another recent addition, righty Tim Redding, to the bullpen.
However, the Rangers no longer are in the Garcia sweepstakes.
Garcia would prefer a major-league deal, which would guarantee him termination pay if he were released in March, but he could accept a minor-league deal if he receives a better chance to start.
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The market for free-agent left-hander Oliver Perez remains unclear, but several executives find it difficult to believe that only the Mets are interested in a 27-year-old lefty with terrific stuff, if inconsistent performance. The Diamondbacks do not want to pay big money for a starter. The Brewers have indicated that they are not interested in Perez. The Nationals, Orioles, Tigers and Rangers are among the other teams in need of starting pitching ...
Free agent second baseman Mark Grudzielanek figures to sign with one of the teams that is unable to land Hudson. Grudzielanek, 38, missed the final two months of last season with a sprained right ankle, but his batting average/on-base/slugging line the past three years is .299/.345/.399 ...
Encouraging news for the White Sox: Right-hander Jose Contreras, recovering from a ruptured left Achilles tendon, has lost 25 pounds and already is throwing off a mound. Contreras was expected to miss at least nine months after undergoing surgery in August. His timetable could be accelerated.
