Phil Rogers

November 1, 2009
The Aroldis Chapman market is going to be interesting to judge. The Mariners are the latest team to jump seriously into the bidding, possibly hoping to have another front-line arm so they can deal Felix Hernandez (above) before he reaches free agency. The Cubs and White Sox have expressed interest, but it's unclear if they have the resources to compete with the Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals, Mets, Tigers, Orioles and others for the Cuban with the 100 mph fastball. … Bobby Valentine may be shut out on the job market. He was a finalist for the Indians job that went to Manny Acta, and it appears the Nationals are close to giving former Cubs manager Jim Riggleman the job he had on an interim basis last season. … Pedro Martinez hinted Thursday he might retire if the Phillies win the World Series. The Cubs were among a handful of teams that had interest in him before he signed with the Phillies. … White Sox center fielder Jordan Danks and Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro are tearing up the Arizona Fall League. But no one is hotter than A's outfielder Grant Desme, who opened 2009 at low-A Kane County. Desme was 23-for-53 with 10 home runs and 22 RBIs in 13 games. Props to Baseball America for saying he was so hot he might "combust." The Cubs need to be careful rushing Castro, but Lou Piniella is going to love him next spring. … The Braves are expected to shop Javier Vazquez after signing Tim Hudson to a three-year contract extension. … Red Sox fans are hoping new Padres general manager Jed Hoyer, a former assistant to Theo Epstein, trades first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to Boston. Sounds like wishful thinking.