Then there's the Nationals' Alfonso Soriano ... Washington GM Jim Bowden is desperately attempting to create a market for Soriano, who is a free agent after the season. With the Angels ... steadfastly refusing to part with any of their starting pitching surplus or top prospects, Bowden has tried to get the Tigers and Mariners into the Soriano competition along with the Yankees. ...

The Yankee high command has always kind of liked Pirates outfielder Craig Wilson (another free agent-to-be) for both his bat and versatility. But it has never had any success in dealing with Pirates GM Dave Littlefield, and apparently it's been no different recently. They would be willing to give up a middle tier prospect for the 29-year-old Wilson, even though he, too, is a rental player, but have no interest in taking on Jeromy Burnitz's big contract, which Littlefield is attempting to package with Wilson. Even though the Yankees might also have interest in Pirates setup man Roberto Hernandez, it doesn't appear as if the Yankees are ever going to be able to do business with Littlefield.