Jones, a 10-time Gold Glove winner and five-time All Star, will take over center field, with Juan Pierre likely moving to left.

Though two-time Cy Young Award Santana has a better career resume than Bedard, both are 28 years old and coming off similar seasons.

Santana was 15-13 with a 3.33 ERA, 235 strikeouts, 52 walks and 33 home runs allowed in 219.0 innings. Bedard finished the 2007 season 13-5 with a 3.16 ERA with 221 strikeouts, 57 walks and 19 home runs allowed in 182.0 innings.

Santana will be a free agent after the 2008 season, while Bedard is two years away from his first shot at free agency.

"I think we've said it in every way we can," said Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, summarizing his intent regarding Bedard.

"It's not a question of really shopping him or trying to move him. But at the same time, our record is what our record's been. We have a responsibility to our fans to try to make it better and take whatever we think we have to take to make it better."

The Dodgers are among the other teams interested in Bedard.

Brewers quit pursuit of Rolen

Milwaukee's pursuit of St. Louis third baseman Scott Rolen has ended, largely because Rolen's health history, coupled with the $36 million he's owed, was more risk than the Brewers were willing to take on at this point. The two sides didn't even get far enough along to discuss what players the Brewers would have given up for Rolen.

"It doesn't look like it's going to happen," Brewers general managefr Doug Melvin said. "It doesn't have much momentum."

The acquisition of Rolen would have meant that National League Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun would move to left field.

Said Cardinals GM John Mozeliak: "Not getting into specifics, I would just say that we're not having a meeting of the minds there."

Mozeliak said that Rolen's status is unchanged.

"I wouldn't say there's any more momentum in any direction," Mozeliak said. "It's just become a little more clear who's real serious in this, in terms of like if we're trying to move our third baseman. But, we're nowhere close to where we feel we're getting what we need to get to make a deal like that happen."

Williams: Andruw Jones not on Sox list

Although White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen hinted that free agent center fielder Andruw Jones was being considered by the White Sox, Chicago GM Kenny Williams quickly ended that speculation Tuesday evening.

Guillen, in his session with reports was asked about Jones.

"I don't see anyone play better than him," Guillen said. "With all my respect to Torii Hunter, I don't see anyone better than that kid when I was playing with him. He's in the mix, I guess. It's all about cash, years, something. I don't get involved. And when you have good players, you have the power to do whatever you want to do. And between Andruw Jones and Scott Boras, if we need Andruw Jones, if we think we need him that bad, he is what he is."

Williams said Jones' representation is not a factor, but made it clear the Sox aren't pursuing Jones.

"Because of his representation he's not automatically off the list," Williams said. "He would be a lot lower, but he’s not on the list. I know that Ozzie didn't say that. Andruw Jones is not on our list.

"I think Andruw Jones is a great player. For our particular situation, to deliver some of the things that I told you I wanted to get us to, that is reducing the strikeouts and getting our guys on base more, fighting through at-bats and driving up pitch counts and getting to the underbelly of the opposing pitching staffs, in this particular case, [Jones] doesn't help us."

Jays talk to Lo Duca

Toronto reportedly met with the agent for free-agent catcher Paul Lo Duca on Tuesday, but Toronto's interest is limited. The Jays are hesitant about signing a catcher to a multi-year contract with catching prospects Robinzon Diaz and Curtis Thigpen rising fast in the system.

Quick hits

• The Brewers met with Rocky Hall, the agent for free agent infielder Tadahito Iguchi.
• Mozeliak on whether he has had substantive talks with the Giants: "No, not really. Understand that when you ask a question like that, we have a roomful of scouts that are out meeting with other teams' representatives. But nothing has been serious with that team at all."
• Arizona spoke Monday night with the A's about Dan Haren and touched base with one of the agents for Japanese free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda.
• Officials from both the Braves and Royals shot down a report that the two teams were discussing a Chuck James for David DeJesus trade.
• Sammy Sosa contacted Kansas City, but the Royals apparently aren't interested in the free agent designated hitter.
• The Padres have made an offer to free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome.

The deal is not expected to be completed until Wednesday, as Willis is vacationing in Mexico.

A source familiar with the negotiations has told MLB.com that the Tigers are parting with outfielder Maybin and lefty starter Miller for the final two players from the Marlins 2003 World Series championship squad.

Cabrera is a four-time All-Star who comes off a season where he batted .320 with 34 home runs and 119 RBIs. The 24-year-old made $7.4 million this past season and he is in line to earn more than $10 million in 2008.

Willis is coming off a 10-15 season with a 5.17 ERA. While the D-Train, who made $6.45 million in 2007, is coming off his worst season, he compiled 205 1/3 innings, marking his third straight 200-plus season.

Cabrera would play third on a Detroit infield that would also include Carlos Guillen, Placido Polanco and Edgar Renteria, though it is uncertain where incumbent third baseman Brandon Inge fits in the scenario. Willis would slide into a rotation with Jeremy Bonderman, Kenny Rogers and Justin Verlander.

White Sox eyeing Andruw Jones

The Chicago White Sox are interested in free agent center fielder Andruw Jones.

The addition of Jones, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, would further strengthen the White Sox (who added 2007 American League Gold Glove shortstop Orlando Cabrera last month) defensively and give the team five players -- Jones, Cabrera, Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko -- who averaged 89 RBIs and 250 total bases apiece in 2007.

Kansas City is also considering Jones and the Los Angeles Dodgers are a potential destination for the outfielder.

Santana still in play

The Yankees are reportedly out. The Angels say they aren't in. Then again, the Yankees were also out on Alex Rodriguez before re-signing him and the Angels are believed to be interested in Santana according to multiple sources.

Perhaps the only certainty regarding Santana as of 6 p.m. CT Tuesday evening was that he was still a Minnesota Twin.

The Yankees, before allegedly bowing out of the pursuit of Santana, had improved their offer to include both right-hander Phil Hughes and outfielder Melky Cabrera, while prepared to supplement that proposal with a mid-level prospect to acquire Santana, a left-hander who will be 29 by Opening Day and is seeking a sizable contract extension. The Twins are engaged in discussions with Boston regarding Santana.

While denying media reports that the Angels had joined the Red Sox and Yankees in the Santana sweepstakes, Angels GM Tony Reagins clearly owns the option of reconsidering and taking a run at a man that many baseball people consider the game’s premier pitcher.

"There are a lot of things out there being reported," Reagins said when asked about Minnesota's superstar pitcher, "but I don't see anything on the horizon. We haven't had any discussions with regard to adding starting pitching."

Reagins did speak with new Twins GM Bill Smith on Monday, but he claimed Santana's name did not surface in the conversation.

Ricciardi shoots down Rios rumor

Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi said there was absolutely nothing to the rumor that had Cliff Lee and Franklin Gutierrez going to the Jays for Alex Rios: "I don't know where that came from. We've never had a talk with Cleveland about Rios at all."

Giants looking for hot corner help

The buzz linking San Francisco to St. Louis third baseman Scott Rolen continued to increase Tuesday.

Rolen, 32, has a no-trade clause and a history of shoulder and back injuries. An ailing left shoulder limited Rolen to 112 games last season, when he batted .265 with eight homers and 58 RBIs before he underwent season-ending surgery on Sept. 11. He is owed $36 million over the next three years.

The Giants discussed trade possibilities Monday with the Baltimore Orioles about shortstop Miguel Tejada, creating the possibility of follow-up talks. Tejada, a shortstop, would move to third base if he joined San Francisco.

Iguchi, Phillies talking

Phillies GM Pat Gillick told reporters at the Opryland Hotel on Tuesday that the Phillies have re-engaged Tadahito Iguchi about him playing third base in 2008 and beyond.

Iguchi, a free agent, was acquired in last July and batted .301 in 26 games starting for Chase Utley. He had hoped to find a team that was looking for a second baseman.

Cabrera is very close friends with fellow Venezuelan and Detroit right fielder Magglio Ordonez. He is also close with Tigers catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, as the two were teammates in 2003, when the Marlins won the World Series during Cabrera's rookie year.

The Marlins have been talking with the Angels and Dodgers about Cabrera but have been unable to reach an agreement with either team.

The Chicago White Sox are also interested in Cabrera, but Detroit, which has a deeper farm system, may be able to put together a more attractive package for Florida.

Cabrera would play third on a Detroit infield that would also include Carlos Guillen, Placido Polanco and Edgar Renteria, though it is uncertain where incumbent third baseman Brandon Inge fits in the scenario. Willis would slide into a rotation with Jeremy Bonderman, Kenny Rogers and Justin Verlander.

Latest Bedard rumor

Rumors about Baltimore pitcher Erik Bedard continue to make the rounds at the Winter Meetings, with the latest having Bedard heading to Los Angeles, for right fielder Matt Kemp and right-hander Jonathan Broxton.

Though the Dodgers are interested in Bedard, it is unlikely they would create holes at two important slots -- starting right fielder and setup man -- to get him.

Quick hits

• The Mariners have been talking with Milwaukee about ace right-hander Ben Sheets.

• No fewer than 10 teams have expressed interest in right-hander Carlos Silva, who was 13-14 with a 4.19 ERA for the Twins in 2007.

• The Diamondbacks, Dodgers and Mariners have three-year offers on the table to free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda.

• Toronto has shown interest in Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, though San Francisco is reluctant to deal either young pitcher.

According to sources, the Angels were set to have conversations with Twins officials later on Tuesday regarding a possible trade for the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner. It is uncertain at this point what the Angels would offer for Santana. The Twins are looking for a package of near Major League-ready talent and a third baseman.

Santana has been at the center of several trade proposals, with the Red Sox and Yankees believed to be in the forefront of the talks until Tuesday.

The Angels' re-entry into the picture could cause a ripple in the American League landscape in that it could either force the Red Sox and Yankees to up the ante or cause those two teams to look elsewhere for starting pitching.

The Marlins have been talking with the Angels and Dodgers about Cabrera but have been unable to reach an agreement with either team.

The Chicago White Sox are also interested in Cabrera, but Detroit, which has a deeper farm system, may be able to put together a more attractive package for Florida.

Cabrera would play third on a Detroit infield that would also include Carlos Guillen, Placido Polanco and Edgar Renteria, though it is uncertain where incumbent third baseman Brandon Inge fits in the scenario.

Willis would slide into a rotation with Jeremy Bonderman, Kenny Rogers and Justin Verlander.

Pettitte wants to pitch 10 more years

If the Yankees are indeed out of the running for Johan Santana -- a big if -- there's another veteran left-hander who might be interested in signing a long-term deal with New York.

Andy Pettitte, 35, reportedly said that he could pitch another 10 years.

Pettitte, 15-9 with a 4.05 ERA in 2007, announced on Monday that he intends to pitch another season with the Yankees rather than begin retirement. Pettitte led the National League in starts with Houston in 2006 and the American League in starts for the Yankees this year. He has worked 200 or more innings each of the last three seasons.

On Tuesday, Pettitte told KRIV-TV that he could pitch another 10 years if he wanted to and, at the very minimum, would like to help the Yankees open their new stadium in 2009.

"I really believe now, especially after playing with the Astros and pitching with my elbow the way it was when I needed the surgery, I realize now I could go out and probably pitch until I'm 45 years old, because I was throwing 82, 83 miles an hour and still being able to compete, maybe because I'm left-handed or whatever," Pettitte said. "For me, the thing of me not being able to go out there and get any guys out, I think that's so far down the road, probably, that's never going to play into my decision.

Everybody wanted me to come back. My wife realized that if she would have said, 'Let's shut it down,' I would have definitely done that. She was like, 'Let's see how it goes one more year.'  So with that support and all of my teammates' support, no matter what, wanting me to come back and do this again, that's probably the big thing."

The Yankees will open a new stadium in 2009, and that may give Pettitte the motivation to play beyond this coming season

"One of the main [reasons] this was such a tough decision for me, one year could lead to another, maybe. For the main reason, if I'm healthy and if my family wanted to support it again, we would consider it, but also the Yankees are going to have a new stadium. I know down the road, when we get through this season, that will be in the back of my head also. That would be awfully nice, to play in that new stadium.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say that was some of the stuff that you think about. I realize there are some things that could be enticing that tie me into playing even another year."

The deal would enable the Braves to fill two needs (lefty reliever and backup shortstop), whereas the Cubs would lessen the logjam at shortstop and shed an arbitration eligible player in Infante. Ohman is signed through 2008, for $1.6 million.

Twins the center of attention

All eyes have been on the Johan Santana negotiations. The Twins met with both the Red Sox and Yankees on Monday night, as well as at least five teams interested in the left-hander's services. But Minnesota has also been getting calls regarding All-Star closer Joe Nathan.

According to multiple sources, the Twins are having conversations with a number of teams regarding Nathan, a free agent after the 2008 season, but nothing was imminent on that front.

"It's more or less exchanging information of what it might take [to pry Nathan away from Minnesota]," a source said.

The price for the 33-year-old Nathan, a two-time All-Star who has saved 35 or more games each of the last four years, will be expensive. Milwaukee, seeking a replacement for Francisco Cordero, is a possible fit. Houston is also interested in Nathan, who was born in Houston but lives in Knoxville.

At this point it is unlikely that either team would be willing to come up with a suitable package for Nathan.

"You don't want to create holes at other spots," one team official said.

The Astros have second baseman Chris Burke and outfielder Luke Scott available, but they would rather not part with pitching prospects Troy Patton, Paul Estrada and Felipe Paulino. The Twins are also looking for a third baseman, and the Astros, with Ty Wigginton and Geoff Blum at that position, aren't a match.

"I don't think I'll be traded before the season starts," Nathan said on Monday. "I know there is going to be talk, but I think on Day 1, I will be pitching in Minnesota, trying to help the '08 Twins win as many as they can. From there, well, it's out of my hands."

Guillen to KC?

According to FOXsports.com and ESPNdeportes.com, the Royals have reached an agreement with outfielder Jose Guillen on a three-year, $36 million deal.

Royals GM Dayton Moore was not available for comment.

Yankees, Nationals trade prospects

Washington has acquired right-hander Tyler Clippard from the Yankees for right-handed reliever Jonathan Albaladejo, according to a baseball source. The trade was first reported by The Washington Post.

Clippard, 22, made his Major League debut in 2007 and went 3-1 with a 6.33 ERA in six starts. Albaladejo also made his Major League debut this past season, giving up three runs in 14 1/3 innings out of the bullpen.

Quick hits

• The Indians inquired about Toronto outfielder Alex Rios.

• The Padres are interested in Blue Jays right-hander Josh Towers.

• The Rockies are eyeing free-agent second baseman Marcus Giles.

• The Rockies also have discussed re-signing left-hander Mark Redman or pursuing righty free agents Steve Trachsel and Brett Tomko.

• San Francisco has reportedly shown interest in Toronto third baseman Troy Glaus.

• The Rangers are getting plenty of inquires regarding pitcher Eric Hurley.

• The Nationals are shopping outfielder Austin Kearns and infielder Felipe Lopez for starting pitching. The Nationals have an interest in Mets right-hander Mike Pelfrey and Twins right-hander Kevin Slowey.

• Washington also has an interest in right-hander Livan Hernandez and is willing to give him a two-year deal, according to a source.

Now it's just a question of waiting to see which domino falls first.

"I think things will move more quickly once we see where [Miguel] Cabrera and [Johan] Santana land," one GM said. "Because once those two go, it will cause teams to look at other options."

A trade involving either one is expected to send ripples in various directions.

For example, if Minnesota deals Santana to the Yankees for pitcher Phil Hughes, outfielder Melky Cabrera and a prospect, the Yankees would then be in the market for an outfielder and might decide to make a pitch for free agent Andruw Jones.

Since the Yankees gave Minnesota a Monday deadline -- though it seemed clear the Twins weren't losing any sleep over that line in the sand -- teams interested in Jones could be swayed to up their offer for the center fielder to snag him before the Yankees could get involved.

Where Aaron Rowand winds up will impact the number of suitors for Jones, and vice versa. And where Cabrera lands could juggle the third base picture considerably.

As officials broke for dinner Monday evening, here's a few of the latest whispers heard at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center lobby:

Orioles gauging market for Bedard, Tejada

Several teams have contacted the Orioles to inquire about the availability of starting pitcher Erik Bedard and shortstop Miguel Tejada.

Andy MacPhail, Baltimore's president of baseball operations, said that he'd be disappointed if the Orioles left Nashville without making a major trade. But he also said he wouldn't be hemmed in by any artificial deadline.

"I don't think you're disadvantaged by waiting -- even if you came out of these meetings and you wanted to do something but you didn't," he said Monday night. "You haven't diminished the value of your player. It's rare when there's just [three] people that want something, two guys sign and the third guy's out of luck. Generally, it doesn't work that way."

Baltimore is apparently seeking three or four prospects that either have big league experience or are close to being ready for Bedard.

The Mets, Phillies, Dodgers, Angels and Cardinals are among the teams interested in Bedard.

The Giants inquired about Tejada and the Orioles also talked to Houston about the shortstop, but those talks did not progress.

Tigers looking at Dotel, Hawkins

Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said Monday evening that he'd be "content" if his team left Nashville with the same pitching staff it has now, but that doesn't seem to stop Detroit from looking for relief help.

Octavio Dotel's agent, Dan Horwits, was set to meet with the Tigers later Monday night, and LaTroy Hawkins' agent, Larry Reynolds, was expected to meet with the club at some point during these meetings. In addition, Dombrowski said they've had more initial trade discussions than usual after sending out their scouts and other officials to gather what other teams needed and had available to give.

Brewers, Cardinals talk trade

Brewers GM Doug Melvin and assistant GM Gord Ash met Monday with Cardinals GM John Mozeliak and discussed St. Louis third baseman Scott Rolen. The move would allow the Brewers to shift NL Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun to left field, but there are roadblocks.

Rolen is due $36 million over the next three years, and the Cardinals reportedly are unwilling to include cash in a deal. A left shoulder injury has bothered Rolen since 2005, and the Brewers are wary of trading for an injury risk. Rolen also has a no-trade clause, and Melvin is also wary of trading within the division.

The Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants are also believed to have interest in Rolen. As an alternative, the Brewers could revisit the White Sox's Joe Crede, but Crede has similar health issues and would be a free agent following the 2008 season. The Brewers and White Sox briefly discussed Crede at the general manager's meetings.

Melvin shot down a rumor that had the Red Sox inquiring about Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets, but did say that one team not on the East Coast had called regarding Milwaukee's ace. The Brewers are not motivated to move Sheets even though he is entering the final year of his contract.

Indians could stand pat

Pirates left fielder Jason Bay is drawing interest from the Cleveland Indians, but nothing is apparently imminent on that front and Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro isn't wowed by the free agent market.

"There will be a time we'll pick back up with free agency when the bulk of them are gone and we might find some bargains," Shapiro said. "But right now we’re not in any free-agent pursuits."

Nor are the Indians close to making a trade. Shapiro met with fellow GMs from a handful of clubs Monday, but he said none of those talks are in the "advanced stages."

Lincecum sizzle turns to fizzle

Word had circulated around the hotel that the Reds spoke with the Giants about starting pitcher Tim Lincecum, with the names of top Cincinnati prospect Jay Bruce and third baseman Edwin Encarnacion floated as part the potential deal. Before the end of the day, it had proven to be untrue.

Bruce is considered the best prospect in baseball, and the outfielder was Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year this past season. Conventional wisdom is he'd be off the table for any deal. When asked if he had any players he deemed "untouchable," Cincinnati GM Wayne Krivsky declined to name names.

Quick hits...

-- The Rangers are interested in Bay and are also considering free agents Eric Gagne, Hawkins, Kosuke Fukudome, Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia and Jason Jennings.

-- The Braves are probably priced out of the market for lefty reliever Ron Mahay, who is expected to land a three-year deal worth more money than Atlanta was willing to spend.

-- Houston GM Ed Wade got a call from agent Scott Boras about Gagne last week to let the GM know that three of his clients were available -- Gagne, Jeff Weaver and Rodrigo Lopez.

"It was just him making me aware of their availability," Wade said. "I wouldn't characterize it as any more than that. It doesn't mean we might not pursue something but right now it's not on the front burner for us."

-- Free agent right-hander Brett Tomko, most recently with San Diego, is interested in rejoining Cincinnati, a team he last pitched for in 1997. Tomko is also feeling out interest with the Rockies, Pirates, Marlins, Rangers and Padres.

-- Toronto doesn't figure to be a player in any blockbuster trades, but the team isn't unwilling to approach other clubs about possible swaps. "Like I've said, I like the makeup of our club," Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said. "I think for us to really do something along those lines, it's got to be us initiating something that's going to lead to us to being as good, if not better, with maybe even some down-the-road incentive."

-- Colorado lefty Brian Fuentes is heading into his final year of arbitration. Even though he lost the closer job to Manny Corpas in the middle of the 2007 season, his figure will be a raise from his $3.5 million salary for the year. But the Rockies have budgeted to pay it and deal with having two closer-level pitchers and aren't motivated to move him though they are getting calls about Fuentes.

"I think clubs know that there's no reason to move him unless we can make ourselves a better baseball club," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "There are only certain clubs that would fit. And some of these clubs, quite honestly, don’t have a whole lot to trade."

-- Arizona is interested in trading for Oakland right-hander Dan Haren, but might not be willing to give up the kind of package Oakland GM Billy Beane would require.

-- Kansas City's interest in free agent outfielder Jose Guillen appears to be waning.

"Every day that goes by, the more intrigued I get by other opportunities," Royals GM Dayton Moore said Monday.

-- The Rangers had talks with Arizona about Carlos Gonzalez, the New York Mets about Carlos Gomez and the Chicago Cubs about Felix Pie. But the Diamondbacks wanted top pitching prospect Eric Hurley, the Mets were interested in trading for catcher Gerald Laird and the Cubs have decided that Pie will be their center fielder.