Free-Agent Rumors

The Yankees have been very aggressive in calling teams to see who might be available. They called the Astros about Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman and were told they were not going to be dealt — Boston Globe

Kansas City, the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Atlanta have indicated interest in Rockies CF Willy Taveras. — Rocky Mountain News

Interest exists in returning Edgar Renteria after the Detroit Tigers last week declined to pick up his option for 2009, making Renteria a free agent. The Cardinals would probably have interest in a short-term deal worth considerably less than the $10 million-a-year deal Renteria signed with the Boston Red Sox in December 2004. — St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The Phillies should be cautious going longer than two years, because Pat Burrell is 32 and his athleticism has declined. Jose Guillen got three years and $36 million from Kansas City last winter. Burrell certainly could seek a similar deal, but he might have to go to the American League, where he could be a designated hitter, to get it. Baltimore and Tampa Bay could be fits for him. — Philadelphia Inquirer

The Mets are still eyeing Mariners free agent Raul Ibanez. They need a consistent hitter in the outfield, and Ibanez seems to fit what GM Omar Minaya is looking for. — Boston Globe

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