Atomic RoadRunners | Andrew Flynn’s High-Energy Fantasy Baseball

Here’s a rundown of Roadrunner rumors during this week’s General Manager Meetings in Dana Point, CA.:

• Brandon Lyon is open to pitching in Colorado.

• According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks haven’t talked contract with Brandon Webb’s agent, Jonathan Maurer, since the team pulled out of a June near-agreement for three years and $54MM. Maurer expects to hear from the D’Backs this winter, but the price has gone up. Webb isn’t looking to set any records, but he’s well under-compensated on his current deal (which runs through 2010). ESPN’s Buster Olney heard a four-year, $80MM extension would probably suffice, but it’s not known whether the D’Backs will do that. Maurer wonders if they’ll look to trade Webb if contract talks break down.

• According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Nationals are preparing to make a significant offer to Mark Teixeira. Olney believes the Angels will make an offer in the $100-120MM range, but that offer will expire soon. If and when Scott Boras passes on that proposal, it might be the Yankees, Red Sox, Nationals, and Orioles competing for Tex.

• GM Ruben Amaro Jr. had an informal five-minute talk with Casey Close, who represents Ryan Howard and Joe Blanton.
• Larry LaRue says the Angels are hinting they can afford both Mark Teixeira and C.C. Sabathia.  The Yankees could afford it, too.
• The Angels have not yet made an offer to Mark Teixeira, but they’ll deal with that situation before moving on to other needs.  Boras is suggesting Teixeira pays for himself.
• Ken Rosenthal has an Angels update: If they are to sign Mark Teixeira, the Angels would like to do it quickly.  However, it’s Scott Boras’ custom to let the market develop until late December or so.  It’s possible the Angels change gears on November 14th.  There are other big names to pursue, though none fit as perfectly as Tex.

• MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert talked to Brandon Lyon’s agent Barry Meister, who said his client would be open to closing or an eighth inning role.  Lyon would be thrilled to return to the D’Backs, but they don’t figure to match a multiyear offer.  More likely, they offer arbitration but let him leave. Lyon, 29, posted a 4.70 ERA in 59.1 innings this year.  His command was strong, possibly indicating better times ahead.

• In the Cubs’ scramble to land Jake Peavy via trade and to re-sign Ryan Dempster, Ken Rosenthal reports that several players may have to be traded to reduce payroll, including Jason Marquis.
• The Rangers may look at outside options for third base, and they’ve been in touch with Casey Blake’s agent.

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