Hello. Are you with me out there? It's Wednesday morning and it's time for a review of the latest MLB rumors.

It is being reported that the Chicago Cubs plan to solve their 1B problems by signing former Tampa Bay Rays 1B Carlos Pena. No formal announcement has been made, but it is expected that Pena will receive 10 million of the Cubs dollars for a one year contract. That will allow Pena and the Cubs to get to know each other well enough before Pena returns to the free agent market or signs an extension.
Pena hit .196/28/84 with 158Ks for the Rays.

Carlos Pena is seen as one of the best clubhouse players in the game. He is constantly encouraging his pitcher and he acted like a seasoned elder statesman with Tampa. His leadership will be missed by that club. The Cubs gain a gem.

For fantasy owners there is always risk when a player changes leagues. While we know Pena doesn't hit for average, we do know that he can get on a tear and hit a string of homers for several days. However, the winds at Wrigley Field will come into play with Pena.

The Red Sox are said to be doing their homework on lots of players. While the trade for Adrian Gonzalez was a game-changer for the team, they aren't done yet. In addition to having their eye on Carl Crawford, the team is reportedly interested in Brian Fuentes and Scott Downs, two lefty relievers that can really help in the pen. Rumors indicate that Fuentes is the main target. Some people say the Red Sox are also interested in Maglio Ordonez, formerly of the Tigers. The Tigers also remain interested in signing Ordonez, but for far less money than his previous contract.

Former Diamondbacks pitcher D.J. Carrasco signed on for a stint with the New York Mets. The club also signed catcher Ronny Paulino. Paulino still has some 8 games left to serve on his 2010 suspension for violating the MLB drug policy. The Mets may have some interest in signing former San Diego Padres pitcher Chris Young.

The Twins have been quiet here at the meetings, but this morning a Twins source told me the club may be the "quiet, under the radar club" looking to sign Cliff Lee for 7 years. Wouldn't that be amazing? Here everyone and their brother thinks Lee is headed to the Yankees, but supposedly there is no firm deal on the table for Lee from the Yanks. New York is waiting for some action from Lee's agents and they are said to be shying away from giving Lee 7 years. There are rumors that the Twins are also interested in Matt Garza of the Rays.

The Indians may be close to a deal with Nick Punto to play 3B for the Tribe. That should put the team in contention in the AL Central.
Surely, you know I'm kidding. Don't call me Shirley.

Tony Gwynn Jr. will be in the mix for an outfield job with the Los Angeles Dodgers after signing a contract with the club this week.

I was remiss in not reporting that former Reds pitcher Aaron Harang has signed a deal to pitch for the Padres. Thinking Petco can be a place where he can regain his form, the Padres thought it was a low risk sign.

Teams are looking for right-handed hitting corner outfielders and many are available. Melky Cabrera, Matt Diaz, Bill Hall, Austin Kearns, Andruw Jones and Jeff Francoeur head the list. The Royals are said to be discussing many of those players. The Diamondbacks were reported to have interest in Diaz to fill a gaping hole in left.

Talk of the Red Sox engaging in discussions with the Mets for Carlos Beltran seem to be on hold until the Carl Crawford sweepstakes is over. Crawford of course has the Jayson Werth contract to use as a benchmark for his own deal. Can he beat 18 million a year?

The Blue Jays have been quiet so far. However, they shouldn't be forgotten because the club has the financial resources and the framework in place to bring in high profile players. They could get in the mix for a Carl Crawford or a Cliff Lee or other free agents if they feel it is the right move at the time. They are a well run franchise with a solid plan.

Basically, as of this morning once the status of Cliff Lee, Adrian Beltre and Carl Crawford are finalized other moves will take place. Those three players are top priorities for several clubs. Once they land, other deals will shake loose.

It's still freezing here in Orlando. What's up with that? More this afternoon. More managers are set to meet the press and I'll be at those sessions to bring us the fantasy nuggets we need.