Short hops
The Baltimore Orioles were believed to be very close to a deal with free agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez in the wee hours of the morning Monday, and they remain the front-runners to sign outfielder Vladimir Guerrero.
Detroit made a strong run at shortstop Miguel Tejada, but it only served to increase his price before Baltimore signed him.
With top-tier pitchers such as Greg Maddux and Kevin Millwood still unsigned, the agents for second-tier starters such as Brett Tomko, Darren Oliver and Shane Reynolds are swarming on clubs while attempting to place their clients.
The Seattle Mariners are talking with first baseman Scott Spiezio, who was cut loose by Anaheim this winter.