Here’s a roundup of buzz this afternoon on the Hot Stove front…

  • Kosuke Fukudome is considering his options in Japan, and may not necessarily be making the move to MLB, reports Ken Rosenthal in Fox Sports.
  • Ramon Castro’s 2-year $4 million deal is all but pending a physical at this point, reports the New York Daily News.
  • If Kenny Rogers wants to return to the Rangers, he has to apologize, reports the Dallas Morning News. This Kenny Rogers stuff gets funnier by the day.
  • The Padres are trying to sign an extention with Jake Peavy, reports the San Diego Union Tribune.
  • Several juicy items on Buster Olney’s blog this afternoon. He reports that the Dodgers are very interested in Aaron Rowand.
  • Olney is saying the Phillies are making a push for Mike Lowell but we reported earlier this week that the Phillies don’t have money for anything but pitching. Remember Olney also said A-Rod would sign for $220 over 10 years, so buzz baloney beware.
  • Six teams are interested in Matt Clement, with the Padres being the most likely destination.
  • Another rumor I do not buy is that Andruw Jones could return to Atlanta. Apparently the Braves just found a bunch of money between their cushions (they made a profit for the first time in years) and might actually spend it.