And Then There Were Three...

The Yankees are now pursuing three starting pitchers, free agent Roger Clemens, Montrel trade-bait Bartolo Colon, and now Cuban defector Jose Contreras. Contreras was finally declared a free agent yesterday after clearing up an issue with his paperwork that had caused his free agency request to at first be turned down.

Meanwhile, Greg Maddux may accept arbitration from the Braves today taking them out of the running for another starting pitcher (there are rumors that they are a dark horse in the Colon fire sale).

Chuck Finley remains unsigned although the media had him and the Cardinals just a signature away from a deal. Now that they picked up Brett Tomko (ouch!), they are saying they prefer a cheaper alternative to Finley. The Phils were hot for Finley about a week ago and have stated that they will acquire a veteran for their staff (and apparently a left-handed one), but so far the Phils have missed out on Tom Glavine and Jamie Moyer.