With a two game lead over the Boston Red Sox, Angels outfielder Bobby Abreu to the LA Daily News that he would like to return to the Angels next season. Abreu put up solid numbers this season, posting a .293 average with 15 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He is likely up for a two year deal.
The Chicago Sun-Times spoke to Dodgers first baseman Jim Thome about his future. Thome said he would be open to returning to the White Sox next season, assuming they were interested. Thome hit .249 on the year with 23 home runs, but he'd have to take a serious pay cut to return to the White Sox in 2010.
Newsday is reporting that Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui is telling friends he wants to stay in New York next season. Matsui saw a dip in his average, but hit 28 home runs and drove in 90 runs. It is going to be a tough decision for the Yankees with Matsui and Johnny Damon up for new contracts, but one of them will have to go. Matsui could end up with the Giants if they think he can still play the outfield, but he may stay in the AL so he can DH. The Mets could be an option if he takes the NL route.
As for Damon, Damon could be an option for the Cubs in center field. The Cubs are looking for a lefty-hitting stopgap, and Damon could be that guy on a two-year deal. He would bring a positive attitude to the Cubs clubhouse, but he wouldn't be the leadoff hitter the Cubs are also looking for.
Free agent manager Manny Acta reportedly has the inside-track for the Astros job, according to the Houston Chronicle. Jim Fregosi is right on his back, but Acta spent sixteen years in the Astros organization and may still have friends in the organization.
