Catching up.

• Lots of Florida speculation.  There are multiple reports that the Marlins have expressed interest in Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Max Ramirez, and that they are trying to move Scott Olsen, a big 24-year-old lefthander with three-plus years of big league experience (31-37, 4.63), before they'll consider shopping any of their bigger rotation names who might eventually be available (such as Ricky Nolasco) (various local reports, plus Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, and Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, who I don't think is the same Clark Spencer who played baseball with me at Hillcrest)

• For what it's worth, I guess I don't mind taking a chance on Olsen, despite his checkered off-field history, but I'm not crazy about the idea of moving one of our catchers for him.  His strikeout rates are going in the wrong direction, and his hittability and home run rates aren't good-looking.  There's some merit in buying low on a young pitcher who has shown promise in the past at the big league level - that's one area where Mike Maddux can make an impact - but I'm not sure how much better Olsen can be expected to be over the next few years than a few of the young starters that we've gotten to Arlington and several more who are getting close to beating down the door.

• If Cleveland is after Olsen, I wonder what we could get from the Indians in a three-way deal that sends Ramirez to Florida.

• The Rangers are also talking to Florida about reliever Kevin Gregg (Rogers)

• Boston continues to have interest in Saltalamacchia (who is now throwing from 120 feet and could head off to winter ball in a couple weeks to prove his health) and Taylor Teagarden (who I still maintain is probably closest of our four catchers to untouchable), while the Red Sox are "pretty split organizationally" on Gerald Laird.  Texas is reportedly interested in Boston righthanders Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden, plus, I suspect, Justin Masterson (various local reports, plus Rosenthal, Ken Davidoff of Newsday, and Nick Cafardo and Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe)

• Milwaukee and Kansas City may no longer be in the mix for a Rangers catcher (one local report)

• On the other hand, the Brewers are included in a note regarding the availability of Rangers catchers suggesting that Boston, Detroit, and Cincinnati are in need of help at the position (Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer)

• Significant in terms of the marketability of the Rangers' catchers: the Dodgers are now saying Russell Martin is not available (Keith Law of ESPN)

• If Zack Greinke isn't receptive to a long-term contract extension, Kansas City would make him available in trade (Law)

• The Rangers are among several teams expected to be in on free agent closer Brian Fuentes (Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated, who also suggested Texas will end up with Francisco Rodriguez)

• Rangers Director of Pacific Rim Operations Jim Colborn will be in Japan next week to scout 33-year-old righthanders Koji Uehara and Kenshin Kawamaki and 22-year-old righty Junichi Tazawa (one local report)

• The Angels are trying to get a deal done with Mark Teixeira before next Thursday, the last day on which teams have the exclusive right to negotiate with their own free agents - after that, "the team might go in a completely different direction" (to which I say, "Mr. Boras, do your thing - hold out!") (Rosenthal) 

A few other notes:

Mike Maddux's contract is evidently for two guaranteed years and a club option for a third, and reportedly for "more than $500,000" per year, while Milwaukee had offered him something just short of $500,000 per year after having paid him $450,000 annually until his contract expired last week.  Maddux's annual deal is, according to a local report, among the three highest of any pitching coach in the game (but it sounds like he was already in that territory with the Brewers).  St. Louis pitching coach Dave Duncan makes $750,000 per year.

Director of Player Development Scott Servais will head to the Rangers' Dominican Republic Academy next week, and among his objectives is to assess the progress Joaquin Arias is making with his arm strength.  Arias could report to the Dominican Winter League soon.

Servais will also assist bench coach Jackie Moore in working with the club's catchers in 2009.

Jose Vallejo, as noted before, will likely move around the infield in 2009, with an eye toward helping the major league club eventually as a super utility player with plus speed.  He's a lock to be added to the 40-man roster later this month.

The Rangers are bringing a dozen young pitchers to Arlington this month for a conditioning camp and again in January for a pitchers' mini-camp.  Among the invitees are Derek Holland, Neftali Feliz, Brandon McCarthy, Eric Hurley, Doug Mathis, and Tommy Hunter.

Texas won't officially exercise Hank Blalock's $6.2 million option until visiting with him face-to-face in the next few days.

The Rangers intend to discuss a long-term contract with Josh Hamilton but, in keeping with the organization's custom, probably not until January.

According to Baseball America, Texas has re-signed a number of its minor league free agents: pitchers A.J. Murray, Joselo Diaz, Adalberto Flores, and Alfredo Gonzalez, and catcher Kevin Richardson.  Nowhere on that list is infielder Drew Meyer.

The Phillies fired third base coach Steve Smith.  Interesting.

Toronto claimed righthander Kelvin Jimenez and lefthander Les Walrond off waivers.

The White Sox released catcher Billy Killian.  Seattle released lefthander Michael Wagner.

Bill James projects Chris Davis (age 22, making $400,000) to hit .302 with 40 home runs and 118 RBI in 2009.

James projects Manny Ramirez (age 36, seeking close to $20 million) to hit .301 with 34 home runs and 113 RBI in 2009.

James projects Teixeira (age 28, seeking $20 million) to hit .299 with 36 home runs and 126 RBI in 2009.

Jamey