The Toronto Blue Jays are currently meeting with Andrew Mongelluzzi, the agent for Paul Lo Duca. Toronto has offered Lo Duca a one-year contract worth less than $5-million (U.S.).
"We should know something by the time we leave the meetings," general manager J.P. Ricciardi said Wednesday - adding that contrary to various online reports, he was not leaving Nashville until 5:30 p.m. Thursday as opposed to later Wednesday night.
Lo Duca has also piqued the interest of the Washington Nationals, who might be able to give him more playing time than the Blue Jays. Thing is, the Nationals have a highly-touted catching prospect in Jesus Torres and if he's ready to play 110 games he'll play 110 games. Lo Duca has indicated the Blue Jays are his first choice.
Ricciardi still hasn't heard back from the San Francisco Giants, but sources with both teams said there is now just one offer on the table: Alex Rios for Tim Lincecum, even up. No Troy Glaus. No Matt Cain. Nothing else. Ricciardi is ready to make the deal right now. Giants GM Brian Sabean has yet to respond - although he has delayed his daily press briefing with Bay area reporters.
Oh, and scratch any suggestion of Glaus going to the Los Angeles Dodgers, even though third base prospect Andy LaRoche of the Dodgers is coveted heavily by the Blue Jays. "Haven't talked to them about Glaus," Ricciardi said.
