MLB Rumors: Phils, Dodgers Iguchi suitors - Fan Zone- nbcsports.msnbc.com

By Patrick Dahl & Mark J. Miller

updated 2:04 p.m. ET Sept. 4, 2008

Phillies, Dodgers interested in Iguchi
The Padres released Tadahito Iguchi this week, but reports have both the Dodgers and Phillies interested in acquiring the second baseman, who won a World Series with the White Sox in 2005. (Los Angeles Times)

Padres to start talks with Hoffman
It’s not like the Padres have any pennant hopes this season, so they’ve already turned their attention to the team’s future. GM Kevin Towers says that he plans to sit down with Trevor Hoffman and hammer out a contract for next year before the season is over. (MLB.com)

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Yanks' Cashman to consider other offers
The Yankees may want Brian Cashman back as GM next year but the question is whether Cashman wants them. He's in the last year of his contract with the Yanks, making $5.4 million. After dealing with a two-headed Steinbrenner monster all season, it is thought another team might be a pleasant change for Cashman. The Phils, Mariners, and Nationals are all thought to be possible fits for him. (New York Post)

K-Rod could be headed to Detroit
Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez will become a free agent in November and he's bound to get some kind of massive deal no matter where he ends up, especially since he may break the single-season record for saves in the meantime. The Tigers are believed to be already standing in line to place a bid. (Detroit Free Press)

Pirates getting close on Alvarez
Second overall draft pick and Pirate holdout Pedro Alvarez, who also is known to play a mean third base, is getting closer to signing with the Pirates, says GM Frank Coonelly. The ridiculousness of Alvarez's holdout apparently won't stop Coonelly from working with the agent for Alvarez – Scott Boras – again. Except, of course, if Boras is repping a pitcher who wants more than $10 million annually. If so, Coonelly isn't interested. (MLB.com)

Japan's Junichi Tazawa getting interest
The Red Sox, Mets, and Braves are all apparently after Japanese 22-year-old righthander Junichi Tazawa who has pitched 54 innings so far this season in the Japanese Industrial Leagues and only allowed 46 hits and four walks while striking out 56 and earning a 1.00 ERA. The Red Sox are apparently really beefing up on scouting in Asia. (RotoRob.com)