SI.com’s Jon Heyman gives us the scoop on some juicy rumors from around the league:

• It seems the San Francisco Giants clubhouse is much more calm without Barry Bonds around any longer. No real surprise there, since Bonds had a media-circus following his every move. But OF Dave Roberts was outspkoen on the topic, saying, “It’s not his fault. It’s not like he walked around being a grump. But with his physical presence and his track record, he was intimidating to a lot of people. That’s just the way it is.” Yeah, have fun with Bengie friggin Molina hitting cleanup. The Giants had apparently reached out to Alex Rodriguez to fill the void left behind without Bonds’ bat, before he went back and re-signed with the Yankees.
• One scout thinks that Joe Crede isn’t even an average third baseman, and suggests that the Giants should not trade for the White Sox player.
• Most people believe what everyone’s been saying… that Brian Roberts will end up on the Cubs. A rumored offer is said to be pitchers Sean Gallagher and Donald Veal, infielder Ronny Cedeno and a 4th prospect.
• The Texas Rangers tried hard last year (in return for Mark Teixeira), and again this offseason, to trade for Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier. Even though Ethier is currently projected as the team’s 4th OF, the Rangers were turned down both times. A further note on Teixeira: one GM said the Braves have “no chance” at signing him.

Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers