ESPN’s Jayson Stark has come through with some pretty decent updates and additions to the rumor mill.  His rumors can be found at the end of his column.  Here’s a rundown:

• Stark says that while a return to Atlanta for Greg Maddux “isn’t impossible,” he’s heard that the Braves are more focused on finding a young pitcher that they’d be able to control longer.  Stark speculates that Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Bronson Arroyo, Daniel Cabrera, Jeremy Bonderman could all be candidates depending on their current team’s fate.
• Detroit’s Nate Robertson could also be made available.  Stark writes: “The Tigers have told clubs they might have a left-hander available in a few weeks.”  Common sense dictates that the lefty won’t be Kenny Rogers or Dontrelle Willis.  Robertson recently received a contract extension through 2010.
• If the Mariners continue to stink, they could move a few of their pitchers, namely Miguel Batista and/or Jarrod Washburn.  However, there is “zero chance” that they’ll trade Erik Bedard, according to Stark.
• After “surveying several potential buyers” Stark reveals this list of bullpen arms that could be made available: Brian Fuentes, Huston Street, George Sherrill, Chad Cordero, Jon Rauch, Eric Gagne (who in their right mind would trade for this guy, though?), Juan Rincon, Jesse Crain, Chad Bradford, Jamie Walker, David Weathers, Matt Herges, Guillermo Mota, Tyler Yates, Vinnie Chulk, Jesus Colome, Frankie Francisco, Joaquin Benoit, Alan Embree, Ron Mahay, Jimmy Gobble and Damaso Marte.
• The Nats’ Christian Guzman could be made available if any contender is looking to get fleeced for a shortstop playing way over his head right now.
• Kei Igawa asked the Yankees over the winter if there is any way he could return to Japan, as per Stark.  Unfortunately for the Yanks, there was no way to make that happen.  They must continue to wear the fleece.

Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals