Sources have told members of Scout Inc. that they believe J.P. will make offers to Ted Lilly and Gil Meche as early as today. An insider has told them that J.P. has the funds available to sign both pitchers. I think they would have to get creative to sign both pitchers, plus maybe adding a 4th outfielder and backup infielder.

The Cubs apparently offered Lilly a 4 year deal worth approximately $30-32 million on Friday. The Cubs are also after Jason Schmidt, and would drop their pursuit of Lilly if they could sign Schmidt. Chicago most likely won't be able to sign Schmidt as he prefers to play on the west coast, and Seattle is one of the teams chasing him.

The Jays offered Lilly arbitration, which he will reject. This is of no surprise to the Jays, but it allows them to receive draft pick compensation if Lilly signs somewhere else. The Yankees, Orioles, Giants and Rangers, to go along with the Cubs; have shown some interest in signing him.