Tracy Ringolsby posted on his Twitter account that in return for starting pitcher Gavin Floyd, the White Sox were asking for both Ian Stewart and Dexter Fowler.  He declared such a proposition to be “silly.” [Inside the Rockies]

There should be an announcement either today or tomorrow regarding Alexei Ramirez and his 2011 contract.  The White Sox shortstop will either be offered a contract extension or exercise his player option and opt out of his $1.1 million salary for 2011.  If he chooses to opt out, the White Sox can either exercise their $2.75 million club option, or take their chances in arbitration. [Chicago Breaking Sports]

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As we briefly mentioned last week, the Atlanta Braves have cleared the way at first base for power hitting prospect, Freddie Freeman.  With a physique similar to that of Brandon Belt of the San Francisco Giants, the 6’5,” 225 pound Freeman is poised to make an impact in 2011, hitting in the middle of the Braves order alongside Jason Heyward.

Drafted by the Braves in the second round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft, Freeman was ranked by Baseball America as the 32^nd best prospect in all of baseball headed into the 2010 season.  And at just 20-years of age, in his first season at Triple-A Gwinnett, the left-handed hitting youngster demonstrated exactly why he was deserving of such a prominent ranking.

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ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick eloquently details the heartbreaking story of the death of Trevor Correia, and the subsequent grieving process of his brother, Kevin.  “I would quit baseball right now to have [Trevor] back.  Nothing will be able to compare to that,” said the Padres starting pitcher.  Without a doubt, this is one of the best articles that I have read in some time. [Jerry Crasnick, ESPN]

With all of the ongoing hoopla regarding Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees, the folks over at Climbing Tal’s Hill decide to take a look at four different Astros players who spent their entire career playing for the organization. [Climbing Tal’s Hill]

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On Sunday night, we learned that actor Leslie Nielsen had passed away due to complications from pneumonia.  Nielsen, 84, always held a special place in the heart of all baseball fans thanks his performance in “The Naked Gun,” when he both sang “The National Anthem,” and umpired a game between the California Angels and Seattle Mariners.  Rest in peace, Drebin.

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Over the course of past two seasons, I have come to believe that people’s familiarity with New York Yankees catching prospect, Jesus Montero, is more a result of Jorge Posada’s legacy than it is Montero’s young, professional career.  However, with the news that the 39-year old Posada will serve as the teams designated hitter in 2011, it appears that Montero will get the nod and finally have an opportunity to distance himself from his predecessor.

The switch-hitting Montero, who turns 21 on November 28, put together a solid season for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barr, hitting .289/.353/.517 with 34 doubles, three triples, 21 home runs, and 75 RBI.  Here are several videos of Montero taking batting practice from 2009 and 2010:

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