Ramblings: Iwakuma, Putz, Collins

Arizona Interested In Putz

• The Oakland Athletics and Japanese pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma are far away in negotiations, and the 30-day window that was granted for the sides to accept a deal does not seem to be long enough to sort out the problems.  Iwakuma has reportedly wanted a deal modeled after Barry Zito's absurd 7-year $126M deal, so there is no way Oakland will get to bring in the imported pitcher at the price.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks are said to be interested in reliever J.J. Putz.  Putz pitched last year for the Chicago White Sox, having a horrific ERA of 5.74.  Still, he was a lockdown closer for Seattle and might be able to bring some of that back with Arizona.
• The Mets have finally chosen a name for their newest manager: Terry Collins.  Collins last managed last for the Angels in 1999, and brings quite a bit of experience to the job.  New York will need it, as their team is in turmoil whether it be Francisco Rodriguez' off-the-field problems or the amazing amount of money owed to players such as Oliver Perez and an injured Carlos Beltran.