Joe Cowley on Mark Buehrle:
An extension for the free-agent-to-be appeared to be just hours away at one point last week, with the sides agreeing on contract length (4 years) and dollar amount ($56 million), even though it likely was less than Buehrle would get on the open market. But the Sun-Times learned the deal died because the Sox would not give Buehrle a no-trade clause. Now, only two scenarios seemingly remain: The Sox have a change of heart and grant the no-trade clause, or Buehrle is dealt. That would mean his scheduled start tonight against Baltimore could be his last with the Sox. The New York Mets, for one, are very interested in the left-hander.
and Jose Contreras:
Right-hander Jose Contreras has said he would waive his no-trade clause if the Sox want to deal him, but the Sox say his trade clause option expired in November, meaning they can trade him to any team without his approval. The Mets, Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers are rumored to be interested in him.
BTW, Phil Rogers has an article on Mark Buehrle (thanks ballyb!).
And look inside for some Mark Buehrle to the Dodgers rumors.
As SSH2005 pointed out there are some conflicting Buehrle to the Dodgers rumors:
[Dylan Hernandez and Bill Shaikin]
The Dodgers and Chicago White Sox have discussed a trade that would bring left-hander Mark Buehrle to Los Angeles, with the White Sox believed to be most interested in outfielder Matt Kemp. The Dodgers do not appear interested in that one-on-one trade at this time. It is uncertain whether the White Sox would want more than Kemp for Buehrle or would consider a trade that did not involve Kemp. When the Dodgers and White Sox spoke about outfielder Jermaine Dye this season, the White Sox were believed to be interested in pitchers Chad Billingsley and Jonathan Broxton.
but [Tony Jackson]
Contrary to at least one national report, the Dodgers are not close to acquiring Chicago White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle. ... The source said that even when the clubs were talking, the White Sox were asking for far too much in return -- which probably means a handful of the Dodgers' promising young players -- for Buehrle, who is a potential free agent after this season. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, reporting on the network's pregame show before Saturday's New York Mets-Philadelphia game, indicated the Dodgers had become strong suitors for Buehrle after the contract talks dissolved.