Mike

DeJean

There has also been speculation the Yankees are looking at DeJean quietly, while publicly making it look like they want Armando Benitez or Felix Rodriguez, so that DeJean’s price stays low. If the Brewers deal DeJean, Luis Vizcaino has closer stuff, but also has an 8.05 ERA. Leo Estrella (2-1, one save, 2.36 ERA) could get the first shot.

DeJean left last night’s game after getting hit by a line drive and is day-to-day.

DeJean, who will be a free agent, is hopeful of returning this season, and interested in coming back to the Mets in 2005. The team is also interested in him.

DeJean would make $2.5 million if his option for 2004 is picked up. The Cardinals would like to see him take less.

Players not returning to St. Louis include Fernando Vina, Steve Kline and Eduardo Perez. Perez is looking for a multiyear deal and could head to Florida or Tampa Bay.

Doesn’t really sound much different from how DeJean was being used by the Brewers recently.

They will not however, pursue the recently-released Curtis Leskanic. The Royals released the veteran right-hander a few days ago in a roster shake up.

DeJean pitched the seventh and Danny Kolb worked the eighth. None of the three relievers allowed a run. If he has a couple of more strong outings, DeJean figures to get another chance to close games. However, Estrella looks like a decent pickup for now.

DeJean also pitched well in middle relief last night. If he remains effective over the next week, there’s a good chance he’ll move right back into the closer’s role.

The Rockies didn’t announce exactly what was wrong, but they did say DeJean would need six to eight months to recover. The 35-year-old DeJean will be a free agent at season’s end.