c/o NY Post

 

ANAHEIM - It was by far the deadest day of the winter meetings - and then Scott Boras strutted into the Anaheim Marriott lobby at dinner time.

 

The super agent, who informed reporters he was up until 4:30 a.m. yesterday, predicted he might announce at least one signing today.

 

"I'm close to signing some of my clients, yes," Boras said. "I think I'll have . . . certainly one, possibly two."

 

Boras wouldn't divulge the players and said he had some "deal points" to iron out. But he might be close to wrapping up the contracts of Kevin Millwood, Derek Lowe and/or J.D. Drew.

 

St. Louis pitching coach Dave Duncan reportedly likes Millwood, a disappointment with the Phillies over the past two seasons.

 

Detroit missed out on Steve Finley, and Boras was again touting Drew's ability to play center field, as he did at the GM meetings. He said he'd be more likely to sign a short-term contract, but one report said Detroit has four years and $36 million on the table. Lowe is reportedly a target of the Tigers and Cards.

 

Seattle is apparently after Adrian Beltre, but the Dodgers are also making a push.

 

"They've continued to express interest and continued to negotiate with us on behalf of Adrian," he said. "We find them to be someone who's actively pursuing him. He's a very coveted guy."

 

Jason Varitek has not budged off his desire for a no-trade clause with Boston.

 

"I'm not going to discuss specifics, but that's one of the issues we're talking about," Boras said. "We've had some dialogue on a number of issues regarding Jason Varitek, and talks are progressing only in the sense we've put a lot of work into it. So we have some areas defined, and some others undefined."

 

Boras said he's talked with both New York teams since he's arrived here.

 

Magglio Ordonez will apparently be one of Boras' last clients to be signed. The former White Sox outfielder, who is rehabbing a knee injury, won't work out for individual clubs until sometime in January.

 

It was originally believed that Ordonez would work out publicly here in California, but Boras claimed this isn't a setback. He said it was an issue of timing instead.

 

Carlos Beltran isn't close, either. Roger Clemens' agent, Randy Hendricks, said the Rocket might return if the Astros can land Beltran, a notion that Beltran noticed.

 

"[beltran] is pleased to know someone of that stature thinks that much of him as a player," Boras said.

Millwood and Lowe are very overrated.

Lowe may be overated but if Renteria does resign with the Cards and Lowe comes over with his sinker, he'll be just as good as Marquis was last year.. Hell if we dont get an ace he could be our #2 pitcher.. Gee