Of all the names out there these days, Dotel's is the one that everybody seems sure will be traded by Tuesday's 4 p.m. nonwaiver deadline. As of yesterday, the Indians, Dodgers, Braves, Red Sox and Yankees -- and maybe a few others -- were all still in contention for Dotel. The Royals are said to be seeking the best major-league-ready position player they can get in return for their revitalized closer, and they may just wait until 4 p.m. Tuesday and take the best offer they have at the time. A baseball official familiar with their plans, who requested anonymity because the discussions are ongoing, said yesterday that there were already some offers they liked, so it's probable that Dotel will get traded somewhere
Key stat: Dotel's contract pays him $5 million base salary this year, plus incentives that can push it up over $7 million. It also includes a mutual $5.5 million option (plus any bonuses he earns this year) for 2008, which means that either he or the team acquiring him will be able to opt out and make him a free agent.
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