J.J. Putz has generated a lot of buzz lately due to his willingness to sign a 1 year incentive based contract.  In addition to the Chicago White  Sox who have been actively pursuing the reliever ESPN Insider indicates that Pittsburgh, Houston, Detroit, Tampa Bay and Arizona have all inquired about Putz.  ESPN continues (in an exaggerated tone) that Boston, New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels may be interested in the late inning relief pitcher.

Putz went 1-4 with a 5.22 ERA in 29 1/3 inning over 29 games last season with the Mets before he suffered season-ending elbow surgery in July.  He had a $9.1 million team option for 2010 but it was not exercised by the New York Mets.  He was bought out for $1 million.