Brandon Webb; Photo by SD Dirk via Flickr

The Winter Meetings are just a week away, meaning the MLB Hot Stove League is warming up in time for the annual main event of the offseason. Kentucky players haven’t been immune to the increase in rumors, so check out those stories and more in some Monday links:

• Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse reports the Chicago Cubs are “seriously considering” adding former UK right-handed pitcher and Ashland native Brandon Webb.
• Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago notes Webb is one of several rehabbing pitchers the Cubs have interest in.
• Troy Renck of The Denver Post tweets the Colorado Rockies are also interested in Webb.
• Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports the Washington Nationals remain strong contenders to land Webb and plan to talk to his agent during the Winter Meetings.
• Peter Gammons of MLB.com writes, reflecting a common viewpoint, former UK left-handed pitcher Scott Downs stands to benefit after Joaquin Benoit received his huge deal from the Tigers.