Rays Sign Shouse

The Rays and Brian Shouse have agreed to a two year deal, ESPN.com is reporting. Shouse, who went 5-1 with a 2.81 ERA in 69 games for the Brewers last season, will take a physical next Thursday. The Athletics were among other teams interested in Shouse, who held lefties to a .188 batting average last season. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Quick Hits: Maholm, Varitek, Abreu, Fogg

Quick Hits:

• The Pirates and Paul Maholm are closing in on a three year deal worth 14.5 million dollars, FOXSports.com is reporting. Maholm has emerged as one of their top prospects, and the Pirates believe he could be on his way to being an ace-calliber pitcher.
• The Red Sox are closing in on a two year deal with Jason Varitek, SI.com is reporting. Don't rule the Red Sox out in making a trade for Miguel Montero of the Diamondbacks. Just because Varitek is back does not mean he will be starting. 
• The Mariners reportedly have some interest in Bobby Abreu. Abreu has been passed on by most teams looking for an outfielder because they felt his price was too high. His price, which now stands at around 8-10 million dollars, was at about 15 when the season ended. 
• Fogg, the savior of the Rockies in 2007, is preparing to accept a minor league deal from the Rockies. He could make the team as a bottom end of the rotation starter, or long reliever. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Orioles To Acquire Hill?

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Orioles are closing in on trade for Cubs pitcher Rich Hill. Hill, who is out of options, was once a top pitching prospect for the Cubs, but has failed to find the strike zone the past couple of seasons. Orioles new pitching coach Rick Kranitz is very familiar with Hill, having coached him in Triple-A with the Cubs. It will be interesting to see how Hill responds to a new opportunity. He has a lot of potential, but just could not command his pitches better. 

The Cubs nearly acquired Brian Roberts last offseason but they backed out when the Orioles continued to hold out for Rich Hill. Hill will likely join former Cub Felix Pie, who the Orioles just acquired for Garrett Olson. In 2005, the Orioles held out for Pie in the trade that would have sent Erik Bedard and Miguel Tejada to Chicago (Mark Prior was involved as well). At the time, you could argue one way or the other about the trade. But if these players find success with their new teams, it is very possible that some Cubs executives will be held accountably. 

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Uribe, Sweeney Get Minor League Deals

Free agents Juan Uribe and Mike Sweeney have signed minor league deals, FOXSports.com is reporting. Uribe, who hit .247 with 7 HR for the White Sox last season, will join the Giants as a possible utility player. Uribe was a little better after hit .209 through May, but he is not guarantee to make the team.

Sweeney, who hit .286 with 2 HR for the A's last season, will compete for the DH spot with the Mariners. He is a career .299 hitter, but doesn't appear to have much left. If he can stay healthy, he may make for a decent pinch hitter. New Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu was with the Athletics last season, that might be the best thing going for Sweeney at this point. 

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Athletics Eye Shouse, Sisco

The Athletics are not done rebuffing their bullpen, setting their sights on lefties Brian Shouse and Andy Sisco. Shouse, who went 5-1 with a 2.81 ERA in 69 games for the Brewers last season, played in the AL West for three seasons with the Rangers. He is a ground ball pitcher, and probably would come at a reduced price at this point in the offseason. 

Sisco is coming off Tommy John surgery, but he is good player to give a tryout to in Spring Training. Sisco is 6'10'' and needs to show clubs that he can keep his fastball down, which he hasn't been able to do consistently over the course of his career. 

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Would Cardinals Sign Manny?

Albert Pujols would like the Cardinals to make a run at free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez, according to FOXSports.com. Although the Cardinals have been limited to very little spending this offseason, GM John Mozeliak might be able to convince ownership to consider opening their wallets, assuming the price is right. One reason the Cardinals might do this is to keep Pujols happy, who will be a free agent in a couple of seasons. Pujols and Ramirez in the 3-4 spots would make for a deadly lineup, and it would likely boost the whole teams numbers.

At this point, Ramirez isn't ready to back off his demands for a multiyear deal, which still appears extremely unlikely. As for the Cardinals making a play, they might consider Dunn or Abreu, but I doubt they pursue Ramirez.

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Sources: Dodgers To Sign Wolf

According to sources, the Dodgers are expected to sign free agent pitcher Randy Wolf in the "next couple of days." With Jon Garland signing with the Diamondbacks and the Mets talking with Perez, the only pitcher left for the Dodgers is Wolf, who went 12-12 last season for the Padres and Astros. The deal will probably be similar to Jon Garland's, which will net him about 8-9 million dollars with incentives. 

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Diamondbacks Sign Garland

The Diamondbacks and Jon Garland have agreed to a one year deal worth about 6 million dollars, according to FOXSports.com. The deal includes a mutual option, which could bring the deal to 8.5 million dollars if bought out. Garland joins one of the best rotations in the National League, and is expected to put up double-digit wins for them.

Garland is expected to take a physical in the next day or two. 

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Cubs Acquire Heilman

The Cubs have traded shortstop Ronny Cedeno and Garrett Olson to the Mariners for right handed pitcher Aaron Heilman. This move gives the Cubs another option for the five spot in the rotation, joining Sean Marshall, Angel Guzman, and Chad Gaudin in the race for the five spot. Ronny Cedeno's improved plate discipline and slick defense gives the Mariners a solid young player who could really contribute to the Mariners chances next season.

He can play second and short, but has some experience at third as well. The Cubs also flirted with the idea of putting him in the outfield, so the Mariners could try that as well. If Cedeno continues his strong play, he could trump Yuniesky Betancourt out the starting job at shortstop. 

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Pirates Close In On Hinske

The Pirates are closing in on a one year deal with free agent 1B/OF Eric Hinske. The deal would pay Hinske somewhere between 1 and 2 million dollars, plus incentives. Hinske, 31, hit .247 with 20 HR and 60 RBI last season for the American League Champion Rays.

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Pirates Interested In Gonzalez

The Pirates are reportedly showing interest in veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez, according to the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette. Gonzalez has really taken to mentoring young players, like he did in Florida. In 136 games last season, Gonzalez hit .261 with 8 HR and a .336 OBP. He probably wouldn't have a huge impact on the team on the field, but he would provide the Pirates with an All-Star veteran with years of experience.  

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Red Sox Give Varitek Deadline

The Red Sox have given free agent catcher Jason Varitek a Saturday deadline to accept or reject their one year offer, according to the Boston Herald. Negotiations have been going on since November, so it is obvious that the Red Sox and Varitek disagree on his value. The Red Sox have gone after Miguel Montero and Jarrod Salatalamachhia, but feel that the price is not worth it. Both the Diamondbacks and Rangers have asked for Clay Buchholz in any trade, and the Red Sox are not ready to move him. Buchholz has the potential to be a solid starter, but might not play a significant role with the team next season with the depth the team had added through free agency. 

We'll know more Saturday. 

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Rockies Sign Jimenez

The Rockies and Ubaldo Jimenez have agreed to a four year extension worth 10 million dollars, with club options for 2013 and 2014 that would guarantee him 22 million dollars. Jimenez, 25, went 12-12 with a 3.99 ERA in 34 starts last season, but finished with an 8-3 record in his final 14 starts. The Rockies feel that Jimenez could play a huge role in the Rockies future, and locking him up through his prime could turn out to be an excellent signing.

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Royals Sign Grienke

The Royals and Zack Greinke have agreed to a four year extension worth 38 million dollars. Greinke, who went 13-10 with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts last year, has had an interesting career. He was the number 6 overall pick in 2002, but left Spring Training abruptly in 2006 thinking he was through with baseball. He returned in 2007 after seeking treatment and has been solid ever since. "They could've easily pushed me aside, or helped me get back and then dump me off as soon as they could get something for me," Greinke said. "But they did everything they could, bent over backwards to help me." 

This makes Royals management look very good, and could be draw for players looking for team who likes to have close contact with their players. 

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Yankees Sign Pettitte

The Yankees and Andy Pettitte have agreed to a one year deal worth 5.5 million dollars. The Yankees had a one year offer on the table for 10 million dollars, but pulled that after Pettitte refused to back down from his sixteen million dollar contract demand. Pettitte went 14-14 with a 4.54 ERA in 33 games for the Yankees last season, but was 10-7 with a 4.03 ERA in his first twenty starts. 

Pettitte will become the Yankees fifth starter behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang, and Joba Chamberlain. Its possible that Chamberlain will be moved back to the bullpen, so expect top prospect Phil Hughes to get at least 15-20 starts. 

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Cubs' Cedeno Drawing Interest

Cubs shortstop Ronny Cedeno, who is out of options, is drawing interest from several teams. The Cubs are hoping to get a starter out of the deal, which makes sense since his name has been involved in the Jake Peavy talks. Cedeno hit .269 with 2 HR in 99 games for the Cubs last season, which included a .378 average in the month of April. Cedeno hit .286 with 4 HR in 48 games in Winter League, and many think his improved presense at the plate will only get better. Don't rule out Ronny Cedeno beating out Aaron Miles and Mike Fontenot for the job at second base.

The Mariners have shown interest in Ronny Cedeno and may be willing to part with Aaron Heilman, Bruce Levine is reporting. Heilman struggled in 2008, but had a 3.03 ERA in 2007 and a career 4.24 ERA. He hasn't made a start in three seasons, but he would give the Cubs another reliever, fortifying the bullpen. Cedeno was also connected to the Royals when the Cubs asked about Zack Grienke, but that rumor died when the Royals said he was not available.

Cedeno's improved patience and defense makes him a very valuable player. I wonder why the Cubs feel the need to trade him, especially after trading young prospects Felix Pie and Eric Patterson in the past six months.

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Sheets' Dilemma

Despite having a formal meeting with Ben Sheets, the Rangers interest in him appears to be waning. The Rangers would like more information on his torn flexor tendon, which bothered him towards the end of the season. Sheets will definitely need to be eased into a heavy work load, much slower than most pitchers knowing his history. With the Rangers pitchers on an experimental pitching program, it might not be worth it for the Rangers to sign him, even if pitching coach Mike Maddux is familiar with him.

The Cubs, Mets, Dodgers, and Phillies all had interest in Sheets, but the Cubs are pursuing other pitchers, the Mets are talking with Oliver Perez, the Dodgers are talking with Randy Wolf, and the Phillies are content with their current rotation. It looks like Sheets is going to have to take a backloaded one year deal to prove that he is healthy.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Sean Casey Retires

Two-time All-Star Sean Casey has decided to retire. Casey, 34, hit .322 in 69 games for the Red Sox last season, and is a career .302 hitter. Casey would have made for a solid pinch hitter off the bench for the next couple of seasons, as well as a nice mentor for younger players.

For the time being, he will join the MLB Network.

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A's Sign Duchscherer

The A's and Justin Duchscherer have agreed to a one year deal worth 3.9 million dollars, according to ESPN.com. Duchscherer, who went 10-8 with a 2.54 ERA in 22 starts last season, is a two-time All-Star. Duchscherer has a career 3.14 ERA in 319 games, just 27 starts though. If Duchscherer, 31, can prove to be a solid starter, they may look to trade him for prospects, but only if the A's fall out of contention early.

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Nationals, Padres Interested In Ohman

The Nationals and Padres are among teams interested in free agent reliever Will Ohman. Ohman is hoping for a deal worth 4-5 million dollars annually, which is well deserved after going 4-1 with a 3.68 ERA in 83 games for the Braves last season. Ohman had a 2.77 ERA during the first half of the season (49 games), but obviously struggled in the second half. Ohman has drawn interest from nearly a dozen teams, but teams like the Rays and Diamondbacks have dropped out because they have found other options or simply do not have the money to pursue him. 

The Mets, Dodgers, and Orioles remain possibilities for Ohman, who hopes to be signed within the next week. 

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A's Close In On Springer

The A's and free agent pitcher Russ Springer are closing in on a one year agreement. The Athletics have been trying to improve their bullpen for two seasons now and adding Springer certainly makes it stronger. Springer, who will likely make three million dollars in 2009, went 2-1 with a 2.32 ERA in 70 games last season for the Cardinals. Springer was not offered arbitration from the Cardinals, so the Athletics do not need to forfeit a draft pick.

The Cubs and Twins also had interest in Springer.

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Pirates Offer Maholm Extension

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting that the Pirates and Paul Maholm are talking about a multi-year deal, hoping to get it completed before their scheduled arbitration hearing. The Pirates would like to lock up Maholm for four years, buying out one year of free agency. With that said, a deal worth 4.5-5.5 million dollars annually would likely get a deal done. Maholm is starting to show signs of an ace, going 9-9 with a 3.71 ERA in 31 games. His salary each year could rise in the deal, which would likely make it more appealing to Maholm.

Let's say the deal is four year deal worth 20 million dollars. He could earn 3 million dollars in 2009, 4 million dollars in 2010, 5 million dollars in 2011, and 8 million dollars in 2012. The Pirates offered 2.65 million dollars to Maholm for the 2009 season, but buying out arbitration years and a free agent year certainly brings up the value of the player. We'll see what happens.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Rangers Talking To Sheets

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Rangers met with free agent pitcher Ben Sheets on Thursday. Sheets is one of the top starters in the game, but his elbow problems over the past couple of seasons have turned teams to other pitchers. The Rangers pitchers program might have to be something Sheets does lightly, mostly because the team that does sign Sheets will probably need to ease him into a major league workload.

Phillies like Alou?: The Phillies are reportedly showing interest in outfielder Moises Alou, the Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting. His father, Giants executive Felipe Alou, told me that he was leaning towards retirement. 

Diamondbacks After Garland: Despite rejecting their offer, Jon Garland has resumed talks with the Diamondbacks. Garland has potential to be a good pitcher in Arizona, especially with news of prospect Max Scherezer's arm going dead. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Ricketts To Be Named Cubs Owner

According to MarketWatch.com, the next Chicago Cubs owner will be John Ricketts, who is currently the President of Incapital LCC. The offer is believed to be around 900 million dollars, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The Cubs are a very valuable franchise, but prices are extreme, and the Cubs might see the effects of that this upcoming season. The merchandise is very expensive, as is the food and beverages. It is very possible that they lose money on those accessories during the 2009 season, amidst the worst economic crisis in nearly 80 years.

We will see in the coming weeks if Ricketts decides to increase his payroll, allowing the Cubs to make another attempt to acquire Jake Peavy. The pieces are in place for a trade, one side just needs to execute the move. It will likely be considered a failed offseason if the Cubs do not acquire Jake Peavy - or another reliable starter - despite the additions of oft-injured outfielder Milton Bradley and relief pitcher Kevin Gregg. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Brewers Sign Fielder

The Brewers and Prince Fielder have agreed to a two year deal worth 18 million dollars, according to media reports. Fielder, who hit .276 with 34 HR and a .372 OBP, will take his physical in the next day or two. This will keep Fielder in Milwaukee for at least one more season. The Brewers have listened to offers for Fielder over the past couple of months and could try to move him if the price is right. The Brewers would like a starting pitcher in return for Fielder, and could package a deal to get Matt Cain of the Giants, or maybe even Roy Halladay, if he were to become available.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Lyon Closing In On Team?

MLB.com is reporting that Brandon Lyon is deciding between two teams, the Tigers and an unknown team. His agent, Barry Meister, told reporters last week that Lyon has a two year offer on the table worth 9 million dollars. Lyon was solid in the first half of the season compiling a 2.43 ERA with 19 saves, but struggled in the second half with an 8.46 ERA. The Cardinals reportedly have interest in Lyon, but my source could neither "confirm or deny" if the Cardinals made an offer to him. 

The Twins also have interest, but are also looking at Eric Gagne and Russ Springer.

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Padres Sign Blanco

The Padres and Henry Blanco have agreed to a one year deal worth 750,000 dollars, ESPN.com is reporting. The Cubs reportedly backed off Blanco because they thought he was going to be too pricey! Blanco is one of the top backup catchers in the league, who did happen to hit .292 with 3 HR in 58 games this past season. The Padres signing of Blanco will likely bring back the Jake Peavy rumors, considering that Blanco did handle most of the pitching staff over the course of the season.

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Dodgers Sign Ausmus

The Dodgers and Brad Ausmus have agreed to a one year worth 1 million dollars, Ken Rosenthal is reporting. Ausmus hit .218 with a .303 OBP in 81 games for the Astros last season, but is a very valuable back up catcher. 

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Twins Like Crede?

The Twins reportedly have some interest in free agent third baseman Joe Crede, according to the Pioneer Press. Crede, 30, is still recovering from back surgery but should be ready for the 2009 season. His career was off to a tremendous start before being derailed by chronic back problems, but some evaluators still believe he can turn it around. The Twins do not necessarily need a third baseman, but they aggressively pursued Casey Blake and went after Mark DeRosa as well, so it is pretty hard to deny that they have interest in adding someone at third. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Kent Announces Retirement

Five-time All Star Jeff Kent has decided to announce his retirement, MLB.com is reporting. A 17-year veteran, Kent is arguably the best second baseman of all time, hitting .290 with 377 HR and .500 slugging percentage. Kent is definitely a Hall of Fame candidate, with an MVP and four Silver Sluggers under his belt. Not only that, but he drove in more than hundred runners eight times. Kent's numbers are much better than Ryne Sandberg, a career .285 hitter with 282 homeruns, as well as other potential Hall of Famers.

Kent sometimes had problems in the clubhouse, first with Barry Bonds in San Francisco and then in Los Angeles with Matt Kemp and some of the other young players. We'll see if that effects his Hall of Fame chances in five years.

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Yankees Sign Cabrera

The Yankees and Melky Cabrera have agreed to a one year deal worth 1.4 million dollars, avoiding arbitration. Cabrera originally asked for 1.7 million dollars, and the Yankees responded with 1.2 million dollars. Cabrera hit .249 with 8 HR in 129 games for the Yankees last season, and is a career .268 hitter. Cabrera will likely return to the .270-.280 average mark where he was in 2006 and 2007, as well as an OBP around .340. He has decent speed and is just 24, so he could really break out this year for the Yankees if he plays everyday. 

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Dodgers Closing In On Wolf?

According to Tony Jackson of the Daily News, the Dodgers are "zeroing in" on free agent pitcher Randy Wolf. Wolf, who pitched for the Dodgers in 2007, went 9-6 with a 4.73 ERA in 18 starts for them. He is coming off a 33 game season for the first time since 2003 and is reportedly looking for 8-10 million dollars annually. 

Wolf turned down the Diamondbacks, but is also drawing interest from the Cubs and Mets. 

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Mariners Acquire Aardsma

The Red Sox have traded pitcher David Aardsma to the Mariners for pitcher Fabian Williamson. Williamson, 20, had a 4.10 ERA in 52 2/3 innings in the Appy League last season. He doesn't project as a true force in the league, but he could break the bullpen in a couple years. The Mariners get a hard throwing right hander who doesn't have much command over his pitches. He lacks a solid secondary pitch to turn to, which hurts the power of his fastball. Moving to a big stadium in Seattle could help him, but he probably won't have much of an impact.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Howard Asks For 18 Million

Arbitration eligible Ryan Howard requested 18 million dollars in arbitration, an eight million dollar raise from last year. The Phillies responded with 14 million, and may have the edge in this case. Howard did play in all 162 games, plus 14 playoffs games, but saw drops in OBP, SLG, and AVG, and made seven more errors than he did in 2007. On the other hand, he did lead the league in homeruns and runs batted in, and was sixth in slugging despite the dip from 2007. 

The Phillies are going to have a tough time signing Howard long term if they have to go to arbitration with him for the second year in a row. It is a very awkward process where teams have point out the negatives in their player and why they think their contract is more reasonable than the one the player has offered. 

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Tuesday Arbitration Deals

Arbitration Deals:

• The Blue Jays have agreed to terms with Jason Frasor, Jeremy Accardo, and Jose Bautista.
• The Rangers and C.J. Wilson have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one year deal worth 1.85 million dollars.
• The Rays and Jason Bartlett have agreed to a one year deal worth 1.9 million dollars, avoiding arbitration.
• The Cardinals and Brad Thompson have agreed to a one year deal. 
• The Mariners and Erik Bedard have agreed to a one year deal worth 7.75 million dollars. 
• The Giants and Jack Taschner have agreed to a one year deal, avoiding arbitration. 
• The Pirates and Adam LaRoche have agreed to a one year deal worth 7.05 million dollars, avoiding arbitration. 
• The Mets avoided arbitration with Angel Pagan and Ryan Church, but signed Tom Martin, Casey Fossum, and Omir Santos to minor league deals.
• The Brewers signed Seth McClung to a one year contract, avoiding arbitration. 
• The Angels and Robb Quinlan have agreed to a one year deal worth 1.1 million dollars.
• The Royals have signed Joel Peralta and John Buck to one year deals.
• The Astros have agreed to one year deals with Brandon Backe and Tim Byrdak.
• The Tigers have agreed to one year deals with Edwin Jackson, Joel Zumaya, Bobby Seay, and Gerald Laird. They also signed Juan Rincon to a one year deal. 
• The Cubs have avoided arbitration with Michael Wuertz. They also signed Japanese pitcher Ken Kadokura to a minor league deal. 
• The Red Sox and Jon Papelbon have agreed to a one year deal worth 6.25 million dollars. They also signed Javier Lopez to a one year deal. 
• The Orioles and Luke Scott have agreed to a one year deal worth 2.4 million dollars. 

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Late Night Signings

• The Astros and Humberto Quintero have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one year deal worth 610 K. He is a solid back up, but is just a .230 career average. 
• The Marlins have agreed to a one year deals with Jorge Cantu and Jeremy Hermida. Cantu will be paid 3.5 million dollars while Hermida will make 2.25 million dollars.
• The Royals and Jimmy Gobble have agreed to a one year deal, avoiding arbitration. 

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Reds Sign Gomes

The Reds and Jonny Gomes have agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. Gomes hit just .182 with 8 HR and 21 RBI in 77 games for the Rays, but is pretty solid defensively. Gomes hit .282 with 20 HR in 101 games back in 2005, and could prove to be a solid fourth outfielder if he can show signs of improvement in Spring Training. 

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Angels Sign Napoli

The Angels and Mike Napoli have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one year deal worth 2 million dollars. Napoli hit .273 with 20 HR in 78 games for the Angels last season. He struggled through the first half of the season hitting just .204, but hit .388 during the second half. If healthy, he could play a huge role in the Angels run towards the playoffs.

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Rockies Sign De La Rosa

The Rockies and Jorge De La Rosa have agreed to a one year deal worth 2 million dollars, avoiding arbitration. De La Rosa went 10-8 with a 4.92 ERA in 130 innings for the Rockies last season. He has the potential, if he can command his pitches better, to be a solid back-end of the rotation starter. 

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Orioles Acquire Pauley

The Red Sox have traded David Pauley to the Orioles for pitcher Randor Bierd. In 29 games last season, Bierd was 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA, but is just 24. Pauley doesn't have much of a fastball and his secondary pitches don't fool major league hitters, so he probably won't have much of an impact. However, he is a starter and the Orioles need more of them after trading Garrett Olson.  

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White Sox Sign Jenks

The White Sox and Bobby Jenks have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one year deal worth 5.6 million dollars. Jenks, who was 3-1 with a 2.63 ERA and 30 SV, has drawn some interest in the trade market, but sources say the White Sox are not actively shopping him. You can expect Jonathan Papelbon to be looking at a deal worth about 8-9 million dollars, my guess is around 8.-2-8.3 million dollars. 

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More Signings

A couple more players avoided arbitration this morning:

• Jason Repko, 28, and the Dodgers have agreed to a one year deal worth 500 K, plus incentives, according to the L.A. Times.
• MLB.com is reporting that the Cardinals have avoided arbitration with Todd Wellemeyer and Chris Duncan. Wellemeyer is eligible for free agency next season, and if he gets off to another good start I wouldn't be surprised to see him receive an extension.
• The Blue Jays and Brandon League have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one year deal worth 640 K. League, 25, needs to command his pitchers in order to live up to his full potential. 
•  The Braves and Mike Gonzalez have agreed to a one year deal worth 3.45 million dollars. He will be a free agent next season. He'll be behind Jose Valverde and Billy Wagner on the free agent market next year, so he might be smart to sign early at a good price, just in case the economy continues to fall. 
• The Mets and Duaner Sanchez have avoided arbitration. Sanchez with make 1.6875 million dollars next season. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Rockies Sign Street

The Rockies and Huston Street avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one year deal worth 4.5 million dollars, according to ESPN.com. Street won't be a free agent until after the 2010 season, and will likely be the Rockies closer to start the 2009 season. If Street and Corpas both have success in the late innings, it is possible the Rockies will look to trade Street for prospects. 

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Phillies Sign Madson

The Phillies and pitcher Ryan Madson have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a three year deal worth about 12 million dollars. Madson went 4-2 with a 3.05 ERA in 76 appearances last season, followed by a 3-0 record with a 2.13 ERA in 11 postseason appearances. 

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Mariners Sign Hernandez

The Mariners and starting pitcher Felix Hernandez have agreed to a one year deal worth 3.8 million dollars. Hernandez, who went 9-11 with a 3.45 ERA and 175 strikeouts, is set to become a free agent after the 2011 season. Hernandez has the potential to be an All-Star pitcher. He commands his pitches well, keeps them down, and is very mature for his age. He owns a high WHIP, but the Mariners poor defense is one of the problems. If the Mariners added someone who could play defense on the left side, you could see Hernandez have a Brandon Webb-like season the year after Troy Glaus left.

The Mariners would be smart to lock up Hernandez, who will be the most sought after free agent in 2011. If they lock him up for four or five years, especially at a reduced price, it will look like a very good deal.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Iguchi To Sign In Japan

Free agent second baseman Tadahito Iguchi is set to sign with the Chiba Lotte Marines, according to the Kyodo News. The deal is believed to be a three year deal worth 2 million dollars annually. Iguchi did very well in his first two seasons in the majors, hitting .280 with 33 HR and a .347 OBP in 273 games. 

In 894 career games in Japan, Iguchi has hit .271 with 149 homeruns and a .349 OBP. 

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Cubs Sign Gregg

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Cubs and Kevin Gregg have agreed to a one year deal worth 4.2 million dollars for 2009. Gregg, who will compete with Carlos Marmol for the closer spot, will be a free agent next season. The Cubs gave up one of there more promising young pitchers in Jose Ceda for Gregg, so if he can't find success early he could be in for a long season.

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Orioles Acquire Pie

The Orioles have traded Garrett Olson and Henry Williamson to the Cubs for top prospect Felix Pie. The Cubs are frustrated with Pie's performance in the major leagues, despite only giving him 287 at-bats. Olson will likely compete for the fifth spot in the rotation with Sean Marshall, but it is possible the Cubs will try to revive talks for Jake Peavy now that they have all the pieces the Padres originally asked for. Pie could start in left field for the Orioles, but might need to prove himself before the Orioles let that happen. 

Pie has the potential to be an All-Star player, combining speed, power, and excellent instincts. He is coming off a strong final month of the MLB season, and a solid Winter League season, so he could hit the ground running in 2009. Olson might fare better in the National League, but he has a high WHIP and is a fly ball pitcher, so pitching coach Larry Rothschild has some work to do. As for Williamson, he has solid strikeout numbers and has the makings of a decent reliever, but he is a long way away from reaching the majors. 

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Mets Like Sheets?

According to Newsday, the Mets are having internal discussions about free agent pitcher Ben Sheets. The Mets would prefer to sign Oliver Perez, but if that falls through, Ben Sheets is their plan B. Sheets' asking price must be too high because several teams have back off from talks with him, including high-market teams like the Yankees, Cubs, and Dodgers. There are questions about his arm, but Sheets has been very dominant and if you could get him to sign a deal that protects the team while giving him reachable incentives, it is probably worth it. 

The Phillies, Cardinals, and Rangers are also interested. 

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Cubs' Harden Has A Tear?

There was some confusion over pitching coach Larry Rothschild's comments at the Cubs Convention this weekend concerning Rich Harden: "His arm action's good; he's throwing free and easy," Rothschild said the day after seeing Harden throw, "He's not close to throwing off a mound yet. There's some issues there, no question." Harden reportedly has a tear in his joint, but it won't require surgery. However, the Cubs are going to have to be careful with Harden, who they hope can give them at least 25 starts. Harden said there is nothing wrong with his shoulder and that he will be ready for Spring Training, but you have to be a little worried. The Cubs have yet to add a number six starter, which could come in the form of Jon Garland, Randy Wolf, or Ben Sheets. 

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Braves Interested Glavine, Jones

According to ESPN.com, the Braves are discussing the possibilities of bringing back free agents Tom Glavine and Andruw Jones. Tom Glavine will be reviewed by doctors next week before the Braves decide whether or not to offer him a contract and Jones is still being reviewed and discussed by Braves officials. Jones is also being pursued by at least eight other teams, but he is going to have to prove that he can play before anyone offers him a major league contract. The Nationals could be a suitor for Glavine, but it isn't likely at this point.

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Orioles Close In On Markakis

The Orioles and Nick Markakis are closing in on a six year extension worth 65 million dollars, the Baltimore Sun Reports. "We're close," MacPhail said, without revealing specifics. "But we're not there yet." The deal makes Markakis a free agent after 2014, buying out three years of free agency. Markakis hit .306 with 20 HR in 157 games, and is just 25. The Orioles also tried to lock up Brian Roberts, but may look to move him as teams grow more impatient with free agent Orlando Hudson.While the Nationals likely will not pursue Roberts, don't rule out the White Sox or Twins trying to make a move.

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Phillies Sign Hamels

The Phillies and Cole Hamels have agreed to a three year deal worth 20.5 million dollars. The Phillies lock up one of the best young pitchers in the game through his arbitration years, after he posted a 4-0 record with a 1.80 ERA in the playoffs. Hamels was 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA and 196 K in 33 games for the Phillies last season, and owns a 38-23 career record. The Phillies could try to do something similar with Ryan Howard, but they could look to move him for prospects instead. 

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Rangers Interested In Vizquel

According to MLB.com, the Rangers have some interest in Omar Vizquel. The Rangers would like to use Vizquel as a utility player, but also as insurance in case Elvis Andrus needs time developing in the majors. He is going to be making the jump from Double-A, but the Rangers still feel that he will be able to produce immediately. He could struggle earlier on while he is figuring things out or he could blast on the scene because teams aren't familiar with him. Either way, Vizquel will make for a solid back up and an excellent mentor to Elvis Andrus. 

Vizquel did struggle last season in 92 games, but finished his final 61-at bats hitting .344 and five extra base hits.

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Diamondbacks Could Sign Martinez

In his latest piece, Ken Rosenthal writes that the Diamondbacks could be a fit for free agent Pedro Martinez. Martinez and GM Josh Byrnes worked together in Boston for two seasons and may be able to convince Martinez to join his already dangerous starting rotation. Martinez was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA last season, but playing for the Diamondbacks, a strong defensive team, and other pitcher friendly stadiums in the NL West could boost him numbers.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.