The Rays have reached an agreement on a two-year deal with left-handed reliever Brian Shouse. The deal is pending a physical according to ESPN.Com. Shouse is a situational left-hander who held left-handed hitters to a .180 average last year. He is 40 and in his 10th season in the Majors.

In search of a left-hander to fill the void of J.C. Romero, who will be suspended the first 50 games of the 2009 regular season after testing positive under MLB's Drug Policy, the Phillies have contacted the agent for Will Ohman, according to ESPN.com. The Web site said Philadelphia's brass reached out to Ohman's representative, Page Odle, last week and will continue talks next week.

In his sixth year in the Major Leagues with the Braves last season, Ohman went 4-1 with a 3.68 ERA in 83 appearances. Since his debut in 2000 with the Cubs, the 31-year-old lefty has compiled a 4.16 ERA in 218 2/3 innings. The Rockies have also expressed interest in Ohman this offseason.

The Phillies currently have just one experienced lefty in their bullpen, Scott Eyre, with Romero not able to pitch until June 1.

-- Alden Gonzalez

One of the most eye-popping sights of the Rockies' 2007 run to the National League championship arrived at the Coors Field home clubhouse just before the playoffs. An aritst worked up a painting of Fogg, wearing his trademark mutton chop sideburns, sitting atop a defeated dragon, holding a baseball. It was an ode to Fogg's nickname, "The Dragon Slayer," which arose from his penchant for winning matchups with the game's most famous pitchers. Fogg would finish 10-9, but his impact on the squad went beyond his numbers.

After an unsuccessful year with the Reds in 2008, Fogg is back. He'll attend the Rockies' camp under a Minor League contract that he agreed to on Friday. Fogg will join Glendon Rusch, Jorge De La Rosa, Greg Smith, Franklin Morales, Jason Hirsh, Greg Reynolds, Jason Hirsh and Matt Belisle. Those may be lesser-known names than, say, Greg Maddux, but in the quest to win one of the two rotation spots or a chance in the bullpen they are breathing fire at his chances to win a job.

-- Thomas Harding

The prolonged negotiations between the Red Sox and Jason Varitek have finally come to a resolution, one that will allow the free agent catcher to continue his captaincy for at least one more year and probably two.

Multiple Major League sources have confirmed published reports that the Red Sox and Varitek have agreed to a one-year deal for $5 million that also includes an option for 2010.

The option is worth $5 million if picked up by the club and $3 million if Varitek exercises it. However, The Boston Globe reported that incentives have been added that could earn Varitek an extra $2 million in 2010, beginning at 80 games started. In other words, Varitek can earn between $8 to $12 million assuming the option is exercised in some form.

There likely won't be an official announcement until the beginning of next week, as Varitek must take a physical.

-- Ian Browne

One day after Jon Garland came off the board by signing with Arizona, the Dodgers spoke to the representatives of top pitching target Randy Wolf and backup plan Braden Looper Thursday, but there was no indication an agreement was close.

Wolf has been on the Dodgers' radar throughout the winter, along with Garland and Looper, to fill a middle spot in a rotation that has lost veteran free agents Derek Lowe and Brad Penny.

The only tentative starters for the Dodgers currently are Chad Billingsley (recovering from a broken leg), Hiroki Kuroda and Clayton Kershaw. Another spot is likely to be contested by a group that includes Jason Schmidt, Claudio Vargas, Eric Stults, Ramon Troncoso and Shawn Estes. -- Ken Gurnick

 

MLB.com has confirmed that starter Paul Maholm and the Pirates have agreed to a multi-year deal on Thursday. The agreement is pending a physical, which is expected to take place before the end of the week.

The contract length and salary details of the deal are not yet known, though it can be expected that the deal would take Maholm at least through his three years of arbitration eligibility. And if the Pirates structure it like the deal catcher Ryan Doumit received earlier this winter, then there could be built in options to take Maholm into his first year or two of free agency.

With the agreement, Maholm and the Pirates avoid having to go to an arbitration hearing, which had been scheduled for Feb. 10. The two sides had been more than $1 million apart when they exchanged figures earlier this month. Maholm had asked for a salary of $3.8 million, while the Pirates had countered with an offer of $2.65 million.

When Maholm officially signs, outfielder Nate McLouth will be left as the team's only unsigned player. McLouth's arbitration hearing will take place on Feb. 17 unless the two sides can come to an one-year agreement before then.

It seems the Dodgers' desire to add a veteran starting pitcher is on standby until the Mets add a veteran starting pitcher.

The Dodgers want to sign Randy Wolf, who reportedly is among the backup choices for the Mets if they can't reach agreement with Oliver Perez. Wolf can't take Dodgers money as long as he remains in play for the richer Mets. The Dodgers -- in payroll-reduction mode -- want no part of a bidding war for a pitcher.

Wolf said his asking price is in line with recent deals, implying that the most recent signing by Arizona of Jon Garland ($8.75 million for one year plus an option/buyout) is a good comparable. He said the twists and turns of his free agency have been "like an experience at Six Flags."

Garland had been the Dodgers' second choice if Wolf signs elsewhere. That position has been inherited by Braden Looper. -- Ken Gurnick

The Reds previously said they were done making moves because of being at their payroll limit. But they might not be finished after all.

Bench depth is still a need and a source told MLB.com that the Reds are interested in veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez. In recent weeks, Gonzalez and his agent also made strong overtures that he would like to play for Cincinnati.

"We're still looking to improve our bench and find the right guys. He's a guy we like," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said when asked about Gonzalez. "We're exploring every option and if the right fit comes around, we'll take a look at it."

-- Mark Sheldon

The Phillies are obviously in the market for a right-handed hitter off the bench. And according to SI.com, Philadelphia won't spend more than $3 million to acquire that player.

The fact the Phillies don't want to spend top dollar for a reserve player comes as no surprise, considering the team's payroll could sit in the $130-million range after they get done with Ryan Howard. Last year, Philadelphia sported a club-record $104 million payroll.

The Phillies have been rumored to be interested in Nomar Garciaparra, Ty Wigginton, Moises Alou, Rich Aurilia, Mark Grudzielanek and Kevin Millar.

-- Alden Gonzalez

The Reds signed reliever David Weathers to a one-year contract on Wednesday with a club option for 2010. Weathers will earn $3.5 million this season and can make an additional $700,000 in incentives based on games finished. The option is worth $3.7 million and carries a $400,000 buyout.

"David has been a big part of our club," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "Ownership and I felt it was important to get this resolved before arbitration and have David in camp on a positive note."

Another arbitration case is pending still with third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, who is seeking $3.7 million while the club offered $2.55 million.

"It's going," Jocketty said of the negotiations. "It could go down to the end but we're confident we'll get it done."

 

-- Mark Sheldon

 

 

Agent Scott Boras told MLB.com that teams (plural) besides the Dodgers have expressed interested in Manny Ramirez in the past week and he believes a deal could be done before Spring Training opens in less than three weeks.

The Dodgers remain involved, but according to Boras, now have increasing competition. Previously, only the Giants had publicly acknowledged interest. He told the Los Angeles Times that he spoke to Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti again Tuesday, but the Dodgers have not come off their initial offer of two years for $45 million plus an option for the outfielder, who turns 37 in May. Ramirez is believed seeking a deal of at least four years in length.

Boras said manager Joe Torre has spoken by phone with Ramirez to assure him of the club's interest. -- Ken Gurnick

According to a baseball industry source, the Pirates have their sights set on free agent outfielder Eric Hinske as the team searches for a fourth outfielder and bench option. Discussions between the two sides have increased to the point where the Pirates may be bringing Hinske to Pittsburgh before the end of the week.

If that is the case, it would seem to suggest that Hinske would be in town for a physical, meaning an agreement had already been reached.

The 31-year-old Hinske has spent his entire seven-year career in the American League, including with the league champion Rays in 2008. Last season, he hit .247 with 60 RBIs and showed some power with 20 home runs.

Hinske would be able to serve as a backup outfielder at any of the three spots. He would also be able to back up Adam LaRoche at first base.

The Pirates have also contacted the agents for outfielder Luis Gonzalez, agent Terry Bross confirmed on Tuesday. However, Gonzalez appears to be a back-up plan for the Pirates if negotiations with Hinske fall through.

Bross said that the two sides have talked just once -- that being late last week -- and that another one to two teams have also shown interest in the 41-year-old Gonzalez. Bross also said that no deal is imminent with any of the interested clubs.

Gonzalez made $2 million last season and is prepared to take a job as a back up. Hinske made the Tampa Bay club as a non-roster invitee to Spring Training last year and earned $800,000.

-- Jenifer Langosch

The Red Sox have given Jason Varitek a deadline of Saturday to either take or leave the formal offer presented by the club last week.

The offer is worth a base salary of $5 million in 2009, and includes a dual option for 2010 which would be $5 million if picked up the Red Sox and $3 million if Varitek picks it up.

One club official noted that by no means are they trying to back Varitek into a corner or give him an ultimatum. More than anything, the Red Sox simply are eager for the situation to reach closure so they can more aggressively pursue Plan B if Varitek is not going to return. The catcher has been with the Red Sox since 1997, has been their primary catcher since '99 and the team captain since 2005.

Though Varitek is coming off a down year offensively, his departure would likely be hard for many members of the team to stomach. Varitek is a valued leader, both for the pitching staff, and in the clubhouse.

 -- Ian Browne

The Pirates claimed 26-year-old Virgil Vasquez off waivers on Monday in a move designed to increase the organization's pitching depth.

Vasquez made five appearances with the Tigers in 2007, but spent all of last year with Detroit's Triple-A team. The right-hander went 12-12 with a 4.81 ERA, 115 strikeouts and 37 walks in 27 starts there last season.

He had gone 12-5 with a 3.48 ERA in Triple-A a year earlier.

Vasquez will likely start the season in the starting rotation at Triple-A Indianapolis, though general manager Neal Huntington said that the organization believes that Vasquez could be a Major League starter down the road.

"We liked Virgil as a prospect two years ago," Huntington said. "Obviously he had a down year last year. But if we can get him to where he was two years ago, then we really like the depth he could bring."

The Pirates' 40-man roster is now full.

-- Jenifer Langosch

 

The Royals signed right-hander Zack Greinke to a four-year contract on Monday, putting a key member of their young core in Kansas City for the long term.

The 25-year-old Greinke emerged as a front-line starting pitcher in 2008. Beyond hitting the 200-inning mark for the first time in his career, his 13 wins matched his total for his previous three seasons combined. His 183 strikeouts ranked fifth in the American League, tied with teammate Gil Meche, while his 3.47 ERA cracked the AL's top 10 with the lowest mark for a Royals pitcher with at least 162 innings since Kevin Appier in 1997. He won four of his final five starts, including back-to-back performances of seven scoreless innings in his last two outings against Seattle and at Detroit.

Signing Greinke to a long-term deal was an offseason priority for the Royals, and they spent much of the winter working towards it. He would've been eligible for free agency after the 2010 season, and he said early this offseason that he was confident enough in his ability that he didn't need a long-term deal. The new contract takes out what would've been two years after free agency, running through 2012.

-- Jason Beck

Andy Pettitte appears to be closing in on a one-year contract, allowing the veteran to help open the Yankees' new stadium as a member of the rotation.

A baseball source told MLB.com Monday that the Yankees were nearing completion on an agreement with Pettitte, and a deal could be reached later in the day.

The Yankees have not officially commented on the developments, but discussions between Pettitte's representatives and general manager Brian Cashman have continued for weeks.

The 36-year-old's agents, Randy and Alan Hendricks, have advised Pettitte that the Yankees' offer - widely reported to be one year at $10.5 million - represents too large of a pay cut it represents from the $16 million he earned in each of the last two seasons. But the Yankees could help make up some of the difference by including performance-based incentives. 

A long stalemate between Jason Varitek and the Red Sox may be coming to an end. And with pitchers and catchers set to report for Spring Training in Fort Myers, Fla., on Feb. 12, it couldn't be coming any sooner.

According to The Boston Globe, citing a baseball source, the Red Sox have made a formal proposal to Varitek "that could appease the catcher's desire for a second guaranteed season." While the value and terms were unknown, the publication said Boston could ensure Varitek a second year by guaranteeing it outright or giving him one of a wide variety of player options - one of which could be reached through incentives, like at-bats or games played.

Throughout the offseason, multiple sources have told The Globe that Varitek wanted a two-year deal, which could've triggered the slow-moving negotiations between the two sides.

The latest offer to Varitek was made within the last three or four days, The Globe is reporting, and it was unclear whether he or his agent, Scott Boras, were presented with any sort of deadline.

In his 12th year in the Major Leagues, Varitek, 37 in April, hit for a career-low .220 batting average. After he declined arbitration in December from the Red Sox - which could've given him between $10 and $12 million - the market has been very slow for the switch-hitter, mostly because teams would have to give up a first-round Draft pick to attain him.

Varitek made $10 million in '08 - a number he surely won't reach for the upcoming season.

-- Alden Gonzalez

In their long pursuit to add a right-handed-hitting infielder off the bench to serve as insurance while Pedro Feliz and Chase Utley recover from offseason surgeries, the Phillies have also been targeting Ty Wigginton, according to Philly.com.

In his seventh season in the Major Leagues, Wigginton hit .285 with 23 home runs with 58 RBIs in 111 games for the Astros in 2008. The 31-year-old is a career .270 hitter who has experience playing third base, second base and both corner-outfield positions.

The Phillies had been looking for another reserve, but Wigginton -- who's played in 100-plus games in five of his seven seasons -- could end up giving Feliz competition at third base. Wigginton was non-tendered by Houston after making $4.35 million in '08.

-- Alden Gonzalez

With three weeks before pitchers and catchers report to most Spring Training camps, Kenny Rogers is still a free agent. Moreover, there have been no signs of him signing with any team.

The 44-year-old Rogers has kept quiet this offseason, leaving emails from reporters unanswered. Even Tigers manager Jim Leyland, who received a voicemail from Rogers thanking him for his time in Detroit, doesn't know Rogers' plans. The one person in the organization who has had a discussion with him, team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said, isn't disclosing the nature of their talk.

Still, when asked about Rogers' status by a fan during a question-and-answer session at TigerFest on Saturday, Dombrowski hinted that Rogers probably isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

"At this time, I don't think he's on the verge of signing with any club," Dombrowski said. "I think he's in a position where he's content where he is right now. But it's more up to him on what he decides to do with his life, and I don't know if he's made that decision 100 percent."

If Rogers does pitch again, it probably won't be in Detroit. Dombrowski said the Tigers are not looking for any more starting pitching, preferring to leave the fifth spot open to competition among Zach Miner, Nate Robertson and Dontrelle Willis.

-- Jason Beck

A Major League source told Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com that Baltimore second baseman Dave Roberts is seeking a four-year contract.
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Eligible for free agency after the season, Roberts has been offered three years at $30 million, according to the Baltimore Sun.
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The 31-year-old second baseman is a cornerstone for the team.
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Retaining Roberts became a topic of discussion this week after the Orioles announced the signing of Nick Markakis to a six-year extension.
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"We've made no secret of the fact that we'd love to have Brian come back," said Andy MacPhail, the team's president of baseball operations said Thursday. "We're still working on it. The market hasn't completely played itself out yet. Hopefully we can get something done."

-- Joe Frisaro

Russ Springer, who has appeared in 70 or more games in three straight seasons, is nearing a deal with the A's, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.

The 40-year-old reliever is reportedly looking at a deal worth about $3 million. The Twins also are believed to have interest in Springer.

With the Cardinals in 2008, the right-hander was 2-1 with a 2.32 ERA in 70 appearances. He threw 50 1/3 innings, and struck out 45 while walking 18 in a setup role.

Springer broke in with the Yankees in 1992, and he has been in the National League ever since joining the Phillies in 1995. He has pitched for six different clubs, including the Cardinals the past two seasons.

-- Joe Frisaro

The Tigers and reliever Brandon Lyon reached an agreement Friday on a one-year contract, according to an industry source. An announcement is expected Saturday morning during the team's annual TigerFest event at Comerica Park.

Lyon immediately becomes the leading candidate to take over as closer in Detroit. The 29-year-old right-hander saved 26 games last year in Arizona, spending most of the season as the Diamondbacks closer before moving to setup at year's end.

-- Jason Beck

In their pursuit of a right-handed hitter off the bench, the Phillies have had an interest in veteran infielder Nomar Garciaparra for a while, and have seemingly made him his No. 1 target. But in the thoughts of not waiting around to see whether Garciaparra decides to play his 14th season or not, Philadelphia is also interested in some other right-handed-hitting options. One of those, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, could be Moises Alou.

A Major League source told The Inquirer the Phillies are going "pretty hard" after the 42-year-old Alou. In his 17th season in '08, Alou played in a career-low 15 games for the Mets, batting .347 with nine RBIs, after being slowed by a hernia and torn hamstring. But he is expected to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic this spring.

"It's a possibility," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told The Inquirer. "He's in the mix. But ultimately his expectations might be a little too high as far as playing time goes. This is a limited playing role."

The publication, citing a source with knoweldge of Alou's thinking, says the veteran may be leaning towards an American League club, where he can be a full-time designated hitter. In addition to Alou and Garciaparra, The Inquirer also lists Mark Grudzielanek, Rich Aurilia and Kevin Millar as options.

-- Alden Gonzalez 

On the heels of Freddy Garcia agreeing to a Minor League deal with the Mets, there are signs of movement for some other free agent starting pitchers.

It was confirmed on Friday that Ben Sheets met with the Rangers in Arlington, Tex., on Thursday and talked with club executives.

"He is a player that we hve a level of interest in," Rangers GM Jon Daniels said.

Foxsports.com reported that the Dodgers have taken the inside track in the competition for lefty starter Randy Wolf's services. According to the web site's sources, Wolf could most likely be signed to a one or two-year deal.

 

--Mark Sheldon

 

 

Free agent reliever Brandon Lyon has reduced his field to two teams, one of them the Tigers, and could have a deal in place by Friday, according to an industry source. Detroit and Minnesota were in the mix for Lyon at the beginning of the week, with St. Louis also believed to be involved. The Twins are looking for a reliever to set up closer Joe Nathan, and have also shown interest in Eric Gagne.

At this point, however, Detroit is believed to be closest to a deal. The Tigers have pursued Lyon with a chance at the closer's job currently held by Fernando Rodney. Lyon is expected to draw a two-year contract.

One way or another, the Tigers expect to make a move or two before the season begins to bolster a relief corps that has plenty of questions.

"I think before it's all said and done, there'll be more of a veteran presence in our bullpen than people think," manager Jim Leyland said during a stop on the team's winter caravan Thursday, echoing remarks he made at another event Wednesday evening.

-- Jason Beck

Right-hander Kris Benson, who underwent shoulder surgery in 2007 and spent 2008 in the Minors with the Phillies, will throw on Saturday for the Rockies -- as well as the Dodgers, D-backs, Rangers, Padres, Indians and Cardinals. The Denver Post rates the chance of him signing as unlikely because of his injury history, but his agent, Gregg Clifton, says his client has increased his strength and flexibility. The door is open to the return of righty Josh Fogg, but the number of pitchers already signed is a deterrent to his signing a Minor League deal.

 

-- Thomas Harding

Not much has changed since catcher Jason Varitek and Red Sox principal owner John Henry had a one-on-one meeting on Friday night. But, according to The Boston Globe, there is an offer on the table for the captain to return to Boston.

The Globe said that while there doesn't seem to be an increase in their offer since the meeting, a proposal is in fact there.

This is an interesting situation because Varitek gave up anywhere in the neighborhood of $10-$12 million when he denied arbitration. But since there hasn't been much of a market for the veteran switch-hitter, mostly because teams would have to surrender a first-round pick to acquire him, it doesn't seem like the Red Sox's offer would come anywhere close to that number.

One source familiar with the negotiations told The Globe Varitek has not given up hope on securing a two-year deal, though that seems unlikely.

Pitchers and catchers are due in camp in Fort Myers, Fla., on Feb. 12, and though Varitek could wait longer than that, he's normally liked the extra time working with pitchers -- something that becomes even more important this year, with newcomers Brad Penny, John Smoltz and Takashi Saito.

Another option for Varitek would be to sign after June's First-Year Player Draft because, according to ESPN.com, teams won't have to surrender Draft picks to acquire Type A free agents after that point. But Varitek, 37 in April, would likely have to take an even more severe paycut at that point, considering he'll be catching for a half-season.

-- Alden Gonzalez 

The Cardinals surprised just about everyone on Thursday when they announced that third baseman Troy Glaus has undergone right shoulder surgery that will sideline him for 12 weeks.

According to an official release by the club, Glaus underwent an arthroscopic procedure for debridement, or cleaning out, of his throwing shoulder. Dr. Lewis Yocum performed the operation in Los Angeles.

The Cardinals listed the recovery time at 12 weeks, although it was unclear whether that referred to the time Glaus will be unable to play at all, or the time that he's expected to be unavailable to the Major League roster. Glaus, 32, had a fine first season in St. Louis, batting .270 with a .372 on-base percentage and .483 slugging percentage.

Glaus has missed large chunks of three of the past six seasons due to injury. Most recently, he was limited to 115 games in 2007 as a result of plantar fasciitis. He has one year and $11.25 million remaining on his current contract.

It's unclear who would take the bulk of the at-bats in Glaus' absence, but third base is one of the deepest positions for the Cardinals. David Freese, Joe Mather and possibly even 2008 Draft pick Brett Wallace could push for playing time.

Glaus addressed reporters over the weekend at the annual Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up and made no mention of any physical malady that had plagued him this winter.

--Matthew Leach

Freddy Garcia has narrowed his free agency decision down to the Mets and Yankees, according to a post late Wednesday night on FOXsports.com.

Garcia, if acquired, could battle for the fifth starter's job out of Spring Training.

Even if he does sign, of course, there would be no guarantees. Garcia won just one game after a trade landed him in Philadelphia two winters ago, and won one additional game last season after a Minor League contract sent him to Detroit. Once one of the most durable and consistent starters in the game, Garcia, now 32, underwent right shoulder surgery in 2007 and has pitched just 73 big league innings over the past two seasons.

--Anthony DiComo

 

It appears that the 2009 Reds roster will be heading to Spring Training next month as is. During a kickoff for the club's Winter Caravan on Thursday, general manager Walt Jocketty said there would likely be no more moves in Cincinnati before camp.

"I just don't foresee us doing anything right now," Jocketty said. "I want to see what we have going into camp."

Jocketty and manager Dusty Baker both said the Reds were at their payroll limit. What that limit is wasn't disclosed but it appears to be very close to last year's Opening Day budget of $74 million.

"It's what it was last year. In fact, it might be a little bit more," Jocketty said.

 

-- Mark Sheldon

In his first public comments since becoming the richest first-year arbitration relief pitcher ever, Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon (pictured) told Comcast SportsNet in an interview on Wednesday night that he's just fine with signing his one-year deal, which was worth $6.25 million.

"I like rolling the dice a little bit," Papelbon said, in quotes provided by The Providence Journal.

"You have to weigh so many different things [when negotiating a long-term contract], and it's so hard to put it in perspective."

But Papelbon did admit, "You do want that security as a player, and you do want that feeling that everything's going to be OK."

While speaking at a conference call regarding the Papelbon signing on Tuesday night, Red Sox assistant general manager Jed Hoyer said the club explored the idea of a long-term deal with their closer, and will continue to do so. Papelbon confirmed that, too.

"We did discuss [a multiyear deal], but I don't think we were able to see eye-to-eye on that," he said. "Which is fine."

Papelbon, who said the negotiations with the Red Sox "went a lot smoother than expected" this time around, was also asked if he'd want to stay with Boston -- the team that drafted him in the fourth round in 2003 -- for the remainder of his career and didn't sound too committal.

"Obviously, that's a tough question," he responded. "It is a business, and that's the nature of it. But if I feel like the Red Sox treat me fairly, and I'm in a good family environment with the Red Sox, I'd love to stay with them. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. That's the way it is, and you have to move on. But we'll see. We'll see."

Papelbon didn't leave the interview without making a pitch for the only catcher he's ever known in the big leagues, either.

"There's certain players in Major League baseball . . . that you take a gamble on, whether it's age or whether it's money," Papelbon said about Jason Varitek, whose return to the Red Sox for a 13th season is still in limbo. "Varitek is, no question about it, in that category.

"Whether it's a money issue or whether it's an age issue, there's no question in my mind whatsoever. You make that gamble with a person like that. It's that simple to me."

We'll see if they listen.

-- Alden Gonzalez

Omar Vizquel has agreed to a contract with the Rangers. He'll go to Spring Training as the likely candidate to be the utility infielder and backup to rookie shortstop Elvis Andrus. The deal comes after Michael Young moved to third base to make room for Vizquel.

-- T.R. Sullivan

The Phillies have already agreed on a two-year deal with Jayson Werth, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. But while that hasn't been officially announced yet, the club did send out a press release Wednesday saying they've signed reliever Chad Durbin to a one-year, $1.635 million deal.

With those two, the Phillies -- who had eight arbitration-eligible players when the filing period ended on Thursday -- have just one potential case left in slugger Ryan Howard. But the left-handed-hitting first baseman wants $18 million, and that could take a bit longer to get done.

Durbin, 31, made $900,000 in '08, when he went 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in 71 appearances.

"Chad came to Philadelphia and in his first season of being a full-time reliever helped solidify what we believe to be one of the best bullpens in baseball," Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said via press release.

According to SI.com, Werth's deal is worth $10 million through the two years.

-- Alden Gonzalez

Jeff Kent will announce his retirement in a Dodger Stadium press conference Thursday. Kent, 40, played 17 seasons, the last four with the Dodgers.

 

Kent was a free agent after the 2008 season, but club management was anticipating his retirement, having moved Blake DeWitt to second base after re-signing third baseman Casey Blake. The club also signed free agent utilityman Mark Loretta, a former All-Star second baseman.

 

Kent, who will receive strong consideration for the Hall of Fame, retires as the all-time home run hitter among second basemen with 351 of his total of 377. 

-- Ken Gurnick

The Phillies have avoided arbitration with outfielder Jayson Werth and have agreed on a two-year deal, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.

Werth hit .273 with 24 home runs, 67 RBIs and 20 stolen bases in 134 games in 2008 - his second season in Philadelphia. For his six-year career, the 29-year-old - a first-round Draft pick of the Orioles in 1997 - has hit for a combined .263.

With the addition of left-handed hitter Raul Ibanez, Werth's presence becomes more crucial because he is a right-handed hitter with power who can offset lefties Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Ibanez in the middle of the lineup.

Werth and reliever Ryan Madson were the two arbitration-eligible players for the Phillies who were free agents after the 2009 season, and both have now signed on to multi-year deals.

With the addition of Werth, the Phillies only have two potential arbitration cases remaining in Ryan Howard and Chad Durbin. When arbitration figures came out Tuesday, Howard and the Phillies stood $4 million apart. The lefty slugger wants $18 million.

-- Alden Gonzalez

After agreeing to a one-year deal with center fielder Shane Victorino, the Phillies also extended a one-year contract to starting pitcher Joe Blanton on Tuesday, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, which reported the deal as being for $5.475 million.

With Blanton, the Phillies have three arbitration-eligible players remaining - Ryan Howard, Chad Durbin and Jayson Werth - as figures were exchanged on Tuesday and cases begin in February.

Blanton came over from the Athletics in late July and finished off the regular season 4-0 with a 4.20 ERA in 13 starts for the Phillies. In the postseason, Blanton - who combined to go 9-12 with a 4.69 ERA in '08 - went 2-0 with a 3.18 ERA in three starts.

The 28-year-old right-hander, a first-round Draft pick of the A's in 2002, made $3.7 million in 2008.

-- Alden Gonzalez

Going into the arbitration process, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein had a reputation for never letting negotiations get to an actual arbitration hearing.

On Tuesday, he made sure his reputation stayed that way.

The Red Sox got rid of all of their remaining arbitration-eligible players when they signed closer Jonathan Papelbon and left-handed reliever Javier Lopez to one-year deals, Epstein announced via press release.

According to SI.com, Papelbon, in his first year of arbitration eligibility, agreed to a $6.25 million deal, which is a record for an arbitration-eligible relief pitcher.

Papelbon went 5-4 with a 2.34 ERA in 2008 and set career highs with 41 saves, 67 appearances and 69 1/3 innings pitched. In his four years with the Red Sox, Papelbon - a fourth-round Draft pick in 2003 - has gone 13-10 with a 1.84 ERA and 113 saves.

The 28-year-old is one of four pitchers ever to record 30 or more saves in at least each of his first three Major League seasons, joining Billy Koch (4), Kazuhiro Sasaki (3) and Todd Worrell (3).

The 31-year-old Lopez, who made $840,000 last year, went 2-0 with a 2.43 ERA in 70 appearances in '08. Lopez's deal is worth $1.35 million, according to SI.com.

-- Alden Gonzalez

The Royals beat the exchange of arbitration salary figures on Tuesday by signing catcher John Buck and pitcher Joel Peralta to one-year contracts.

Buck last season batted .224 with nine home runs and 48 RBIs. Peralta had a 1-2 record and 5.98 ERA in 40 relief appearances.

--Dick Kaegel.

The Royals beat the exchange of arbitration salary figures on Tuesday by signing catcher John Buck and pitcher Joel Peralta to one-year contracts.

Buck last season batted .224 with nine home runs and 48 RBIs. Peralta had a 1-2 record and 5.98 ERA in 40 relief appearances.

--Dick Kaegel.

The Phillies avoided arbitration with another player on their long list of potential cases on Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year, $3.125 million deal with center fielder Shane Victorino, according to Philly.com.

The 28-year-old switch-hitter, who made $480,000 in 2008, was arbitration-eligible for the first time in his five-year career. After signing Victorino, the Phillies have four arbitration-eligible players remaining in Ryan Howard, Chad Durbin, Joe Blanton and Jayson Werth.

After the arbitration-filing period came to an end on Thursday, the Phillies had as many as eight, but Cole Hamels, Ryan Madson and Greg Dobbs have agreed to multi-year deals.

Figures between the club and their arbitration-eligible players will be exchanged today, with hearings being scheduled from Feb. 1-21.

Victorino, originally a sixth-round Draft pick of the Dodgers in 1999, hit .293 with 14 home runs, 58 RBIs and 36 stolen bases in 146 games in '08 - his fourth year with Philadelphia.

-- Alden Gonzalez

The Pirates agreed to terms on one-year contracts with four of the team's six arbitration-eligible players before having to exchange arbitration salary figures with each. First baseman Adam LaRoche, left-hander Zach Duke, lefty John Grabow and right-hander Tyler Yates all came to agreements with the Pirates.

LaRoche will make a base salary of $7.05 million with up to $100,000 available in incentives in 2008. Grabow will make a base salary of $2.3 million with $75,000 in possible incentives. Duke's base salary will be $2.2 million with $100,000 possible in performance bonuses. And Yates will earn $1.3 million, with another $25,000 possible with incentives.

The Pirates still have two arbitration-eligible players -- Nate McLouth and Paul Maholm -- who remain unsigned. Both exchanged figures with the club. The differences between those team and player salary figures will be released later Tuesday afternoon.

-- Jenifer Langosch

The Marlins on Tuesday afternoon announced they came to contract terms with Ricky Nolasco, Alfredo Amezaga and Cody Ross. However, the team didn't reach agreement with two-time All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla.

Based on team policy, the Marlins will likely head to arbitration hearings in February with Uggla.

Nolasco agreed to a $2.4 million deal, and he can earn another $50,000 in incentives. Ross, meanwhile, will make $2.225 million.

Because Tuesday's noon arbitration deadline passed, and Uggla didn't agree, the Marlins have a club policy of settling the matter in an arbitration hearing, which will take place in February.

-- Joe Frisaro

 

Early Tuesday afternoon, the Marlins reached agreement on a one-year deal with Ricky Nolasco, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.

Nolasco will make $2.4 million, plus he can earn another $50,000 in incentives.

Nolasco had a breakout season in 2008 when the right-hander was 15-8 with a 3.52 ERA in 212 1/3 innings. After opening the season in the bullpen, he made 32 starts and he struck out 186, while walking just 42.

The right-hander made the league minimum $390,000 last year.

For the week of June 16, Nolasco was the National League's co-Player of the Week, along with Pittsburgh catcher Ryan Doumit. He went 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA in that week.

Nolasco's 51 strikeouts in August established a Marlins' record for any month. No Florida pitcher had ever reached 50 in a month. The closest was Kevin Brown's 47 in May of 1997.

-- Joe Frisaro 

Hours before arbitration-eligible players and their teams were to swap proposed contract figures, right-hander Seth McClung and the Brewers struck a deal on a one-year contract.

Terms of McClung's new deal were not immediately available but the versatile West Virginian earned $750,000 last season and was due a raise after going 6-6 with a 4.02 ERA in 25 relief appearances and 12 starts.

With McClung, shortstop J.J. Hardy and pitchers Dave Bush, Chris Capuano and Todd Coffey under contract, the Brewers were left with three arbitration-eligible players yet to sign including first baseman Prince Fielder, who is eligible for the first time and ensured a massive raise from the $670,000 renewal with which he expressed frustration last spring. Right-fielder Corey Hart, another first-time eligible, and second baseman Rickie Weeks also remained unsigned as of midday Tuesday.

-- Adam McCalvy

The Pirates and first baseman Adam LaRoche have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract, a baseball source confirmed with MLB.com on Tuesday morning.

The Pirates have not officially announced the deal, which is reportedly worth $7.05 million plus another $100,000 in possible incentives. LaRoche was in his final year before free agency and now becomes the team's second-highest paid player behind shortstop Jack Wilson, who will make $7.25 million in 2009.

LaRoche made $5 million in 2008, a season in which he hit .270 with 20 homers and 88 RBIs.

The Pirates still have five unsigned arbitration eligible players -- Nate McLouth, Paul Maholm, Zach Duke, Tyler Yates and John Grabow. Arbitration hearings would take place from Feb. 1-21 if the Pirates can not come to an agreement with each of those players.

-- Jenifer Langosch

Jeremy Hermida has reached agreement on a one-year contract, as the Marlins avoided going to arbitration hearings with their left-handed hitting outfielder.

The deal is for $2.25 million.

Hermida, who is switching from right field to left field, is eligible for arbitration for the first time. He batted .249 with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs last year.

The Marlins had entertained trade talks regarding Hermida, but opted to retain the former first-round pick in 2002.

-- Joe Frisaro

 

The Marlins on Monday night reached agreement on a one-year deal with third baseman Jorge Cantu, avoiding arbitration.

The deal is for $3.5 million, and it comes after Cantu made $600,000 in 2008 after he earned $100,000 in incentives.

Cantu paced the Marlins in RBIs with 95, and he belted 29 home runs.

"Jorge is very happy, and he looks forward to the season," said Cantu's agent, Steve Canter.

Cantu, who turns 27 on Jan. 30, will play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

Entering Spring Training, he will be the frontrunner to start at third base. But he also could see action at first base, a spot he played late in games last year.

-- Joe Frisaro

 

With righty reliever Huston Street and lefty swingman Jorge De La Rosa reportedly signed,  the Rockies have moved closer to their usual pattern of getting arbitration cases out of the way before having to go to potentially divisive hearings. The club has had just three in their history.

The most-expensive player in arbitration is third baseman Garrett Atkins, who is in the second of his three years of arbitration. The early buzz about a multi-year deal that would extend into his free-agent years seems to had dissipated, which means a one-year deal is likely.

If the past is any indication, the talks should not produce animosity. Last year, the sides settled at $4.3875 million -- the midpoint between Atkins' request and the team's offer -- to avoid a hearing. Atkins had turned down a multi-year offer the previous year, but last winter's negotiations were neither bitter nor protracted.

Last winter, the Rockies reached a quick agreement with left fielder Matt Holliday on a two-year deal to cover his final two years of arbitration. The extended negotiation for a deal that would eat up some of Holliday's free agency, however, produced some bitter feelings. The Rockies, realizing they couldn't reach such a deal and not wanting to lose him in free agency, traded him to the Athletics this winter for three players, including Street.

In addition to Street, De La Rosa and Atkins, the Rockies' arbitration-eligible players are baseman Clint Barmes and righty relievers Taylor Buchholz and Jason Grilli.

-- Thomas Harding

The Red Sox swapped right-handed pitchers with the Orioles on Monday, sending David Pauley to Baltimore in exchange for Randor Bierd (pictured), general manager Theo Epstein announced via press release.

Bierd will be a non-roster invitee to Spring Training.

After being acquired by the Tigers in the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 6, 2007, Bierd spent the entire '08 season on the Orioles' 40-man roster. The 24-year-old went 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA in 29 Major League relief appearances.

The Dominican Republic native was on the disabled list from May 2-July 18 because of a right shoulder impingement and combined to go 0-1 with a 3.46 ERA in 11 rehab appearances - one start.

Pauley was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for John Smoltz. The 25-year-old went 0-1 with an 11.68 ERA in six games - two starts - for the Red Sox in '08.

-- Alden Gonzalez

The Phillies have reached an agreement on a three-year deal worth $12 million with right-hander Ryan Madson, a source familiar with the situation confirmed.

With left-hander J.C. Romero being suspended the first 50 games of the season, the National League's best bullpen in 2008 made sure it locked up one of its biggest cogs through at least after the 2011 season. Madson would've been eligible for free agency after '09.

With his signing, the Phillies have five more arbitration-eligible players remaining: Jayson Werth, Chad Durbin, Joe Blanton, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino. Werth is the only player remaining who will be eligible for free agency after '09. Salary figures between clubs and their players will be exchanged on Tuesday, with hearings being scheduled at any point between Feb. 1-21.

Madson, 28, went 4-2 with a 3.05 ERA in 76 games during his sixth season in the Major Leagues -- all with the Phillies. Since being Philadelphia's ninth-round Draft pick in 1998, Madson has gone 32-21 with a 3.94 ERA in 295 games.

Last week, FOXSports.com reported Madson turned down a three-year, $12 million offer.

-- Alden Gonzalez

The Buffalo News reports that veteran left-hander Casey Fossum has agreed to a Minor League contract with the Mets organization. The 31-year-old was cut out of Spring Training with the Pirates last year before landing in the Tigers bullpen. He went 3-1 with a 5.66 ERA in 31 appearances as Detroit's second lefty reliever, allowing a .243 batting average to left-handed hitters but giving up a .310 average and .920 OPS against right-handed batters. Fossum would presumably join Triple-A Buffalo unless he makes the Mets roster out of camp.

-- Jason Beck

The St. Louis Cardinals called the New York Yankees to inquire about the asking price for second baseman Robinson Cano, according to a report published Sunday in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Yankees' response: Adam Wainwright.

The conversation did not last long, according to the report. The Yankees have expressed a reluctance to trade Cano despite his disappointing 2008 season, when he hit .271 with 14 home runs and 72 RBIs in the first year of a four-year, $30 million contract.

General manager Brian Cashman is among Cano's most public supporters, as the organization believes he will bounce back and return to being the above-average offensive player that prompted the Yankees to bypass Cano's arbitration years and offer him a bigger contract early.

-- Bryan Hoch

Former top overall Draft pick Kris Benson, who has missed much of the past two seasons with injuries, is set to work out for teams next Saturday as he tries to find a home for his comeback.

The Boston Globe reported Sunday that the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Rangers and Cubs are expected to watch Benson's workout in Scottsdale, Ariz. Benson had mentioned the Dodgers as one of the teams showing the most interest when he talked earlier this week with Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.

The 34-year-old right-hander has been trying to regain his healthy pitching form since undergoing surgery for a torn rotator cuff in March 2007. He was in a similar situation last winter, when an open workout session led to a Minor League contract with the Phillies. Benson made 13 Minor League starts in the Phillies system, 11 at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, going 1-4 with a 5.52 ERA and 80 hits allowed over 60 1/3 innings before the Phillies decided not to call him up in September. He received his release at the end of August.

Benson last pitched in the Majors for the Orioles in 2006, when he went 11-12 with a 4.86 ERA over 30 starts and 183 innings, including three complete games. He owns a 68-73 career record with a 4.34 ERA.

-- Jason Beck

Frontline starting pitching is always hard to come by.

With that in mind, the Phillies made sure they were keeping their ace around for a while. On Saturday, Philadelphia inked the left-hander who was pretty much unhittable through the club's run in October, Cole Hamels, when they signed him to a three-year contract worth $20.5 million, according to The New York Post.

The Post said Hamels will make $4.35 million in 2009, $6.65 million in '10 and $9.5 million in '11.

With Hamels' signing, the Phillies have six remaining arbitration-eligible players, with slugger Ryan Howard being the biggest name.

In his third year in the Major Leagues, the 25-year-old Hamels continued to show he's one of the best young pitchers in the game, going 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA in 33 starts and 227 1/3 innings. En route to the Phillies winning their first World Series title since 1980, the San Diego, Calif., native went 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five starts in the postseason.

According to The Post and SI.com, Hamels' base salary will jump $500,000 in any season after he wins a Cy Young Award, and by $250,000 if he finishes second or third in the voting.

The deal buys out the first three years of salary arbitration for Hamels. After his contract expires, he will be arbitration-eligible for one more season before becoming a free agent, after the 2012 campaign.

Along with Howard, the Phillies also have Ryan Madson, Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Chad Durbin and Joe Blanton left as possible arbitration cases. Utility man Greg Dobbs agreed to a two-year deal on Friday.

-- Alden Gonzalez

Jason Varitek wants to return to the Red Sox. And Boston is interested in bringing him back.

But whether the two sides can come to an agreement remains to be seen.

At Varitek's request, the veteran catcher met with Red Sox principal owner John Henry near the captain's Atlanta-based home on Friday night, and the two sides spoke one-on-one for about 90 minutes, according to The Boston Globe.

When reached by The Globe and The Boston Herald, Varitek refused to comment, telling The Globe, via text message, that it "went OK" and that there was "nothing to report." Varitek did, however, answer "yes" when asked by The Globe if his intention was to return to the Red Sox in 2009.

When reached by phone by The Herald, Henry refused to comment also, saying to do so "would be inappropriate." According to The Herald, citing a source, Henry wasn't looking at the one-on-one encounter as a means to negotiate a contract with the 12-year veteran - the team's baseball operations personnel would've been involved if that were the case.

The one-on-one meeting meant Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, wasn't present.

-- Alden Gonzalez

The Rangers have a good chance of signing Omar Vizquel, an 11-time Gold Glove-winning shortstop. Vizquel would give the Rangers an option if 20-year-old Elvis Andrus is not ready in Spring Training. More likely he would be in a utility role. Vizquel is a free agent and there is a good chance of something getting donr.

If Andruw Jones doesn't return to the Braves, the Marlins could be players in acquiring the free-agent outfielder, according to The South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

The paper, citing a baseball source, said the Marlins have conducted internal discussions about Jones, who was recently released by the Dodgers after a dreadful 2008 season.

Jones, who restructured the remaining $21.1 million owed to him from a two-year, $32.2 million deal, is said to be looking for a Major League contract, which would make the market a lot more slim.

The Marlins currently have youg prospect Cameron Maybin as their starting center fielder for the '09 season, and Jones isn't likely to take his place. Instead, he'd probably have to settle for a corner-outfield spot, if anything. According to The Sun-Sentinel, Jones and Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez have a great relationship dating back to Gonzalez's years as a coach in Atlanta, and Jones loves South Florida.

A 10-time Gold Glove Award winner and five-time All-Star, Jones was nowhere near his usual self in '08. The 31-year-old batted just .158 with a .249 slugging percentage in 75 games -- his lowest total since his rookie year, in 1996.

-- Alden Gonzalez

Even after the Red Sox locked up first baseman Kevin Youkilis for at least the next four years, a gaping hole in Boston's starting lineup still exists behind the plate.

Evidently, the club still wants former captain Jason Varitek (pictured) to fill it.

In a Comcast Sports Net New England interview that aired at 6:30 p.m. ET, Red Sox principal owner John Henry told CSN he is meeting one-on-one with Varitek tonight, according to WEEI. The Boston Globe confirmed with Varitek that a meeting with the two sides will take place.

The Globe said the meeting was Varitek's idea and his agent, Scott Boras, would not be present. Varitek also told the publication it would take place in his offseason home in Atlanta, but the specific location and time are unknown.

The Red Sox acquired Josh Bard early this month and were reportedly exploring a trade to also bring in a young catcher. But general manager Theo Epstein said last week that the Red Sox remained open to a Varitek return.

In 12 years with the Red Sox, the switch-hitting Varitek, who turns 37 in April, has combined to hit .263 with 161 home runs, 654 RBIs and three trips to the All-Star Game.

Varitek, coming off a four-year, $40 million contract he signed in 2004, might have forfeited an annual salary in the range of $10 million-$12 million when he turned down arbitration from the Red Sox in December. The fact Varitek, who hit .220 in 2008, would cost any team that picks him up a first-round Draft pick, has made the market for the veteran catcher less than favorable.

-- Alden Gonzalez

Arbitration-eligible reliever Ryan Madson is seemingly not going to be that easy to lock up. According to FOXSports.com, Madson, a Scott Boras client, was offered a three-year, $12 million deal from the Phillies, which he turned down.

The 28-year-old right-hander was a staple to a Phillies bullpen that was the best in the National League in 2008, going 4-2 with a 3.05 ERA in 76 appearances.

Madson, who avoided arbitration and made $1.4 million in 2008, is one of eight Phillies who filed for arbitration, which ended its 10-day filing period on Thursday. He and outfielder Jayson Werth will be free agents after the 2009 season.

With left-hander J.C. Romero being suspended the first 50 games of the '09 season after testing positive for an over-the-counter supplement under Major League Baseball's Drug Policy, Madson's presence in the 'pen becomes even more valuable.

- Alden Gonzalez

The Nationals and Athletics talked about possible trade scenarios recently, but nothing is imminent, according to a baseball source. 

The last time the two clubs talked was last week. The Athletics have interest in first baseman Nick Johnson and Washington would love to acquire first baseman Daric Barton, but Oakland is not willing to part with him. Last year, Barton, 23, was Oakland's regular first baseman. In 140 games, he hit .226 with nine home runs and 47 RBIs.

"Nothing is close. Talks have not heated up between the Nationals and A's," the source said.

-- Bill Ladson

According to a blog post in Chicago's Daily Herald, the Blue Jays and Marlins have "shown some interest" in former White Sox shortstop Orlando Cabrera (pictured).

The 34-year-old declined salary arbitration from Chicago after the 2008 season, which could've seen his salary bump to $10 million for '09 after making $9 million the previous year. Cabrera, a Type A free agent, would cost any team that picks him up a high draft pick.

In his first season with the White Sox, Cabrera -- a two-time Gold Glove Award winner -- hit .281 with eight home runs, 57 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. But the 12-year veteran from Colombia has taken a bad rap for being a selfish player in recent years.

With the Marlins, the move doesn't appear to make much sense, with Cabrera likely to make starter's money and shortstop Hanley Ramirez being the face of the franchise. A move to second base for Cabrera, with Dan Uggla eventually sliding to third base, could be possible, but Cabrera has only played 33 games at second base in his career -- comparatively, he's played 1,526 at shortstop.

The Marlins are also set in terms of middle infielders, with Emilio Bonifacio, Robert Andino and Alfredo Amezaga to go along with Ramirez and Uggla. Jorge Cantu is penciled in as the starting third baseman for 2009.

The Blue Jays, however, do have a hole at shortstop, with Marco Scutaro -- who's never hit above .273 in his seven-year career -- currently being the likely starter for '09. But Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi has said his team won't have the resources to compete for big-name free agents this offseason.

-- Alden Gonzalez  

L ast spring, outfielder Scott Podsednik joined the Rockies with no guarantees at all. He wasn't expected to make the team, but he didn't let that deter him. Podsednik once again will go to Spring Training with the Rockies as a non-roster invitee, but at least he'll have the advantage of having shown the Rockies what he can do. Podsednik, who hit .253 in 93 games -- usually backing up center fielder Willy Taveras -- last season, was one of nine non-roster players the Rockies announced on Wednesday.

Left-handed pitcher Glendon Rusch, whose ability to shift from rotation to the bullpen when necessary makes him a good candidate for the Opening Day roster; infielder Jonathan Herrera, who hit .230 in 28 games with the Rockies last season; catcher Paul Phillips, who has played for the Royals and the White Sox; infielder Luis A. Gonzalez, who was the starting second baseman a few years back but wound up in Japan after the Rockies acquired Kazuo Matsui in 2006, had been announced previously; and catcher Edwin Bellorin, who has appeared in six games over two seasons, were already announced. Left-hander Cedrick Bowers, who made five appearances with the Rockies last season, also was invited.

The Rockies also signed former Reds right-hander Matt Belisle and former Giants outfielder Dan Ortmeier.

-- Thomas Harding

 

In addition to Fernando Rodney, the Tigers avoided arbitration with outfielder Marcus Thames by agreeing to terms on a one-year deal. Terms were not immediately disclosed. Thames is projected to return as Detroit's fourth outfielder after batting .245 with 25 home runs and 56 RBIs over just 316 at-bats.

-- Jason Beck

While the Tigers remain on the lookout for a closer this offseason, they have avoided arbitration with their incumbent. Fernando Rodney and the club agreed to terms Wednesday on a one-year contract worth $2.7 million, according to two industry sources.

Rodney, who will turn 32 years old in March, saved 13 games this year to go with an 0-6 record and a 4.91 ERA. He became Detroit's closer near the end of July, while Todd Jones battled shoulder problems, and remained in the role for the better part of the final two months.

As of now, he remains Detroit's in-house option for the job. The Tigers have maintained contact with free-agent relievers on the market with veteran closing experience, including Jason Isringhausen and Brandon Lyon, but have yet to make a signing. Even if the Tigers add someone with closing experience, however, Rodney could get some share of opportunities. At the very least, he would fill a setup role in the eighth inning.

Rodney will be eligible for free agency at season's end. That could end up a big motivation for him.

-- Jason Beck

Count the Marlins in as being one of the many teams interested in closer Chad Cordero.

Cordero, who made just six appearances in 2008 after arm injuries cut his season short, has been throwing off flat surfaces and is expected to begin throwing off the mound in mid-February. His agent, Larry Reynolds, said the Marlins are one of about a dozen teams interested in his client.

But, since he hasn't shown what he can do on the mound yet, no offers have been made.

"I think [the Marlins] are interested in watching him," Reynolds said. "A lot of teams have shown interest. But when it's time to make an offer, that's yet to be seen."

Cordero, who turns 27 in March, spent his first six seasons with the Expos/Nationals organization. The right-hander's last full season, in 2007, saw him post 37 saves while sporting a 3.36 ERA in a career-high 76 appearances. Cordero's best season came in 2005, when he racked up a career-high 47 saves to go along with a miniscule 1.82 ERA.

But the California native hasn't pitched in a Major League game since April 29. In July, he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder - a procedure that typically takes 12 months to recover from. One thing that benefits Cordero, though, is the fact he doesn't particularly look to overpower hitters - relying on a low-90s fastball and slider - which could allow for a smoother recovery.

The Marlins currently have Matt Lindstrom penciled in as the closer, with recently acquired Scott Proctor looking to fill the role as the setup man.

-- Alden Gonzalez

According to a report by SI.com, the Braves are believed to have offered free-agent Derek Lowe a four-year deal worth $60 million.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported that Lowe had received an offer of $15 million  per year from the Braves. SI.com went further Tuesday morning by reporting the Braves are trying to finalize the deal that would be for four years.

Not only would the deal improve the Braves' rotation, but procuring Lowe's services would also prevent the Mets, one of the Braves' National League East rivals, from adding him to their staff.

Lowe went 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA with the Dodgers last year and has a career mark of 126-107. Landing Lowe would give the Braves their first real offseason coup after falling short in efforts to acquire shortstop Rafael Furcal and right-handers A.J. Burnett and Jake Peavy.

The Mets have offered Lowe a three-year deal worth $36 million.

--Bill Chastain

The Dodgers are very close to reacquiring free-agent reliever Guillermo Mota, according to a baseball source. Mota was the primary set-up man during Eric Gagne's closer glory days from 2002 until Mota's trade with Paul Lo Duca and Juan Encarnacion to Florida in 2004 for Brad Penny and Hee-Seop Choi.

Mota, 35, would be a veteran addition to a bullpen that has lost closer Takashi Saito, Joe Beimel, Chan Ho Park and Scott Proctor. His durability (a minimum of 55 innings and 43 appearances each of the last seven years) will be a welcome addition to a bullpen that currently includes closer Jonathan Broxton, Hong-Chih Kuo and Cory Wade. Mota pitched for Milwaukee last year.

The Dodgers also continued talking to the agent for outfielder Manny Ramirez while continuing a pursuit of one of three starting pitchers -- Jon Garland, Randy Wolf or Braden Looper.

-- Ken Gurnick

The Marlins potentially added depth to their outfield on Monday, and, at the same time, gave a once-promising young player a chance at a comeback when they signed Jay Gibbons to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Gibbons, who turns 32 in March, played his first seven years in the Major Leagues with the Orioles, hitting 20-plus home runs in three of those seasons, but hasn't appeared in a game since Aug. 12, 2007.

After an '07 campaign mired by injuries and a Sports Illustrated report linking him to human-growth hormone - which he later admitted to - Gibbons found himself released by the Orioles just days before Opening Day 2008. The previous year, he appeared in just 84 games, batting a career-low .230 with six home runs and 28 RBIs.

After no club signed him, the lefty hitter joined the independent Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks for about a month before signing a Minor League contract with the Brewers. While in Milwaukee's farm system, he hit .308 with five home runs and 17 RBIs in 34 games between Double-A and Triple-A..

-- Alden Gonzalez

Much of the Reds' hot stove talk this winter has centered around finding a right-handed hitter that can play left field. Now that most of the quality righty sluggers are off the market, what about left-handed hitters for left field? The free agent market has several still out there looking for teams.

"We're open minded about it," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said on Monday.

How open-minded remains to be seen. There appears to be little interest in bringing back free agent Adam Dunn, who was traded to the Diamondbacks in August.

"I doubt it," Jocketty said when asked about the possibility of Dunn returning to Cincinnati. "Especially at the price he's looking for."

Much speculation lately has matched the Reds with former Yankees and Phillies corner outfielder Bobby Abreu.

"I haven't talked to his agent recently," Jocketty said.

 

-- Mark Sheldon

Gabe Kapler signed a one-year, $1-million contract with the Rays Monday, which came as a little bit of a surprise after a weekend in which he was rumored to be headed to Philadelphia.

Kapler's arrival makes the Rays' competition in right even more interesting this spring. The veteran outfielder hit .354 against left-handed pitching for the Brewers in 2008, which bodes well for his chances since the Rays showed weakness against left-handed pitching last season.

In addition to Kapler, those in the hunt for right field include Gabe Gross, Fernando Perez, Justin Ruggiano, and Matt Joyce.

The Rays will need to make room for Kapler on their 40-man roster with an as-yet-to-be-made roster move.

--Bill Chastain

The Rangers have asked Michael Young to move to third base to make room for Elvis Andrus. Young has been adamantly opposed to such a move and the Rangers may explore the possibility of a trade. Young is a five-time All-Star shortstop and won a Gold Glove in 2008 but the Rangers think he's their best option at third base.

Chances of Pedro Martinez winding up with the Marlins?

None.

A source confirmed to MLB.com on Sunday afternoon that Florida had no interest in Martinez.

On Saturday night, a report on ESPNdeportes.com, stated the Marlins had discussions with agent Fernando Cuza regarding Martinez. The report added Florida may have begun preliminary contract talks, and that the two sides were expected to continue talking this week.

As of late Sunday afternoon, the Marlins were not considered a possible fit.

Martinez has a home in Miami, and he has expressed privately a desire to pitch for the Marlins. On Monday, Cuza is expected to have discussions with the Mets about a possible return to New York. The right-hander also is expected to test the free agent market.

-- Joe Frisaro

Though the Yankees still have some interest in Mike Cameron, the Brewers are more inclined to hang on to their center fielder, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported Sunday. GM Doug Melvin told the newspaper that having a good defensive centerfielder is valuable considering the amount of balls that will be put in play after losing strikeout pitchers CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets.

New York had been hot on Cameron during the Winter Meetings in December, but talks leveled off when a match could not be made. The Yankees' landscape has changed with the addition of Mark Teixeira, however, as the club now looks to move either Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher from the crowded outfield picture.

GM Brian Cashman has received calls on both players.Though the Yankees would prefer to trade Nady because he is arbitration eligible and, as a Scott Boras client, almost certainly will test the free agent waters after the 2009 season, Swisher is available. He boasts the ability to play all three outfield positions and is a switch-hitter, but is due $21 million over the next three years.

-- Bryan Hoch

Free agent pitcher Pedro Martinez is believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract with the Marlins, according to ESPNdeportes.com. The Web site said the Marlins have spoken to Martinez's agent, and the two sides could meet next week.

Martinez, who owns a house in Miami, struggled to a 5-6 record with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts during a 2008 campaign with the Mets that saw him battle injuries and deal with the death of his father. The 37-year-old is a three-time Cy Young Award winner with 200-plus wins, more than 3,000 strikeouts and a 2.91 ERA throughout his future Hall of Fame career.

Going into 2009, the Marlins appear to be set with their starting rotation, with Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, Andrew Miller and Anibal Sanchez tentatively expected to fill it out.

-- Alden Gonzalez

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are close to signing free-agent Gregg Zaun to a one-year contract.

Unless another team enters the picture, the Orioles appear to have an open track to signing the veteran catcher by early next week.

Top prospect Matt Wieters is the Orioles future at catcher, but the team wants to get some insurance in case he is not yet ready to assume the position.

Zaun hit .237 with six home runs and 30 RBIs for the Blue Jays in 2008.

--Bill Chastain

The Nationals have interest in acquiring Yankees outfielder Xavier Nady and first baseman Nick Swisher. The two clubs are currently in trade discussions, according to a baseball source.

 

The Nationals feel that Nady and Swisher could improve an offense that finished near the bottom of the National League last year. Who the Yankees want in return is not known. 

 

Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and team president Stan Kasten were not available for comment.

 

-- Bill Ladson 

The Red Sox continue to stay busy this offseason. On Saturday, they signed reliever Takashi Saito to a one-year contract with a club option for 2010, according to FOXSports.com. A Major League source confirmed the report.

 

Saito is the fourth player Boston signed this week. The team signed pitchers John Smoltz and Brad Penny and outfielder Rocco Baldelli. Like the trio, Saito is considered a low-risk, high-reward gamble. Last season,  Saito missed a lot of time with a sprained ligament in his right elbow.  

 

-- Bill Ladson

In need of a right-handed hitter off the bench and some insurance for Pedro Feliz and Chase Utley -- with both coming off offseason surgery -- the Phillies have expressed interest in veteran infielder Nomar Garciaparra (pictured), FOXSports.com is reporting.

Garciaparra, 35, would have to take a big pay cut from the $8.5 million he made while with the Dodgers in 2008. The Web site, citing a Major League source, said Friday that the Phillies' interest in the 13-year veteran is "limited," but The Philadelphia Inquirer confirmed, through a team source, that the interest is indeed there from Philly.

Garciaparra has experience playing third base, shortstop and first base. In '08, he hit .264 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs while playing in only 55 games.

The Phillies are also interested in right-handed-hitting free-agent outfielder Gabe Kapler, according to FOX Sports. The Web site also said the Phillies' interest in Lowe was more serious before they acquired Raul Ibanez, and a serious pursuit of the veteran right-hander "remains a longshot" with eight potential arbitration cases still awaiting, which could push payroll to about $135 million -- well above last year's club-record $104 million.

-- Alden Gonzalez

By the time the Braves make their first formal offer to Derek Lowe early next week, they may have already lured Kenshin Kawakami to Atlanta to strengthen the middle of their rotation.  Multiple Major League sources confirmed Friday night that the Braves are close to completing a deal with Kawakami.

Kawakami, who has spent the past 11 seasons as one of the top pitchers in Japan's Central League, is expected to arrive in the United States on Sunday.  If negotiations with the Braves continue to move in their current direction, he could be in Atlanta as early as Monday to undergo a physical.

The Braves met with Lowe and his agent Scott Boras at Turner Field for a little more than three hours on Thursday afternoon and manager Bobby Cox was among those who emerged impressed by the veteran hurler's intellect and character.

Right now it appears the Braves are simply hopeful that they might be able to lure Lowe to Atlanta to head their starting rotation.  They will likely present him with an offer on Monday or Tuesday.

- Mark Bowman

The Royals and infielder Willie Bloomquist have reached an agreement on a two-year contract, MLB.com learned on Friday.

Bloomquist is expected to compete for the Royals' second base job with Alberto Callaspo, who finished last season as the regular at that spot.

A right-handed batter, Bloomquist, 31, played seven seasons with the Seattle Mariners. He had a .263 average in 540 games and played every position in the infield and outfield.

The deal was pending a physical examination which Bloomquist was scheduled to take on Friday in Kansas City. His contract was believed to be worth about $3 million for the two years.

He doesn't have much power - just six homers in his career - but has 71 stolen bases in 87 attempts. His on-base percentage is .322 for his career, including .377 last season when he batted .279.

"He's an on-base guy, a speed-type player and a hustler," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "He's a Craig Counsell-type who really plays hard, hustles and knows how to play."

Bloomquist is regarded as an "igniter" who is also well-regarded for his leadership abilities. Moore said his best positions are second base and center field.

If the deal goes through, this apparently will fill the Royals' quest for a seasoned middle infielder who would supplement shortstop Mike Aviles, who was the Royals Player of the Year in his rookie season.

--Dick Kaegel

When the Yankees signed Mark Teixeira, it displaced Nick Swisher, who had the honor of being their first baseman for about six weeks without even getting to put on a uniform.

It appears that Brian Cashman is inclined to stick with Swisher on the '09 Yankees at the expense of Xavier Nady, who was supposed to be Bobby Abreu's replacement in right field.

Though sources indicate that the Yankees have received calls on both Swisher and Nady, the club would prefer to deal Nady, who is due for salary arbitration and is under control only through 2009. Swisher - acquired from the White Sox in November in a five-player deal - has approximately $21 million remaining over the next three seasons, plus a club option for 2012.

The Yankees don't see Swisher as a center field candidate - that is expected to be settled between Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera in the spring - but like his ability to play first base and the outfield corner positions. Nady has played some first base in the past but he is not nearly as proficient as Swisher there.

-- Bryan Hoch

It's little secret that Pedro Martinez wants to return to the big leagues -- he's been saying it ever since last season ended. And it's little secret that he wants to do so with the Mets. Yet Friday morning played host to his most adamant thoughts on the subject yet.

Martinez said in an interview with the New York Post that is was "anxious" to rejoin the Mets, and that he has a bit of unfinished business with his former club.

"I went over to the Mets with something in mind, to win a World Series in the National League, and I haven't achieved that," Martinez told the paper."

Martinez's agent, Fernando Cuza, is set to meet with the Mets at some point next week. And although the Mets have made it clear that free agent starters Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez are their first and second options, respectively, they could feasibly sign Martinez along with one of those two.

--Anthony DiComo

Marlins closer Matt Lindstrom has accepted an invitation to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

"When they called me, I was elated. I wanted to do it. It's an honor, obviously," Lindstrom said in a phone interview on Thursday. "It's looking pretty good for me so far to participate. I'll be in the bullpen with guys like Joe Nathan, and I'll be able to pick their brains a little bit."

Lindstrom, who turns 29 in February, will head into Spring Training with the Marlins on Feb. 14 at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. The right-hander, who possesses a 100 mph fastball, is the frontrunner to replace Kevin Gregg as Florida's closer.

Lindstrom will be the second Marlin to be selected to Team USA. In 2006, Dontrelle Willis represented his country.

In a setup role in 2008, Lindstrom was 3-3 with a 3.14 ERA. In 57 1/3 innings, he struck out 43. He took over as Florida's closer in September when Gregg was injured, and he converted all five of his save chances.Gregg was traded to the Cubs in November, clearing the closer spot for Lindstrom.

-- Joe Frisaro

 

It appears the Nationals will not sign any major free agents this offseason. According to a baseball source, they will concentrate on their Minor League system and try to trade for young players.

 

Recently, the Nationals were trying to sign free agents Milton Bradley, Adam Dunn and Orlando Hudson, but Bradley signed a three-year deal with the Cubs on Thursday and Dunn and Hudson are asking for too much money. Dunn has been linked to the Dodgers, while the Mets are reportedly after Hudson.

 

-- Bill Ladson

Braves general manager Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox are meeting with Derek Lowe at Turner Field this afternoon.  This meeting was scheduled before they were discouraged by the news that John Smoltz has decided to sign with the Red Sox. 

With their sights previously set on Jake Peavy and A.J. Burnett the Braves haven't previously shown much interest in Lowe, who is the best starting pitcher available on the free agent market.  But with the need to land a front-line starter and quiet some of the backlash created by Smoltz's departure, they certainly have reason to display increased interest. 

Lowe, who has averaged 15 wins and 208 innings over the past seven seasons, reportedly  rejected a three-year, $36 million offer made by the Mets.  Having offered Burnett a five-year, $80 million offer, the Braves certainly have the funds available to appease Lowe and his agent Scott Boras. More importantly, it appears they now have even greater need to bring him to Atlanta. 

- Mark Bowman

Now that Rocco Baldelli appears headed to the Red Sox, there should be little mystery as to the composition of the Rays' roster headed into Spring Training -- at least where position players are concerned.

Based on what the Rays had on their 25-man roster at the start of the 2008 season -- six infielders, five outfielders and two catchers -- there is little wiggle room to accommodate anybody else barring injury, which is likely a contributing factor for not bringing back Baldelli and will make it unlikely that the Rays bring back either Cliff Floyd or Eric Hinske.

Locks for outfield spots are: Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, Gabe Gross, and Pat Burrell (who will be the team's DH), leaving Fernando Perez and Matt Joyce to vie for the final spot.

The infield will be: Evan Longoria, Jason Bartlett, Akinori Iwamura, and Carlos Pena, with Ben Zobrist as the backup shortstop sharing utility duties with Willy Aybar.

Catching duties will go to Dioner Navarro and Shawn Riggans.

That's 13 players and a pretty solid 13 at that.

--Bill Chastain

The Brewers faxed a term sheet to free-agent closer Trevor Hoffman late Wednesday, the strongest signal yet that both sides were very close to a deal.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin would not talk about details of the negotiations during his drive to the office Thursday morning, but said he felt good about his team's chances of luring baseball's all-time leader with 554 saves from San Diego to Milwaukee.

"It's out of my hands," Melvin said. "I'm not the one to say a deal is done. The agent is."

Reached in the wee hours of Thursday morning, a source close to Hoffman said of a deal with Milwaukee, "It's pretty close. It looks like it's going to happen."

It's believed that both the Brewers and Dodgers had offered Hoffman a one-year contract with an option for 2010. Melvin wouldn't say whether the Brewers had to guarantee the second year of the deal to pry Hoffman, a native of Southern California, away from the West Coast.

Melvin skipped a Milwaukee Bucks game on Wednesday night to continue negotiations with agent Rick Thurman, who was in Florida. Hoffman, meanwhile, was back in the San Diego area after returning from a Hawaiian vacation.

Melvin expected to hear back from Thurman and Hoffman on Thursday.

"He has to talk to Trevor and get the final say from the player," Melvin said. "Sometimes the player has to talk with his family to make sure he is doing the right thing. If [Hoffman] decides to come here, that's a big move for him."

-- Barry M. Bloom and Adam McCalvy

Rocco Baldelli is about to join the team he grew up rooting for as a kid. A native of Cumberland, R.I., the outfielder is reportedly on the verge of signing a contract with the Boston Red Sox.

Baldelli will be Boston's fourth outfielder, backing up Jason Bay, Jacoby Ellsbury and J.D. Drew.

The 27-year-old Baldelli was limited to just 28 regular-season games in 2008 after being diagnosed with mitochondrial disorder, which caused constant fatigue.

However, a few weeks ago, a report surfaced that new medical tests revealed that Baldelli in fact has channelopathy, a non-progressive, highly treatable disease. The Red Sox might announce the move at Thursday night's Boston Baseball Writers Dinner, where Baldelli will be on hand to receive the Tony Conigliaro Award for overcoming adversity.

-- Ian Browne

New Rockies right-hander Jason Marquis brings to the Rockies a strong record against the teams he'll face most, and in the stadiums he'll pitch in most. Marquis is:

-- 3-0 with a 2.51 ERA in five appearances at Coors Field.

-- 6-4 with a 2.86 ERA in the other NL West parks.

-- 12-10 with a 2.22 ERA against the Rockies' division opponents.

Jack Etkin of the Rocky Mountain News talked to scouts and provided a comprehensive scouting report on Marquis. In a nutshell, the trade was given high marks -- a middle reliever (Luis Vizcaino, who went to the Cubs) for an experienced starter. The scouts critiqued Marquis as inconsistent, partly because he got away from a curveball that was a good pitch early in his career and partly because he hasn't been able to make quick adjustments.

With Marquis having joined Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis and Ubaldo Jimenez as the experienced members of the rotation, the question is whether the Rockies will add another experienced hurler. Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post placed the Rockies' chances of signing righty Tim Redding in the longshot category, since the Mets have made an offer and the Orioles are interested. Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said "we have real interest in Tim," but was not sure if the club's offer would be enough. The Rockies attempted to trade for Redding during the Winter Meetings but could not work a deal with the Nationals, who subsequently non-tendered Redding, making him a free agent.

-- Thomas Harding

 

John Smoltz's days with the Braves are over.  The veteran hurler could sign with the Red Sox as early as Thursday afternoon.   

 

A Major League source who was in contact with Smoltz on Wednesday night said the 41-year-old right-hander will be calling the Braves on Thursday morning to tell them that he has decided to sign with the Red Sox..  

 

Smoltz, who had been with the Braves since making his Major League debut in 1988, will make a guaranteed $5.5 million.  The source said his offer also includes "very attainable" incentives that could raise his 2009 earnings to $10 million.  

 

With Smoltz coming off major shoulder surgery, the Red Sox don't plan on having him pitch until June 1.  He's expected to get his wish to serve as a starter.   

 

- Mark Bowman 

According to figures obtained by MLB.com, Jerry Hairston Jr. would receive an additional $250,000 next season for reaching each plateau of 325, 375 and 425 plate appearances and another $500,000 for 525 plate appearances. Hairston was re-signed by the Reds to a one-year deal with a $2 million base salary. The deal, reported here on Tuesday, became official on Wednesday.

General manager Walt Jocketty said that Hairston would not be the everyday shortstop for Cincinnati, as was reported. The Reds are still expecting Alex Gonzalez to be their regular shortstop. Gonzalez missed all of last season and had microfracture surgery on his left knee in July.

"The latest we have on Gonzalez is very positive and he should be ready," general manager Walt Jocketty said. "Jerry would protect us there if he isn't ready. Right now, we're still planning on Gonzalez being ready to play."

With the Reds lacking a left fielder, Hairston could play there a lot and could also fill a super utility role. He played six different positions last season.

-- Mark Sheldon

The Rangers are investigating the possibility of signing third baseman Joe Crede.

Crede has been dealing with back issues over the past two seasons and the Rangers have been studying his medical reports. A one-year deal might appeal to them.

The Rangers right now are looking at a lineup that includes Chris Davis at first, Hank Blalock at designated hitter and Travis Metcalf at third. The Rangers could still move Blalock to first, Davis to third and look for another bat to help out at DH.

But the Rangers want to upgrade defensively at third base and that's why they are not interested in Ty Wiggington.

-- T.R. Sullivan

Right-hander John Patterson, best known for his years with the Nationals, announced on Wednesday that he is retiring from the game of baseball because of persistent pain in right forearm.

 

Patterson, 30, has had forearm problems dating back to the 2006 season, but two surgeries failed to fix the problem.

 

"I started throwing about a month ago and it hasn't been going well," Patterson said by telephone. "I have my good days and I have my bad days. So I decided to not play any more. I'm going to retire."

 

-- Bill Ladson

While the Brewers continued talks with free agent closer Trevor Hoffman on Wednesday, they were also planning to check in with former Washington Nationals closer Chad Cordero at a pair of throwing sessions this week.

The 26-year-old right-hander, rehabbing a major shoulder injury, was scheduled to throw for scouts on Wednesday and again on Friday in California. A club source indicated that the Brewers, who are at risk of losing three relievers to free agency (Eric Gagne, Guillermo Mota and Brian Shouse) and have already lost another to retirement (Salomon Torres) would be represented. 

According to various reports, the Diamondbacks, Nationals and Tigers will be among the other teams in attendance. The Brewers have been tracking Cordero's rehabilitation since the Washington Nationals nontendered Cordero last month, and have already seen him throw at least once. 

Cordero carries very high risk but could deliver a nice reward to the team that signs him. He underwent surgery on July 8 to repair a torn labrum, a significant procedure that can require 9-12 months of rehabilitation, but a source close to Cordero said he is on a course to be pitching off a mound in February and is aiming to be pitching competitively by Opening Day.

The Brewers have been linked to Cordero before, once rejecting a trade offer that would have sent Cordero to Milwaukee for second baseman Rickie Weeks during the 2007 Winter Meetings.

-- Adam McCalvy

Free agent Jerry Hairston Jr. is returning to the Reds. A baseball source told MLB.com that Hairston and the club agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth a guaranteed $2 million on Tuesday. It's an incentive laden deal that could be worth up to $4 million.

An announcement is expected on Wednesday. The Royals and Cardinals were the other teams competing for Hairston's services.

It appears that Cincinnati plans to make Hairston its starting shortstop this season because Alex Gonzalez won't be ready.

--- Mark Sheldon

Former Nationals closer Chad Cordero will be throwing for teams starting this week, an industry source confirmed. To characterize it as a showcase, however, would be a little too formal. At this point, Cordero and his representatives are encouraged enough about his progress from labrum surgery last summer that they've invited teams to send scouts and watch his regular throwing sessions at a training facility near his home in Anaheim. He's currently throwing from distance off flat ground on a schedule that should put him on a mound in early February and throwing side sessions when pitchers and catchers report to camps later in the month.

The Tigers are one of several teams who have expressed interest in Cordero this offseason, and they're expected to watch him. The Diamondbacks will also reportedly take a look, according to the Arizona Republic. A slow-moving market for free-agent relievers arguably works to Cordero's advantage, allowing him to progress and prove himself before getting a deal, potentially with a chance to close again if he can be ready for games around the start the season.

-- Jason Beck

The Tigers agreed to terms on a Minor League contract with Alexis Gomez, bringing the 30-year-old outfielder back where he was a postseason hero. Gomez will join the Tigers in Spring Training and provide insurance at Triple-A Toledo as a left-handed bat.

Now 30 years old, Gomez last played in the big leagues in 2006 in Detroit, where he became part of the lore of the Tigers' surprising World Series run. Playing in his first career postseason game, he had a two-run homer and four RBIs in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series at Oakland. Gomez went 4-for-9 in three games of the four-game ALCS sweep, helping make up for the left-handed bat lost when injured Sean Casey missed the series.

The short-term glory didn't translate into a Major League role. Gomez signed with Colorado that winter and spent the 2007 season at Triple-A Colorado Springs before joining the Marlins organization last year at Triple-A Albuquerque. He batted .234 with five doubles, four home runs and 12 RBIs in 23 games for the Isotopes, covering 73 at-bats.

-- Jason Beck

Tuesday brought some sad news to the Phillies and their bullpen when Major League Baseball officially announced J.C. Romero would be suspended the first 50 games of the 2009 regular season after testing positive under the MLB's Drug Policy for an over-the-counter substance.

Romero, a lefty reliever, was a stable as a setup man to a Philadelphia bullpen that was the best in the National League in 2008. But, after posting a 2.75 ERA during the regular season and winning two games in the World Series, the 32-year-old won't be available until June 1 -- meaning the Phillies may have some work to do before pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater, Fla., on Feb. 14.

The free-agent market could still be a possibility. Currently, the Phillies have only one experienced lefty in the bullpen, Scott Eyre. But Joe Beimel, Casey Fossum, Eddie Guardado, Will Ohman, Dennys Reyes, Ricardo Rincon and Brian Shouse are still available.

Still, don't expect the Phils to spend top dollar to get a reliever who would likely be a temporary fix. Instead, Ruben Amaro Jr. hinted during a conference call on Tuesday morning that the situation would be resolved internally. One of those options could be youngster J.A. Happ. Happ is expected to compete for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, but if he doesn't lock it up, he could find himself as another lefty option in the Phillie bullpen.

"We very well have to deal with that need from within," Amaro said in the conference call.

"There was going to be competition anyway for the fifth spot and competition in the bullpen. There are only a few guys who had locked positions in those areas." 

-- Alden Gonzalez

The Cubs and Rockies Tuesday completed a swap of pitchers. Chicago sent Jason Marquis to Colorado for reliever Luis Vizcaino and cash considerations. It's the first move in what could be a busy week for the Cubs, who are expected to add free agent Milton Bradley as well.

-- Carrie Muskat

After reaching agreement late last week, the Marlins on Tuesday announced they've signed reliever Scott Proctor to a one-year contract. 

Proctor will earn $750,000, plus he has the chance to collect another $250,000 in incentives.

Acquiring Proctor eases some of the losses the bullpen has sustained this offseason. Gone from a year ago are Joe Nelson (Rays), Arthur Rhodes (Reds), Kevin Gregg (Cubs) and Doug Waechter (Royals).

Proctor appeared in 41 games with the Dodgers last year, compiling 38 2/3 innings to go along with a 2-0 record and 6.05 ERA. He broke in with the Yankees in 2004, and the veteran right-hander has 262 games of experience.

-- Joe Frisaro

 

Looking to improve their rotation, the Nationals have expressed interest in free agent left-hander Randy Wolf, according to a baseball source.

But the team finds itself in competition with the Mets for Wolf's services. It's not known how much money the Nationals are willing to give him. The Nationals see Wolf as a leader who could teach young pitchers, such as John Lannan and Scott Olsen, how to win.

"[The Nationals] would like Wolf to stabilize their rotation," the source said.

-- Bill Ladson

Looking to bolster their starting rotation depth, the Indians are taking a chance on Carl Pavano.

Pavano and the Indians have agreed to a one-year Major League deal that was to be announced Tuesday afternoon. Pavano is guaranteed $1.5 million for '09, with the opportunity to make another $5.3 million in performance-based incentives. The deal does not include an option.

Pavano, who turns 33 Thursday, is coming off a disappointing, injury-plagued four-year stint with the Yankees. With New York in 2008, he appeared in seven games and was 4-2 with a 5.77 ERA in 34 1/3 innings.

Over the course of his four-year, $40 million deal with the Yanks, Pavano appeared in just 26 games. He threw 145 2/3 innings over a four-year span. He missed all of 2006 because of injury. He broke in with the Montreal Expos in 1998.

The Indians removed Michael Aubrey from their 40-man roster to clear room for Pavano.

-- Anthony Castrovince and Joe Frisaro

Tigers officials left baseball's Winter Meetings last month having missed out on relief help but reminding reporters that they still have a closer on their roster in Fernando Rodney, who held the role at last season's end. That does not mean, however, that Rodney has the job. On Monday, manager Jim Leyland downplayed the possibility of Rodney as Detroit's full-time closer.

"I think Rodney, if I was going to assess him and give my own opinion, I think he has the potential to do it," Leyland said Monday night on the Tiger Talk program on flagship station WXYT-AM 1270 and tigers.com. "But from what I've seen in the past, he's probably a very good part-time closer. In other words, there's some nights when he takes unhittable stuff out there with good control. There are some other nights when the control is not good enough. So I would say he's a very good part-time closer, but probably not a real perfect closer at this particular time -- consistent enough, maybe, is the right term."

That could mean a different role for Rodney in 2009, but could also mean a mix. He'll probably return to setup duty if the Tigers bring in an established closer, or he could conceivably be part of a bullpen by committee.

"I'm looking forward to Rodney this year," Leyland said, "because, whether people believe this or not, Rodney's a free agent [next winter] and I think he's going to do everything he can. He knows this is a big year for him. So we should be able to get quite a bit out of Rodney this year. But to say that he's going to be our definite closer, I couldn't say that at this time."

The Tigers continue their offseason search for a closer. When asked about the importance of having a set closer by the time Spring Training opens next month, Leyland expressed uncertainty.

"I don't know that that's going to happen," Leyland said. "I don't know that we can say that."

-- Jason Beck

Despite knowing that they may very well have to increase their offer to Derek Lowe if they intend to sign him, the Mets have resolved not to do so just yet. Instead, they will keep their three-year, $36 million contract on the table, according to a Monday report on Newsday's web site, perhaps holding out hope that such an offer will be enough.

Lowe remains the Mets' top target, though the team is also pursuing left-handers Oliver Perez and Randy Wolf. General manager Omar Minaya has said that negotiations with Lowe could last well into January.

The Braves, Phillies and Red Sox are all also reportedly interested in Lowe, though none of them have expressed as much public interest as the Mets.

--Anthony DiComo

Several Major League organizations will be represented by Team U.S.A. in the World Baseball Classic, including the Astros, who have one marquee player ready to pitch.

Roy Oswalt will pitch for Team U.S.A., and he is rumored to be slated to be their No. 1 starter. Lance Berkman was also invited by U.S.A. manager Davey Johnson, but turned down the offer.

"They asked me, but I declined," Berkman said.

Oswalt, however, is ready to pitch. The right-hander will join team U.S.A. in Clearwater in February, where the club will train, before heading to Toronto, Canada in early March.

Oswalt said he is anxious to play for Team U.S.A. this year, knowing that he might not still be an active player the next time the World Baseball Classic is held in 2013. Oswalt's contract expires in 2011, and although the club holds an option for '12, the right-hander holds firm to his desire to retire after '11.

"The way I was looking at it, I might not have but three more years playing," Oswalt said. "So it's either this year or maybe never."

Oswalt, who pitched for the United States Gold Medal-winning Olympic team in 2000, views the Classic as another Olympics of sorts, where the best of the best will be competing for their respective countries. And Oswalt, a native of Weir, Miss., wants to be a part of it.

"I thought it would be fun," he said. "It's not the Olympics in its true sense, but it's the best in the world playing, so it'll be great competition. Kind of like an All-Star team."

Alyson Footer

The Orioles really need pitching help, and they seemingly don't care where it comes from. As Baltimore waits for Kenshin Kawakami to make a decision, the Orioles are also trying to work out a deal with Yomiuri Giants hurler Koji Uehara, according to MASN Sports.

Roch Kubatko reports that the O's have continued to have discussions with Uehara's agent, Mark Pieper. The 33-year-old right-hander, who won two games at the 2006 World Baseball Classic, has been a starter and closer for Japan and, in 2008, went 6-5 with a 3.81 ERA and one save.

Kubatko also said the Orioles continue negotiating with Kawakami, and that it "wasn't true at all" that Baltimore made its final, incentive-laden offer, as a Japanese sports network reported last week. Over the weekend, The Japan Times reported that the Cardinals and Twins were also interested in Kawakami, also a 33-year-old right-hander, but The Minneapolis Star-Tribune said the Twins don't appear to be negotiating with him.

-- Alden Gonzalez

The Nationals wanted free agent Milton Bradley to be their center fielder in 2009, but they found out on Monday that the switch-hitter elected to sign with the Cubs.

 

The Nationals did not give a reason why Bradley rejected their offer, which was a reported three years at $30 million. He is the second free agent to bypass Washington. On Dec. 23, Mark Teixeira decided to sign the Yankees even though Washington made a nine year, $180 million offer.   

 

With Bradley out of the picture, don't look for Washington to acquire Andruw Jones or Mark Kotsay. According to baseball sources, the Nationals have decided to let Elijah Dukes and Lasting Milledge compete for the center field job.

-- Bill Ladson

 

All off-season, the Reds' interest in Pat Burrell appeared lukewarm at best because his price tag was deemed to be too high. On Monday, Burrell signed a two-year contract worth $16 million contract with the Rays, far lower than expected.  

"I'd rather not get into it," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said on Monday.

Jocketty did say this about the market in general:

"I think it's a strong indication that the market might not be there for some of these guys," Jocketty said. "It was half of what Burrell was looking for. It's an indication that clubs are going to still be very cautious with the money they have to spend."

The Reds remain interested in free agent Rocco Baldelli, and held talks with his agent - Casey Close - over the weekend.

"We understand what his limitations are, we think, and have to decide," Jocketty said. "He'll have to decide if it's something he's interested in. He might decide to stay in the American League so he can DH. It's a unique situation and we'll have to be cautious."

Close is also the agent for Jerry Hairston Jr., whom the Reds are trying to re-sign. Talks were also held about Hairston over the weekend.

"I would expect something to happen this week, one way or another," Jocketty said. "We're hopeful."

The Reds have had no talks with the Dodgers regarding Andruw Jones and appear not to be interested.

-- Mark Sheldon

 

Even with the Rockies' pending acquisition of right-hander Jason Marquis from the Cubs, the Rockies remain interested in righty Tim Redding, the pitcher they nearly acquired from the Nationals during the Winter Meetings. Redding is a free agent after being non-tendered by the Nationals. If the Rockies decide to sign Redding to a Major League deal, they have a roster spot open.

-- Thomas Harding

On Tuesday, the Cubs were expected to send pitcher Jason Marquis to Colorado in exchange for reliever Luis Vizcaino. The two sides were still finalizing details on Monday. The move is more to make room money-wise so the Cubs can sign free agent outfielder Milton Bradley, and not to revive talks with the Padres regarding Jake Peavy. Those negotiations aren't dead, but the Cubs' ownership situation needs to be resolved first before taking on Peavy and the $63 million he is owed with his contract.

With Marquis gone, expect Sean Marshall, Jeff Samardzija and Kevin Hart to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation. Vizcaino is an experienced reliever, who was 11-9 with a 4.53 ERA last season for the Rockies.

-- Carrie Muskat

Free agent outfielder Milton Bradley was expected in Chicago this week to undergo a physical, and if all goes well, could sign a three-year contract with the Cubs. Reports have Bradley agreeing to a three-year, $30 million deal, but team officials said Monday that terms have not been finalized.

Bradley would provide the left-hand bat the Cubs need. How much he can play right field has yet to be determined. He has played more than 100 games in the outfield once, and that was in 2004 with the Dodgers.

-- Carrie Muskat

The Rays addressed their offensive needs Monday by signing Pat Burrell to a two-year, $16 million deal, ending weeks of speculation about who they would try and acquire to give their offense a boost.

Burrell, 32 gives the Rays their long desired right-handed power bat for the middle of the order. He'll likely spend most of his time at DH, but he can still play the outfield, too.

Throughout the offseason, the Rays have talked to a number of free agents, including Milton Bradley, Jason Giambi, Adam Dunn, Bobby Abreu and Ken Griffey Jr.

Burrell has spent his entire career with the Phillies. He has a .257 lifetime average with 251 home runs and 827 RBIs. Burrell strikes out a lot, but he also has always drawn a lot of walks.

--Bill Chastain

The Cardinals added another candidate to their lefty relief derby on Monday, signing Royce Ring to a one-year contract. Ring is the third left-handed reliever St. Louis has acquired this winter.

Ring, 28, posted an 8.46 ERA with Atlanta in 2008. He struck out 16 against 10 walks in 22 1/3 innings. For his career, he has a 4.93 ERA, 53 Ks and 40 walks in 65 2/3 innings over 94 appearances.

The Cardinals also signed Trever Miller this offseason, and claimed Charlie Manning off waivers. Another lefty, Ian Ostlund, could get a look after signing as a Minor League free agent with a non-roster invitation to Major League Spring Training. St. Louis non-tendered Randy Flores and Tyler Johnson and is content to let Ron Villone leave as a free agent.

--Matthew Leach

Japanese pitcher Kenshin Kawakami has reportedly narrowed down his desired destination for 2009 to three teams -- the Cardinals, Orioles and Twins -- according to The Japan Times.

On Wednesday, a Japanese sports network said the O's had made a final offer for Kawakami, but The Baltimore Sun said there was "little substance" to that. There are also concerns about the health of Kawakami's shoulder.

Kawakami, a 33-year-old right-hander who pitched 11 seasons with the Chunichi Dragons, is coming off a 2008 season when he went 9-5 with a 2.30 ERA in 20 games.

-- Alden Gonzalez

In their search to add a front-line starter to their rotation, the Braves are at least keeping tabs on Derek Lowe.  But count them among the teams that aren't interested in providing him the $16 million annual salary that he's seeking.  In fact, they might not be willing to better the rejected three-year, $12 million offer that the Mets recently provided Lowe. 

To satisfy their needs to find a starting pitcher and outfielder, the Braves are exploring the trade market. But they won't be calling Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti to express an interest in the suddenly-cheaper Andruw Jones, who many industry experts believe will be released before the start of Spring Training.

If Jones is released, the Braves may be willing to offer him the Major League minimum salary of $400,000.  But it's suffice to say they are hoping to improve their outfield mix in another manner.

-  Mark Bowman

The Phillies have one unsolidified spot in the starting rotation going into 2009, and they are rumored to be interested in filling that with the best free-agent pitcher left in the market, Derek Lowe.

SI.com is reporting that the Phillies have shown interest in the 35-year-old right-hander, along with the Braves, Red Sox, Brewers and Angels. The Mets made an offer at about three years, $36 million, which Jon Heyman said Lowe "isn't seriously considering," leaving the door open for other suitors.

Lowe, 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA in 34 starts for the Dodgers in 2008, is said to be seeking $16 million per year -- which makes the Mets' offer a bit too low. The fact Philadelphia would come up in rumors to acquire a pricy starting pitcher is quite surprising, considering it has already absorbed most of its payroll for 2009 -- expected to be slightly higher than 2008's club-record $104 million -- with current player contracts and potential arbitration cases.

But the acquisition of Lowe would give the Phillies a very potent top of the rotation, along with left-hander and World Series MVP Cole Hamels. The other three spots in the rotation will be filled by Brett Myers, Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer.

-- Alden Gonzalez

The Yankees plan to hold an announcement at Yankee Stadium early this week to introduce first baseman Mark Teixeira, who agreed to an eight-year, $180 million contract with New York on Dec. 23.

An announcement was pushed back by the holidays, but Teixeira is expected to travel to New York for a physical that could take place as early as Monday. Once completed, an announcement would be made.

Teixeira's addition moved New York's winter investments past the $420 million mark, with $161 million committed to CC Sabathia and $82.5 million to A.J. Burnett.

-- Bryan Hoch

Andruw Jones and the Dodgers have reached an agreement to defer much of his remaining salary while virtually assuring he will not be with the club in 2009. Jones will either be traded or released before the start of Spring Training and perhaps sometime this month, according to an industry source.

 

The agreement will allow Jones a fresh start elsewhere after a nightmare of a first season and provide the Dodgers with additional payroll flexibility that could be used to re-sign free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez.

 

The Major League Baseball Players Association approved the unusual agreement because Jones will receive his entire salary, as well as the possible benefit of free agency should he be released.

-- Ken Gurnick 

The Giants have interested in third baseman Joe Crede, according to SI.com's Jon Heyman.

 

Crede has been hampered by back problems the last two seasons, but the Giants went over his medical records recently and were not discouraged by what they saw.

 

Crede, 30, has played his entire nine-year career with the White Sox and has a .257 career batting average with 125 home runs and 422 RBIs. This past season, Crede played in 97 games for Chicago and hit .248 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs.   

 

-- Bill Ladson               

Adding bullpen depth is an ongoing priority for the Marlins. The team has helped address that area by reaching terms with veteran right-hander Scott Proctor.

A baseball source confirmed that Scott Proctor, who turned 32 on Friday, will join the Marlins, pending completion of his physical. According to the Miami Herald, Proctor will receive $750,000, and he can earn an additional $250,000 in performance incentives.

Bringing in Proctor cushions the loss the bullpen recently sustained when Joe Nelson signed with the Rays.

Proctor appeared in 41 games with the Dodgers last year, compiling 38 2/3 innings to go along with a 2-0 record and 6.05 ERA. He broke in with the Yankees in 2004, and the veteran right-hander has 262 games of experience. 

-- Joe Frisaro

 

The Giants appear to be players in the Manny Ramirez sweepstakes, according to KPIX-TV.com and the Denver Post. 

 

In fact, KPIX-TV.com reported that San Francisco offered the right-handed hitting slugger a four-year deal, but did not reveal the dollar figures. However, the San Francisco Chronicle indicated that the Giants are focusing more on trades, not free agents. 

 

Ramirez had one of his best seasons in 2008, hitting a combined .332 with 37 home runs and 121 RBIs for the Red Sox and Dodgers.

 

-- Bill Ladson

The Dodgers are in discussions to rework the contract of beleaguered outfielder Andruw Jones, with the goal of moving him off the roster while freeing up salary that might be used to sign free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez.

 

An industry source confirmed a Los Angeles Times report that talks were ongoing. That report claimed the Dodgers would free approximately $12 million that could be used to sign Ramirez, who did not respond to a two-year, $45 million offer the Dodgers made in November and withdrew two weeks later.

 

Before Jones left the club during its 2008 division-title run in September, he told teammates he did not want to return to Los Angeles for the final year of a $36.2 million contract signed last December and would waive his no-trade protection. The contract was backloaded with $21.1 million still to be paid.

 

The Dodgers are hoping to spread that money over more years. It could be done through an extension, which would move a chunk of money off the 2009 payroll. There also is the possibility of a deferred buyout, either to facilitate a trade or allow Jones to become a free agent. -- Ken Gurnick

The Rangers, on New Years Eve, have signed pitchers Derrick Turnbow and Casey Daigle to Minor League contracts and invited them to Spring Training.

Turnbow gives the Rangers an alternative to Frank Francisco and C.J. Wilson as the closer. They have also considered Chad Cordero and Jason Isringhausen.

Daigle has pitched with the Diamondbacks in 2004 and 2006 and was 1-5 with a 3.78 ERA in 44 games at Triple A last year. He will compete for a spot as a middle reliever

The Rangers moved to upgrade their bullpen Wednesday night by reaching a tentative agreement with free-agent right-hander Derrick Turnbow on a one-year contract.

 

Turnbow chose the Rangers over the Marlins and Pirates, in large part because of his familiarity with new pitching coach Mike Maddux, according to agent Damon Lapa. Maddux was Turnbow's pitching coach in Milwaukee.

 

The Minor League contract would pay Turnbow $925,000 if he makes the Major League club, with another $325,000 in performance incentives.

 

Turnbow has had shoulder issues and appeared in just eight games for the Brewers in 2008, but did not need surgery and is expected to be 100 percent healthy for the start of Spring Training, according to Lapa. Turnbow, 31 in January, was 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA and 39 saves in 2005 for the Brewers and appeared in 210 games from 2005-07. -- Ken Gurnick