A's Land Cabrera

The Oakland Athletics found a replacement for oft-injured shortstop Bobby Crosby in the fleet footed Orlando Cabrera:

The A's deal with Cabrera is worth $4 million. He was said to be looking for about $9 million earlier in the offseason.

Bobby Crosby, Oakland's incumbent shortstop, is entering the final year of a deal that will pay him close to $5.25 million this year.

According to multiple published reports, the A's are also close to signing Nomar Garciaparra to a one year deal. Nomar would be expected to play a utility role, backing up at first and third base.

If the A's decide to trade Crosby, Nomar would likely fill in at shortstop as well.

Braves Go With Plan B

The Atlanta Braves have found their replacement plan after failing to sign Ken Griffey Jr.

According to published reports, the Braves signed free agent outfielder Garrett Anderson (formerly of the LA Angels of Anaheim) to a one year deal;

Anderson, who had played his entire career for the Angels, agreed to a one-year deal worth approximately $2.5 million, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Sunday.

Here are Anderson's 2008 stats:

BA: .293
HR: 15
RBI: 84
SLG: .433

Ol' Lefty is Giving it Another Shot

According to an article written by ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, Tom Glavine is returning to the Braves for at least one more season;


Tom Glavine reached agreement on a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves that could pay him $4.5 million if he attains all his incentives.

Glavine will make a guaranteed $1 million, and an additional $1 million in his first day on the major league roster during the regular season. He'll be owed $1.25 million after 30 days, and an additional $1.25 million after 90 days, a source said.

Who Says You Can't Go Home?

Looks like Ken Griffey Jr is returning home, to the Seattle Mariners.

According to various reports, Junior notified the Atlanta Braves that he'd be returning to play for the Mariners:

Two baseball sources said that Griffey made his decision after two days of debating between Atlanta, which is close to his home in Orlando, Fla., and Seattle, where he's been a fan favorite since breaking in with the Mariners as a 19-year-old phenom in 1989.

Griffey spent last season split between the Reds and the White Sox.

His 2008 totals were as follows;

BA: .249, 18 HR, 71 RBI, .424 Slugg%.

Two Outfielders Taken Off the Market

In what we're considering a really strange move, the Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem signed free agent outfielder Bobby Abreu to a one year deal worth $5 million ($8 million with incentives).

The Angels now have an extremely crowded outfield; Torri Hunter, Gary Mathews Jr, Vlad Guerrero, and Juan Rivera.

Abreu is expected to bat ahead of Vlad in the Angels lineup.

Abreu batted .296, 20 HR, with 100 RBI last season for the New York Yankees.

The Washington Nationals and free agent slugger Adam Dunn agreed on a two year contract believed to be worth $20 million.

Dunn figures to add a lot of life to the Nationals lineup, joining pals Ryan Zimmerman and Austin Kearns in a tough National League East Division.

Dunn, 29, hit .236 with 40 home runs and 100 RBIs with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds last season.

Orioles Continue Flurry of Offseason Moves

Baltimore, sit down and ask yourself this question;

"ARE YOU READY FOR SOME BASEBALL?!?!?"

Only a day after trading for Rich Hill of the Chicago Cubs, Baltimore's front office lands a two year deal with uber-utilityman Ty Wigginton.

Someone in Baltimore is clearing off shelf space for the 2009 Baseball Executive of the Year Award.

According to ESPN.com:

The deal, pending a physical, is worth a total of $6 million, according to the Baltimore Sun. Foxsports.com was the first to report the story.

Wigginton, 31, is a right-handed hitter who mostly plays third base, but also has played first, second, and all three outfield positions.

Wigginton, who played for the Houston Astros last season, hit .285 with 23 homers and 58 RBIs. He is a career .270 hitter in seven seasons; the Orioles will be his fifth team.

Boston - Varitek Saga Finally Over

It's about time Boston.

With only a few weeks left before pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training, the Red Sox have finally come to terms with team captain Jason Varitek on a one year deal:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Boston Red Sox and catcher Jason Varitek have reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract worth $5 million, two major league sources tell ESPN.com's Jayson Stark and Jerry Crasnick.

The Red Sox have a club option for $5 million in 2010. If they decline, there is a player option for $3 million. Only in the player option are incentives that would pay Varitek up to $2 million if he plays 120 games, or a smaller amount if he plays 80 games, the sources told Stark.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yanks Complete Rotation by Signing Andy

The New York Yankees have agreed to a one year deal with free agent left-hander Andy Pettitte, reportedly worth $5.5 million.

Pettitte was painted as a selfish crybaby (by the press) because he refused to accept a pay cut from his previous season's salary ($16 million). Pettitte disagreed with that assessment, stating in an interview:

"Heck, the bottom line is I'm a man, and I guess it does take a shot at your pride a little bit," he said. "But when you put all that aside, I wanted to play for the New York Yankees and, you know, that was the bottom line. I wanted to be there. I wanted to play in that new stadium."

Pettitte will likely fill out the back end of the Yankee rotation, joining newly acquired arms CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett as the Yanks open up their new ballpark with a significantly upgraded roster compared to last season.

Pettite finished the 2008 season with a 14-14 record, posting a 4.54 era in 204 innings pitched. Pettite also posted great control numbers again, walking only 55 batters while striking out 158.

Sox Take Gamble on Two

The Boston Red Sox might be going out on a limb with their two latest free agent acquisitions, but as a philosopher once said "Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?"

Boston has come to agreements on contracts with John Smoltz and Rocco Baldelli.

Here are the details of Smoltz's contract, according to ESPN:

Smoltz will earn a $5.5 million base salary with the Red Sox, and can earn up to $5 million in an incentive clause. The incentives include $125,000 for his first day on the active roster, $500,000 if he is on the active roster on the last day of the season, and up to $4.375 million for the number of days he is on the major league roster during the season. Miscellaneous bonuses would come into play if he wins comeback player of the year, the Cy Young or other such awards.

Signing Smoltz gives the Red Sox a rotation of six guys; Dice-K, Beckett, Brad Penny, Wakefield, and Jon Lester. The Smoltz signing may be a precursor to a deal with Texas for catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, as Clay Buchholz would seemingly become expendable.

Baldelli, a Rhode Island native, chose to remain closer to home by inking a deal with the BoSox. It was believed that the Reds and Pirates both had interest in the outfielder.

After trading away Coco Crisp, the Sox said they were looking to acquire a right handed outfielder to add some depth to their squad. Baldelli, if he can remain healthy, will likely spell oft injured J.D. Drew and Jason Bay.

Free Agent Market Burning Up

As the date for pitchers and catchers to report to spring training is a little over one month away, teams around the league are finally figuring out ways to shape up their rosters.

The recent Tampa Bay signing of outfielder/DH Pat Burrell seems to have set off a domino like chain reaction around the league, with numerous other clubs picking up whatever's left on the free agent market.

The Chicago Cubs and Milton Bradley agreed on a 3 year $30 million deal (pending physical) that will add some much needed pop into the Cub's lineup. Bradley is slated to play right field for the '09 season, but may not last that long. Bradley has only played 100 games in the field (during his career) just once; with the '04 Dodgers.

Jason Giambi is returning home, as he and the Oakland A's agreed (pending physical) on a $4 million deal for the 2009 season with a $6.5 million base salary for the option year in 2010. The second year would also provide for a $1.25 million buyout.

Another ex-Yankee has found a new home, this time in Cleveland. We're not sure if Cleveland is running a rehab center or a baseball team, but the Indians' signing of RHP Carl Pavano points to the later. After signing oft injured closer Kerry Wood, the Indians offered Pavano a one-year, $1.5 million deal. Pavano can make another $5.3 million in performance bonuses.

Finally, according to ESPN.com, the Baltimore Orioles added a Japanese pitcher to help fill in their rotation:

Koji Uehara will be paid $10 million over the two years of the contract, which also includes incentives that could raise the total to as much as $16 million.

Uehara has spent his entire career with the Yomiuri Giants. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Uehara was 6-5 with one save and a 3.81 ERA in 26 games for the Giants last year.

Rays Continue to Strengthen Roster

The 2008 defending World Champs had decided to let longtime outfielder Pat Burrell walk via free agency, and it looks like the runner ups have decided to pick him up.

The Tampa Bay Rays and Pat Burrell have agreed, in principle, on a two year contract worth $16 million.

Burrell (.250/33/86 last season) will most likely take over the DH spot in the Rays lineup.

This move comes a few days after the Rays bolstered their bullpen with the acquisition of Joe Nelson.

Marlins Land Their Fish, Shore Up Bullpen

After seeing their star reliever Joe Nelson jump ship and head over to the Tampa Bay Rays, the Florida Marlins countered with the signing of RHP Scott Proctor.

The Marlins and Proctor agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract with an additional $250,000 in incentives.

Proctor battled elbow ailments last season, posting a 6.05 ERA in 38 2/3 innings pitched. Some have predicted these elbow issues, as he was often overworked by manager Joe Torre while in New York and later in LA.

Proctor's signing has made this fan glad he's found a new home.

Teams Make Additions to Ring in the New Year

The Angels have found their man whom they hope will replace the single season saves leader Fransisco Rodriguez; and that man just happens to hail from Colorado.

The Angels agreed to a two year deal with 33 year old left handed closer Brian Fuentes (1-5, 30 saves in 34 chances, 2.73 ER).

According to ESPN.com Fuentes will earn $8.5 million for 2009 and $9 million for 2010. The contract includes a $9 million vesting option for 2011, based on games finished, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

The Chicago Cubs continued to tweak their roster, trading away fan favorite Mark DeRosa to the Cleveland Indians for minor league pitchers Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub.

DeRosa fills the Indian's void over at the hot corner, and allows them to keep their young middle infield intact (GM Mark Shapiro considered moving shortstop Jhonny Peralta to third and Asdrubal Cabrera from second to short.)

The Cubs are also considering a trade for the Rockies Luis Vizcaino in exchange for Jason Marquis. According to ESPN; The 30-year-old Marquis was 11-9 for Chicago last season, with a 4.53 ERA in 167 innings while Vizcaino, 34, struggled in his first season in Colorado, pitching to a 5.28 ERA in 46 innings.

The Baltimore Orioles signed left handed starter Mark Hendrickson to a one year deal. The Orioles only have Jeremy Guthrie slated in their rotation, as Daniel Cabrera signed on with the Washington Nationals.

Rumor Mill:

The Mets may have made an offer to free agent starter Derek Lowe.

Mets and Dodgers talking trade? Andrew Jones could be wearing blue and orange next season.

Dodgers are looking to get their offseason shoping list Dunn.

The Rangers added three arms into the mix for bullpen help.

Aaron Miles is set to replace DeRosa.

Red Sox Agree to Deals With Two Free Agents

The Boston Red Sox have reached an agreement with free agent pitcher Brad Penny and offered a non guaranteed contract worth $1.6 million to free agent catcher Josh Bard.

Penny, battling shoulder and arm issues last season, posted a 6-7 record with an era over six (6.27).

Yanks Land Another Big Fish

Gehrig. Mattingly. Tino. Giambino. Now Teixeira?

According to multiple news sources, the Yankees and Mark Teixeira have agreed, in principle, to an eight year deal worth $180 million.

So here's the Yankees current lineup, if opening day was tomorrow;

LF	Johnny Damon
SS	Derek Jeter
1B	Mark Teixeira
3B	Alex Rodriguez
DH	Hideki Matsui
RF	Xavier Nady
C	Jorge Posada
2B	Robinson Cano
CF	Melky Cabrera
Bench-- Nick Swisher

Teixeira's arrival in New York will add to the logjam that's currently developing in the outfield. Along with the newly acquired Nick Swisher, the Yanks have Matsui, Cabrera, Damon, Gardner, and Nady all vying for the three outfield spots.

Angels Resign Their 23rd Most Important Free Agent

Finally! Some concrete news in the world of baseball.

After running around like chickens with our heads cut off following the Frucal signings (yes, there may have been multiple) or trying to figure out whether the Red Sox are in or out of the Teixeira sweepstakes, we've finally got something solid to report on.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have announced that they've re-signed Juan Rivera to a three year deal.

So, yes, you are reading this correctly. The Angels signed an outfielder. Now if baseball changes its rules to allow for a team to field an additional 5 outfielders during a game, the Angels are all set. They've now invested in mega contracts with Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, and Gary Matthews Jr. They also have Reggie Willits to throw into the mix.

So, as long as Rivera's agents don't have the last names Kinzer or Tellem, they've got another outfielder, one that'l wind up costing them $12.75 million.

Ibanez Signs 3 Year Deal with Champs

The Philadelphia Phillies announced their signing of free agent left fielder Raul Ibanez to a three year deal reportedly worth $30 million.

Ibanez hit .293 for the Seattle Mariners last season, with 23 homers, 110 RBIs, a .358 on-base percentage and a .472 slugging percentage.

With the signing, the Phillies have all but cut ties with longtime left fielder Pat Burrell.

Rockies Agree to Terms with Embree

The Alan Embree fan club can rest easy now, knowing that their favorite soft tossing lefty has found a new home high in the Rockie Mountains.

Embree's left arm will replace outgoing left hander Brian Fuentes, who is expected to leave town via free agency.

Yanks Close to Signing CC

According to an ESPN.com News Services report, the Yankees have increased their offer to free agent lefty, CC Sabathia, and are close to acquiring his John Hancock:

Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney the deal offered by the Yankees is now worth $160 million over seven years -- the most money ever paid a pitcher in major league history. The team had originally offered six years and $140 million.

While a deal is not yet done, a source told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark there are "zero major road blocks" that would prevent the Yankees from reaching agreement with Sabathia. Not all terms of the deal are agreed to yet, the source indicated. Sabathia also would need to take a physical.

The CC deal for the Bombers has been an "on again, off again saga for the Yanks" as their contract offer turned one month old yesterday. There had been reports that the Giants were set to sign the lefty and multiple reports that CC was going to be a Dodger.

If the signing actually takes place, the Yankees would have acquired their main offseason target and can now look to adding additional arms to solidify their shaky rotation.

Loretta Signs Deal with Dodgers

Mark Loretta packed his SPF 40 and left his shit kickers back in Houston, as the two time all star heads west to join the LA Dodgers, according to an espn.com news report.

The deal is believed to be worth $1.4 million, for one season. The deal will be finalized as long as Loretta passes a physical.