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Week In Review: 4/1/12 - 4/7/12

It's time for a look back at the week that was, including a pair of monster contract extensions..

• Joey Votto and the Reds agreed to a ten-year, $225MM contract extension in a deal that includes full no-trade protection.  With this new deal, he is now under contract for the next 12 years at a total price of $251.5MM.  In 2011, Votto followed up his MVP season with a .309/.416/.531 line, 29 homers, and 40 doubles.
• The Giants agreed to a five-year extension with Matt Cain which guarantees him $112.5MM in new money through 2017.  The deal, which establishes a record for right-handed pitchers, includes a club/vesting player option for 2018. 
• The Indians signed shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to a two-year extension for 2013-14.  The deal is worth $16.5MM and will delay Cabrera's free agency by one year.  The 26-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2011, batting .273/.332/.460 with a career-high 25 home runs.
• The Mets signed left-hander Jonathon Niese to a five-year extension with two club options.  The deal is worth $25.5MM and the two options could push the total value to $46MM.  Niese will earn $1.02MM this year, $3MM next year, $5MM in 2014, $7MM in 2015, and $9MM in 2016.
• Casey Close of Excel Sports Management will represent Zack Greinke as the right-hander embarks on the final season of his contract with the Brewers.
• Red Sox president Larry Lucchino says he's willing to add payroll to improve the pitching staff even if it takes them over the luxury tax threshold.
• The Reds offered Brandon Phillips a five-year, $60MM contract extension for the 2012-16 seasons.  One Reds source believes Phillips would sign if the Reds offer a sixth guaranteed season.
• Ian Kinsler and the Rangers are close but haven't hammered out a new deal just yet.
• Carlos Lee agreed to waive his 10-and-5 rights in exchange for full no-trade protection during the first four years of his contract though he can still block trades to 14 unknown teams this year.
• Details of the Dodgers sale came to light and the new ownership group has agreed to assume $412MM of the club's debt.
• The Cubs inquired about Nats pitcher John Lannan this week.  The left-hander requested a trade and made it known to the public on Wednesday.
• Agent Scott Boras says that client Johnny Damon will sign somewhere by May 1st.
• The Braves announced that they signed right-hander Chad Durbin to a Major League contract after he opted out of his deal with Washington.
• Free agent Vladimir Guerrero changed agencies from SFX to Proformance, Tim reported.
• The cutoff for super two players after the 2012 season will be two years and 134 days of service time, according to preliminary internal studies by CAA.
• The Yankees signed right-hander Ramon Ortiz and traded for catcher Chris Stewart on Wednesday.  They also DFA'd Justin Maxwell and saw Bill Hall elect free agency.
• The Reds claimed Alfredo Simon off of waivers from the Orioles.
• The Cardinals acquired Cedric Hunter from the Athletics for future considerations.
• With Chase Utley on the shelf for the foreseeable future, the Phillies have shown interest in Mike Fontenot.
• The Braves acquired Juan Francisco from the Reds.
• The Indians designated Thomas Neal for assignment and released Felix Pie.
• The Rangers signed right-hander Aaron Heilman to a minor league contract.
• The Orioles released right-hander Armando Galarraga.
• The Rangers re-signed Brad Hawpe to a minor league contract.

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