Here's a look back at the news and stories that made headlines during the first week of 2013…
- Lance Berkman agreed to a one-year deal with the Rangers worth $10MM with a $1MM buyout for 2014. The veteran has a 2014 option that vests at 550 plate appearances.
- The Rays signed David Price to a one-year contract. The deal is worth $10.1125MM and allows the two sides to avoid arbitration.
- The Dodgers agreed to sign J.P. Howell to a one-year deal worth $2.85MM with the opportunity to earn $1.2MM more through performance incentives. Howell, 29, pitched to a 3.04 ERA with 7.5 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 in 50 1/3 innings for the Rays last season.
- The Yankees designated outfielder Chris Dickerson for assignment. The move creates 40-man roster space for Russ Canzler, who was claimed off of waivers from the Indians.
- The Indians agreed to sign right-hander Brett Myers to a one-year, $7MM deal with a club option worth $8MM. Myers, 32, pitched to a 3.31 ERA with 5.6 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 in 70 relief appearances last season for the Astros and White Sox.
- The Indians signed free agent outfielder Nick Swisher to a four-year contract worth a minimum of $56MM. The agreement covers the 2013-16 seasons and includes a vesting option for 2017.
- The Rangers signed free agent right-hander Jason Frasor to a one-year contract worth $1.5MM. Frasor, 35, pitched for the Blue Jays in 2012, posting a 4.12 ERA with 10.9 K/9, 4.5 BB/9 and a 38.4% ground ball rate in 43 2/3 innings.
- The Cubs signed Edwin Jackson to a four-year contract worth $52MM and it does not include a no-trade clause. The 29-year-old spent the 2012 season with the Nationals, posting a 4.03 ERA with 8.0 K/9, 2.8 BB/9 and a 47.3% ground ball rate in 189 2/3 regular season innings.
