Week In Review: 12/30/12 - 1/5/13

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.

Week In Review: 12/23/12 - 12/29/12

Here's a look back at the last (full) week of 2012..

• The Pirates sent Joel Hanrahan and infielder Brock Holt to the Red Sox in exchange for reliever Mark Melancon, first baseman/outfielder Jerry Sands, infielder Ivan De Jesus Jr., and right-hander Stolmy Pimentel.  Hanrahan, 31, pitched to a 2.72 ERA with 10.1 K/9 and 5.4 BB/9 in 59 2/3 innings for Pittsburgh last season.
• Nick Swisher signed a four-year, $56MM deal with the Indians on Sunday.  The slugger's contract includes a $14MM vesting option in year five if he has 550 plate appearances in 2016.  That would boost the overall value to $70MM.
• The Red Sox agreed to sign Mike Napoli to a three-year, $39MM deal in the first week of December, but have yet to finalize the deal over concerns about his hip.  With the agreement in limbo, another club has expressed interest in the catcher, though no offer has been extended.
• Meanwhile, the Red Sox are looking at Adam LaRoche as a Plan B.  The first baseman still wants to return to the Nationals, but is frustrated that he has yet to reach an agreement with them.  LaRoche wants a three-year deal but Washington and Boston say they won't go past two.
• Hideki Matsui decided to call it a career after ten years in the majors.
• The Mariners inked Raul Ibanez to a one-year deal worth $2.75MM and $1.25MM in incentives.
• Matt Diaz signed a minor league deal with the Yanks that will pay him $1.2MM if he makes the big league roster.
• The Brewers agreed to sign Mike Gonzalez to a one-year contract worth $2.25MM plus incentives.
• The Padres are talking with Brett Myers and would use him in his preferred role of starter.
• The Orioles are still talking with free agent hurler Joe Saunders.
• Five teams have reached out to Derek Lowe.
• The Marlins signed John Maine to a minor league deal.
• The Cubs signed Hisanori Takahashi to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
• Former Giants closer Brian Wilson is generating lots of interest.
• The Mets signed Aaron Laffey to a minor league contract.
• The O's and manager Buck Showalter are close to a contract extension.
• The Rays are looking for a bat.
• Takashi Saito is returning to Japan.
• The Mets want bullpen help.
• Ugueth Urbina is out of prison and hopes to pitch again.

Week In Review: 12/16/12 -12/22/12

• The Mets sold high on R.A. Dickey after the 38-year-old knuckleballer's Cy Young season, trading him to the Blue Jays as part of a seven-player deal. Toronto will receive Dickey, Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas in exchange for John Buck and prospects Travis d'Arnaud, Noah Syndergaard and Wuilmer Becerra. As part of the deal, Toronto has also agreed to a three-year extension with Dickey. 
• The Tigers agreed to sign free agent right-hander Anibal Sanchez to a five-year contract worth $80MM that includes a 2018 club option. Sanchez posted a 3.86 ERA with 7.7 K/9, 2.2 BB/9 and a 46.4% ground ball rate in 195 2/3 regular season innings this past season. 
• The Mariners and Raul Ibanez agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.75MM with another 1.25MM in incentive performances. The ACES client played in Seattle from 1996-2000 and 2004-2008.
• Arizona officially signed Cody Ross to a three-year contract with a fourth year club option. The deal is worth $26MM, which includes a $1MM buyout of the option.
• The Pirates agreed to sign free agent left-hander Francisco Liriano to a two-year, $12.75MM contract. Liriano pitched for the Twins and White Sox this past season, posting a 5.34 ERA with 9.6 K/9, 5.0 BB/9 and a 43.8% ground ball rate in 156 2/3 innings.
• The Indians reached a minor league deal with Scott Kazmir. Cleveland is taking a low-risk chance on the left-hander following his strong performance in Puerto Rico this winter.
• Jeremy Bonderman agreed to a minor league deal with the Mariners, with an invitation to spring training. The right-hander dropped 35 pounds from his frame and is set to start throwing again in January.
• The Astros signed right-handed reliever Jose Veras to a one-year contract worth $2MM. In 72 appearances for Milwaukee in 2012, Veras posted a 3.63 ERA with 10.6 K/9, 5.4 BB/9 and a 43.8% ground ball rate in 67 innings. 
• The Cubs agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder Nate Schierholtz worth $2.25MM with $500K in incentives. Schierholtz hit .257/.321/.407 in 269 plate appearances for the Giants and Phillies this year, playing mostly right field.
• The Brewers signed free-agent left-hander Tom Gorzelanny to a two-year contract worth $5.75MM. Gorzelanny appeared in 45 games for the Nationals this past season, posting a 2.88 ERA with 7.8 K/9, 3.8 BB/9 and a 42.9% ground ball rate in 72 innings.
• Free agent infielder Casey McGehee agreed to play in Japan for the Rakuten Eagles next season. The veteran will receive at one-year deal worth $1.5MM with incentives up to $500K.
• The Twins signed free agent starter Rich Harden to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training. Harden last pitched at the MLB level in 2011, posting a 5.12 ERA with 9.9 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 in 82 2/3 innings for the Athletics.
• The Rangers and A.J. Pierzynski agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $7.5MM. The catcher posted a .278/.326/.501 batting line in 520 plate appearances with 27 home runs in 2012. 
• The Cubs agreed to sign Edwin Jackson to a four-year, $52MM contract. 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.
• The Marlins signed Placido Polanco to a one-year contract. The 37-year-old hit 15 doubles and posted a .257/.302/.327 batting line in 328 plate appearances this past season.
• The Phillies officially signed veteran reliever Mike Adams. It's a two-year contract worth $12MM with a third year club/vesting option worth $6.5MM.
• The Twins signed right-hander Mike Pelfrey to a one-year, $4MM contract. The former Wichita State star can also earn up to $1.5MM in incentives.
• The Cubs agreed to sign Carlos Villanueva to a two-year, $10MM deal. Villanueva, 29, pitched to a 4.16 ERA with 8.8 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 in 125 1/3 innings spread across 16 starts and 22 relief appearances for the Blue Jays last season. 
• The Rockies re-signed lefty Jeff Francis. It's a one-year contract worth $1.5MM guaranteed with another $1.5M in incentives based on innings pitched.
• The Yankees officially re-signed Ichiro Suzuki to a two-year contract worth $13MM. Ichiro has 2,606 hits, two batting titles, ten All-Star Game selections and a career .322/.365/.419 in 12 MLB seasons.
• Two AL West rivals agreed to exchange prominent players in a deal that will address major needs for both clubs. The Mariners and Angels agreed to a trade that will send Kendrys Morales to Seattle for left-hander Jason Vargas.
• The Giants and right-hander Santiago Casilla agreed to a three-year, $15MM contract with a vesting option for a fourth season. The deal will pay Casilla $4.5MM in 2013 and 2014 and $5MM in 2015, plus a $1MM buyout for 2016 if his option doesn't vest.
• The Rays signed free agent right-hander Roberto Hernandez to a one-year, Major League contract. The deal, worth $3.25MM including $1.85MM in incentives, some of which are based on innings and some of which are based on relief appearances.
• The Indians signed Mark Reynolds to a one-year contract. The deal is worth $6MM and could reach $7.5MM if Reynolds reaches his performance incentives. 
• The Phillies agreed to sign left-hander John Lannan to a one-year, $2.5MM contract. The deal includes another $2.5M in bonuses.
• The Athletics traded outfielder Collin Cowgill to the Mets for minor league infielder Jefry Marte, the team announced. The trade frees up a 40-man roster spot for Oakland, who officially announced the Hiroyuki Nakajima signing as well.
• The Red Sox signed reliever Koji Uehara to a one-year deal worth $4.25MM. Uehara, 38 in April, posted a 1.75 ERA, 10.8 K/9, 0.8 BB/9, 1.00 HR/9, and 32.5% groundball rate in 36 innings this year, missing time with a strained lat muscle. 
• The Astros agreed to sign Carlos Pena to a one-year contract worth $2.9MM. The Scott Boras client can earn another $1.4MM in incentives.
• The Red Sox agreed to sign free agent shortstop Stephen Drew to a one-year contract worth $9.5MM plus up to $500K in incentives. He posted a .223/.309/.348 batting line with seven home runs in 327 plate appearances for the Diamondbacks and Athletics this past season.

Week In Review: 12/9/12 - 12/15/12

With yet another crazy week of hot stove madness, let's step away from the action to catch up on the week that was here at MLBTR...

• For the second time in as many offseasons, the Angels signed the top free agent position player to a surprising long-term contract. The Angels officially signedJosh Hamilton a five-year contract worth $125MM.
• Zack Greinke signed with the Dodgers to a six-year, $147MM deal as he'll remain in Los Angeles. The 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner pitched to a 3.48 ERA with 8.5 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 in 212 1/3 innings split between the Brewers and Angels in 2012, his fourth 200+ inning season in the last five years.
• Kansas City agreed to acquire right-hander James Shields, right-hander Wade Davis and a player to be named or cash from Tampa Bay in exchange for outfielder Wil Myers, right-hander Jake Odorizzi, left-hander Mike Montgomery and third baseman Patrick Leonard.
• The Diamondbacks acquired shortstop Didi Gregorius, left-handed pitcher Tony Sipp, and first baseman Lars Anderson from the Indians in exchange for right-handed pitchers Trevor Bauer, Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw. The Reds are receiving Shin-Soo Choo and Jason Donald in the swap and are sending Drew Stubbs to Cleveland as well. 
• The Dodgers signed Korean left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu for $36MM over six years. The 25-year-old has been one of the Korea Baseball Organization's most dominant pitchers over the last several years, helping Korea win Olympic gold in 2008 and finish second in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
• The Indians reached an agreement with Mark Reynolds on a one-year contract worth $6MM plus $1.5MM in potential incentives.
• The Phillies agreed to sign Mike Adams to a two-year contract worth $12MM with a third-year vesting option. He pitched to a 3.27 ERA with 7.7 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 in 52 1/3 innings for the Rangers this year.
• The Phillies agreed to sign John Lannan to a one-year contract worth $2.5MM with another $2.5M in bonuses. He's thrown at least 180 total innings in each of the last five seasons and has a career 53.0% ground ball rate, which is well-above-average.
• The Yankees announced that they designated left-hander Josh Spence for assignment. The move creates 40-man roster space for recently-signed infielder Kevin Youkilis.
• The Tigers agreed to sign free agent right-hander Anibal Sanchez to a five-year, $80MM contract. Sanchez posted a 3.86 ERA with 7.7 K/9, 2.2 BB/9 and a 46.4% ground ball rate in 195 2/3 regular season innings this past season. 
• The Yankees agreed to re-sign Ichiro Suzuki to a two-year contract that will likely be worth $13MM. The 39-year-old posted a .283/.307/.390 batting line in 663 plate appearances for the Mariners and Yankees this past season.
• The Cardinals agreed to sign utility player Ty Wigginton to a two-year deal worth a total of $5MM. Wigginton spent the 2012 season with the Phillies, posting a .235/.314/.375 batting line with 11 home runs and 11 doubles in 360 plate appearances.
• The Braves signed infielder Ramiro Pen a to a one-year, Major League contract. Pena, 27, has made just 40 Major League plate appearances over the last two seasons and has a career .233/.266/.288 line in 338 career PAs with the Yankees since 2009.
• The Red Sox agreed to sign free agent right-hander Ryan Dempster to a two-year, $26.5MM contract. Dempster, 35, posted a 3.38 ERA with 8.0 K/9, 2.7 BB/9 and a 43.5% ground ball rate in 173 innings for the Cubs and Rangers in 2012.
• The Twins signed Kevin Correia to a two-year, $10MM contract. The right-hander will earn $4.5MM in 2013 and $5.5MM in 2014.
• Outfielder Shane Victorino signed a three-year, $39MM deal with the Red Sox after struggling in 2012 to put up the numbers that made him a star with the Phillies. Victorino posted a .255/.321/.383 line for the Phillies and Dodgers.
• Free agent infielder Jack Hannahan signed a two-year, $4MM deal with the Reds to back up Todd Frazier. In 318 plate appearances during the 2012 season, he posted a .244/.312/.341 batting line with 16 doubles. 
• The Giants agreed to sign Andres Torres to a one-year, $2MM contract. The 34-year-old switch hitter has a .241/.320/.388 batting line in eight career seasons at the MLB level.
• The Dodgers acquired Skip Schumaker from the Cardinals in exchange for minor league shortstop Jake Lemmerman. Schumaker posted a .276/.339/.368 slash line last season in 304 plate appearances. 
• The Pirates signed free agent reliever Jason Grilli to a two-year, $6.75MM contract. He posted a 2.91 ERA with 13.8 K/9, 3.4 BB.9 and a 30.7% ground ball rate in 58 2/3 innings for Pittsburgh this past season.
• The Reds signed free agent outfielder Ryan Ludwick to a two-year, $15MM contract with a mutual option for 2015. The 34-year-old posted a .275/.346/.531 batting line with 26 home runs in 472 plate appearances for the Reds this past season.
• The Tigers agreed to a one-year contract with catcher Brayan Pena. Pena, who turns 31 next month, appeared in 68 games for the Royals in 2012, posting a .236/.262/.321 batting line in 226 plate appearances.
• Jeff Keppinger greatly improved his stock in 2012, going from a non-tender a year ago to signing a three-year, $12MM contract with the White Sox. Keppinger, 32, is a career .288/.337/.396 hitter, and is coming off an excellent season with the Rays in which he posted an .806 OPS in 418 plate appearances.

Week In Review: 12/2/12 - 12/8/12

• The Mets and David Wright officially finalized the largest contract in franchise history. The Mets extended Wright for seven years and $122MM in new money, which can be considered an eight-year, $138MM deal if the value of Wright's previously-exercised 2013 club option is included.
• The Reds agreed to sign outfielder Ryan Ludwick to a two-year contract worth $15MM. The 34-year-old posted a .275/.346/.531 batting line with 26 home runs in 472 plate appearances for the Reds this past season.
• The Giants agreed to re-sign second baseman Marco Scutaro to a three-year, $20MM deal. The veteran was greatly aided by a strong finish, as he hit .362/.385/.473 in 268 regular season plate appearances with the Giants after coming over in a July trade with the Rockies.
• Outfielder Angel Pagan agreed to a four-year, $40MM contract to remain with the Giants. Pagan bounced back from a down 2011 season and was valued at nearly five wins above replacement in 2012, providing all-around production.
• The Giants exercised their 2014 options on GM Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy. Sometime next year the Giants will initiate extension talks for Bochy and Sabean beyond 2014, president and CEO Larry Baer told reporters.
• The Diamondbacks agreed to sign right-hander Brandon McCarthy to a two-year deal worth $15.5MM. When healthy, McCarthy pitched well, posting a 3.24 ERA with 5.9 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9 in 111 innings. 
• The Nationals reached an agreement to sign Dan Haren to a one-year deal worth $13MM. After posting a 3.33 ERA in 170 games over the course of five seasons from 2007 to 2011, Haren recorded the worst full-season ERA of his career in 2012, with a 4.33 mark.
• The Cubs reached an agreement with Japanese closer Kyuji Fujikawa. The two-year, $9.5MM contract includes a club/vesting option for 2015.
• The Braves agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder Reed Johnson. Johnson, 36 on Saturday, hit .290/.337/.398 in 288 plate appearances for the Cubs and Braves this year.
• The Twins locked up one of their best relievers by signing Jared Burton to a two-year, $5.5MM extension with a $3.6MM club option for 2015. Burton would have been entering a walk year in 2013, so the contract buys out one free agent year with an option for another.
• The Cubs re-signed third baseman Ian Stewart to a one-year deal worth $2MM. The 27-year-old is said to be back to full health after playing with a broken bone in his wrist for the last two years. 
• The Red Sox agreed to a one-year deal with reliever Koji Uehara worth $4.25MM. Uehara, 38 in April, posted a 1.75 ERA, 10.8 K/9, 0.8 BB/9, 1.00 HR/9, and 32.5% groundball rate in 36 innings this year, missing time with a strained lat muscle.
• The Rays signed James Loney to a one-year deal worth $2MM, plus an additional $1MM in incentives. The 28-year-old CAA client batted .249/.293/.336 with six homers in 465 plate appearances for the Dodgers and Red Sox in 2012.
• The Phillies acquired outfielder Ben Revere from the Twins in exchange for starting pitcher Vance Worley. Revere, 24, hit .294/.333/.342 in 553 plate appearances for the Twins this year, stealing 40 bags in 49 tries.
• The Angels agreed to terms with righty Joe Blanton on a two-year, $15MM deal. Blanton, 31, posted a 4.71 ERA, 7.8 K/9, 1.6 BB/9, 1.37 HR/9, and 44.6% groundball rate in 191 innings for the Phillies and Dodgers this year.
• The Rockies agreed to a one-year, Major League deal with lefty Jeff Francis. The contract includes a $1.5MM base salary with incentives that could push the value up to $3MM. 
• The Angels reinforced their bullpen by reaching an agreement with lefty Sean Burnett on a two-year deal with a club option. Burnett, 30, had been drawing strong interest as one of the best free agent lefty relievers available this offseason. 
• The Pirates acquired lefty Andrew Oliver from the Tigers for catcher Ramon Cabrera. Oliver, 25, was drafted by the Tigers in the second round in 2009.
• The Cardinals reached a contract agreement with lefty reliever Randy Choate. The deal spans three years and will pay Choate a total of $7.55MM.
• The Braves exercised their one-year option for manager Fredi Gonzalez. The move ensures Gonzalez is locked up through the 2014 season.
• The Diamondbacks strengthened their corner infield positions by adding Eric Chavez on a one-year, $3MM deal.
• The Mariners reached an agreement to sign left fielder Jason Bay to a one-year, $1MM deal. An annual 30 home run threat when he signed with the Mets, Bay hit just .234/.318/.369 in 1,125 plate appearances for them from 2010-12.
• Jeff Keppinger greatly improved his stock in 2012, going from a non-tender a year ago to a three-year, $12MM contract with the White Sox.
• The Orioles reached an agreement to retain Nate McLouth on a one-year, $2MM deal with $500K in incentives. McLouth had a nice run for the O's, hitting .268/.342/.435 in 236 plate appearances this season.
• The Diamondbacks signed Wil Nieves to be their backup catcher. Nieves' deal will be for one year and $800K.
• The Rays acquired a new shortstop, getting Yunel Escobar from the Marlins for middle infield prospect Derek Dietrich. Escobar, a 30-year-old Cuban, hit .253/.300/.344 in 608 plate appearances for the Blue Jays this year. 
• The Rockies added a late-inning reliever by acquiring Wilton Lopez, and a player to be named later or cash from the Astros for starter Alex White and minor leaguer Alex Gillingham.
• Joakim Soria, 28, officially signed a two-year, $8MM deal with the Rangers, which includes a club option for 2015. Soria owns a 2.40 ERA, 9.7 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, 0.68 HR/9, and 160 saves in 315 1/3 career innings.
  
• The Red Sox agreed to terms with Shane Victorino on a three-year, $39MM contract. The 32-year-old slipped this year to a .255/.321/.383 line for the Phillies and Dodgers.
• The Diamondbacks signed first baseman/outfielder Eric Hinske to a one-year contract. The 35-year-old struggled with the Braves this year, posting a .197/.272/.311 line in 147 plate appearances.
• The Rays avoided arbitration with infielder Sean Rodriguez, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1MM deal. The utility infielder spent extensive time at second base, shortstop, and third base for Tampa Bay in 2012, posting a slash line of .213/.281/.326 in 342 plate appearances.
• The Rangers signed catcher Geovany Soto that will pay the veteran will pay Soto $2.75MM, with incentives giving him the chance to earn $3MM. Soto, 29, had a .198/.270/.343 batting line with 11 home runs in 361 plate appearances for the Rangers and Cubs last season.
• The Red Sox reached an agreement on a three-year contract with Mike Napoli worth $39MM over the life of the deal. Napoli had a down year by his standards for the Rangers in 2012, hitting .227/.343/.469.
• The Nationals re-signed left-hander Zach Duke to a Major League contract. Duke spent most of the 2012 season with the Nats' Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse, posting a 3.51 ERA in 26 starts for the Chiefs.
• The Padres agreed to sign Jason Marquis to a one-year deal worth $3MM. The 34-year-old posted a 4.04 ERA over the course of 15 starts with San Diego this season.

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  Week In Review: 11/25/12 - 12/1/12

  By Zach Links [December 2, 2012 at 5:18pm CST]

  Let's take a look back at everything that went down on MLBTradeRumors last week as we get set for the Winter Meetings..

  • The Mets and David Wright reached agreement on the largest contract in franchise history.  The ACES client got seven years and $122MM in new money, which makes the deal worth $138MM over eight years when factoring in his 2013 club option.  With that included, Wright passes Johan Santana's $137.5MM deal from February 2008.
  • The Braves signed B.J. Upton to a five-year, $75.25MM contract.  The 28-year-old ranked fifth on MLBTR’s list of the offseason’s top 50 free agents.  Upton hit 28 home runs and posted a .246/.298/.454 batting line for the Rays this past season and should add balance to the Braves' lefty-heavy lineup.  The Phillies were the runners up in the bidding for Upton.
  • For the second time in four years, the Rays signed Evan Longoria to a long-term contract extension that will keep the third baseman in Tampa Bay for the foreseeable future.  Longoria was signed for an additional six seasons by guaranteeing three club options on his previous deal and adding $100MM in new money to the contract. Longoria will now earn $136MM from 2013-22 under his contract, which includes a club option for 2023.
  • We kept track of all of the non-tenders in the National League and the American League.  You can also look at all the players to avoid arbitration here.
  • The Cubs reached agreement with Japanese closer Kyuji Fujikawa on a two-year deal with a vesting option for year three.  Including the buyout on that third year, Fuijkawa will get a guaranteed $9.5MM with the opportunity to earn $2MM each year through incentives.
  • Marvin Miller, the first executive director of the MLB Players Association, died at the age of 95.
  • The Pirates signed free agent catcher Russell Martin to a two-year, $17MM contract.  Martin will get a $2MM signing bonus, a $6.5MM salary in 2013, and an $8.5MM salary in 2014.
  • The Yankees agreed with closer Mariano Rivera on a one-year, $10MM contract for 2013.  The for Rivera, who celebrated his 43rd birthday this week, includes extra performance and awards incentives.
  • More from the Yankees who also re-signed Andy Pettitte to a one-year, major league deal.  The pact is worth $12MM with $2.5MM in awards bonuses.  Pettitte made 12 regular season starts and had two quality starts in the postseason.  In those regular season outings he posted a 2.87 ERA with 8.2 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, and a 56.3% ground ball rate in 75 1/3 regular season innings in 2012.
  • The Nationals acquired center fielder Denard Span from the Twins for minor league right-hander Alex Meyer.  Span, 28, will earn $4.75MM in 2013 and $6.5MM in 2014.  The deal could affect the Nats in a number of ways and it may prompt them to trade Michael Morse.
  • The Angels acquired Tommy Hanson from the Braves in exchange for Jordan Walden in a one-for-one trade.  Hanson, 26, pitched to a 4.48 ERA with 8.3 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9 in 174 2/3 innings this year and missed time with shoulder tendinitis last season.  Walden, 25, also missed time with a biceps strain and pitched to 3.46 ERA with 11.1 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 in 39 innings.
  • The Angels signed Ryan Madson to a one-year deal with $3.5MM in guaranteed money.  The Boras client can also earn $2.5MM in roster bonuses and $1MM in incentives for games finished.
  • The Reds and Jonathan Broxton have reached agreement on a three-year deal worth $21MM. If the Reds trade Broxton, the guarantee increases to $22MM, with the 2016 option becoming a mutual option with a $2MM buyout.
  • Dodgers execs met with Zack Greinke in Los Angeles on Thursday but they'll have to contend with the likes of the Nationals, Angels, and Rangers to land him.  If the Halos can't retain Greinke, they may instead look to spend that money on the bullpen.
  • The Dodgers have interest in Kyle Lohse.
  • The Cubs have interest in Michael Bourn but the Nationals may also jump back into the mix.  Don't expect the Giants to be in on the outfielder.
  • The Marlins won't move Giancarlo Stanton and will focus on acquiring power.
  • The Brewers, Red Sox, and Angels are showing interest in Ryan Dempster.
  • Mike Napoli met with the Red Sox over the weekend and appears to be at the top of their wish list.
  • The Cubs agreed to sign right-hander Scott Feldman to a one-year contract. Feldman, a client of agent Matt Brown, obtains a base salary of $6MM with $1MM in incentives.
  • The Indians, Rangers, Yankees, Giants, Rays, Red Sox, and Reds all have interest in free agent center fielder Shane Victorino.
  • The Pirates announced that they acquired right-hander Vin Mazzaro and first baseman Clint Robinson from the Royals for minor league pitchers Luis Rico and Luis Santos.  They also acquired Zach Stewart from the Red Sox.
  • The Mariners officially released Chone Figgins.
  • The Phillies are pursuing Angel Pagan after missing out on Upton.
  • The Orioles acquired infielder Danny Valencia from the Red Sox for cash considerations.  The Red Sox also shipped right-hander Sandy Rosario to the A's for a PTBNL or cash.
  • Ichiro Suzuki isn't waiting on the Yankees.
  • Reliever Sean Burnett says that he isn't seeking a four-year deal, despite rumblings to the contrary.
  • The Royals have talked to the Mets about R.A. Dickey as they look to bolster their rotation.  Meanwhile, KC is "calling everyone" to find a partner to take Luke Hochevar and Bruce Chen.
  • The Phillies appeared to have a trade with the Astros for Wilton Lopez but it was called off.
  • The Dodgers could potentially make a play for free agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski.
  • The Rockies aren't likely to move Dexter Fowler.
  • The Reds re-signed Todd Redmond.
  • The Yankees DFA'd Jayson Nix.
  • The Pirates want to retain Jason Grilli but they'll have competition for him.
  • The Orioles acquired Yamaico Navarro from the Pirates in a trade for Jhondaniel Medina.  To make room on the 40-man roster, Stuart Pomeranz was designated for assignment.
  • The Diamondbacks released right-hander Brad Bergesen.
  • The Astros claimed Phil Humber off waivers.

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  Week In Review: 11/18/12 - 11/24/12

  By Daniel Seco [November 25, 2012 at 11:47pm CST]

  As the hot stove continues to heat up, let's take a break from the action to catch up on the week that was here at MLBTR...

  • The Yankees retained their most consistent starter from 2012 as the club has announced that it has re-signed Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year contract. Kuroda's contract is worth $15MM (plus incentives worth less than $1MM).
  • John Gibbons finds himself returning to Toronto for a second managerial stint after being tapped by the Blue Jays to man the position. Gibbons served as the Blue Jays manager from 2004-08, leading the team to an even 305 wins and 305 losses, including a second-place finish in the AL East back in 2006.
  • The Royals signed right-hander Jeremy Guthrie to a three-year contract through 2015. In 14 starts with the Royals, Guthrie posted a 3.16 ERA with 5.5 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9. 
  • The Red Sox agreed to a two-year contract with free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes. The deal will net Gomes nearly $10MM over the life of the contract.
  • The Cubs designated Bryan LaHair for assignment. The team and LaHair are "pursuing an opportunity" for LaHair to sign with a Japanese team.
  • Manager Bud Black will spending at least another three season with the Padres after the team picked up his options for 2014 and 2015. Since taking over for former manager (and now division rival) Bruce Bochy prior to the 2007 season, Black has managed the team to a 464-509 record.
  • The Mariners acquired utility player Robert Andino from the Orioles for outfielder Trayvon Robinson. Andino, 28, appeared in 127 games for the Orioles in 2012, playing second base, third base, shortstop, left field and center field.
  • The Yankees claimed right-hander Mickey Storey off of waivers from Houston. The 26-year-old posted a 3.86 ERA with 10.1 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 in 30 1/3 innings at the MLB level.
  • The Cubs acquired right-hander Barret Loux and a player to be named later from the Rangers in exchange for right-hander Jake Brigham.
  • Kyle Blanks will earn $605K during the 2013 season as he avoided arbitration with the Padres. The right-handed hitter has a career batting line of .219/.316/.421 with 20 home runs in 488 career plate appearances.
  • The Diamondbacks and Rockies agreed to a trade that sends left-handed reliever Matt Reynolds to Arizona for infielder Ryan Wheeler. 
  • The Reds signed utility player Emmanuel Burriss to a minor league deal. The 27-year-old posted a .213/.370/.221 batting line in 150 plate appearances.
  • The Cubs signed outfielder Brian Bogusevic to a minor league contract. He posted a .203/.297/.299 batting line with seven home runs and nine doubles in 404 plate appearances.
  • The White Sox re-signed Dewayne Wise to a one-year contract worth $700K. The outfielder has signed seven minor league contracts in the last three seasons.
  • Shawn Camp reached an agreement with the Cubs to return to the team's bullpen next season. He tied for the MLB lead in appearances (80) and posted a 3.59 ERA with 6.3 K/9, 2.4 BB/9 and a 47.4% ground ball rate in 77 2/3 innings.
  • The Yankees signed right-hander David Herndon to a one-year contract. The split contract will pay Herndon $750K if he makes the Major League roster, plus $50K in possible incentives. 
  • The Padres designated right-hander Cory Burns for assignment. Burns made his Major League debut in 2012, posting a 5.50 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 18 relief innings for San Diego.
  • The Red Sox designated third baseman Danny Valencia, infielder Ivan De Jesus and right-handed pitchers Sandy Rosario, David Carpenter and Zach Stewart for assignment.
  • The Mariners designated Chone Figgins and Scott Cousins for assignment. Figgins signed a four-year, $36MM deal with the M's after the 2009 season but hit just .227/.302/.283 in three seasons with the team.

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  Week In Review: 11/11/12 - 11/17/12

  By Daniel Seco [November 18, 2012 at 10:01pm CST]

  Before we dive into the week that was here at MLBTR, let's take a second to congratulate all of the players and managers who received an award from the BBWAA this past week.

  • The Blue Jays reached agreement on a deal with the Marlins that will send right-hander Josh Johnson, left-hander Mark Buehrle, shortstop Jose Reyes, outfielder Emilio Bonifacio, and catcher John Buck to Toronto for shortstop Yunel Escobar, infielder Adeiny Hechavarria, right-hander Henderson Alvarez, left-hander Justin Nicolino, outfielder Jake Marisnick, catcher Jeff Mathis, and right-hander Anthony DeSclafani. The deal, which will also call for the Marlins to send $4MM to the Blue Jays, is awaiting MLB approval.
  • The Tigers agreed to sign outfielder Torii Hunter to a two-year, $26MM deal. Hunter posted a .313/.365/.451 batting line with 16 home runs in 584 plate appearances as the Angels' right fielder last year.
  • The Blue Jays agreed to sign Melky Cabrera to a two-year, $16MM contract. In 2012, he posted a .346/.390/.516 batting line with 11 home runs, 25 doubles and 10 triples in 501 plate appearances with the Giants.
  • The Giants and left-hander Jeremy Affeldt reached an agreement on a three-year deal that will be worth around $18MM. The 33-year-old Affeldt was a critical component to the Giants 2012 World Series title, pitching to a 2.70 ERA, 8.1 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 with a sky-high 59.9 percent ground-ball rate in 63 1/3 innings.
  • Outfielder Juan Pierre found a new home this week after signing a one-year agreement worth $1.6MM with the Marlins. Pierre, 35, hit .307/.351/.371 with 37 steals for the Phillies last season.
  • The Padres acquired right-hander Tyson Ross and infielder A.J. Kirby-Jones from the A's for infielder Andy Parrino and left-hander Andrew Werner. None of the four players have enough service time to be arbitration eligible.
  • The Cubs signed catcher Dioner Navarro to a one-year, $1.75MM (plus $250K in incentives) contract. Navarro, 28, hit .290/.306/.449 with two homers in 73 plate appearances for the Reds this year. 
  • The Marlins claimed Scott Maine off of waivers from the Blue Jays. The 27-year-old made 30 relief appearances this year, posting a 6.08 ERA with 10.8 K/9 and 5.1 BB/9 in 26 2/3 innings.
  • Right-handers Miguel Socolovich and Brandon Dickson will pitch in Japan next season. Socolovich, who spent last season with the Orioles and Cubs, plans to join the Hiroshima Carp while Dickson will play for the Orix Buffaloes. 
  • The Cubs agreed to terms with Scott Baker on a one-year contract. The deal includes a $5.5MM base salary with $1.5MM in incentives.
  • The Braves agreed to sign Gerald Laird to a two-year contract reportedly worth $3.3MM in total. The 33-year-old catcher hit .282/.337/.374 with two homers in 191 plate appearances for the Tigers last season, his best offensive year since 2008. 
  • Left-handed reliever Brian Fuentes called it a career this week as he looks to spend more time with his family. He had his most success as a closer with the Rockies several years ago, pitching to a 3.04 ERA with 111 saves with Colorado from 2005-2008.

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  Week In Review: 11/4/12 - 11/10/12

  By Daniel Seco [November 11, 2012 at 8:01pm CST]

  With mere hours until the winners of MLB's top awards begin to be announced, let's put the mounting excitement aside and take a look at the week that was here at MLBTR...

  • Jason Bay and the Mets agreed to an early expiration of his contract, making him a free agent. Bay's three years in New York could not have gone any worse, as the outfielder battled injuries and hit just .234/.318/.369 with 26 homers in 1,125 plate appearances with the team.
  • The Nationals and manager Davey Johnson agreed to terms on a new contract that will keep the skipper in his current role for one more season. Johnson, who will turn 70 in January, will assume a consulting role with the team in 2014. 
  • The Rockies hired Walt Weiss as their next manager. The former shortstop now becomes the sixth manager in club history, dating back to 1993.
  • The Dodgers won the negotiating rights to Korean left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu with a $25,737,737.33 bid. Ryu, 25, is a Scott Boras client and the two sides will now have 30 days to work out a contract since the Hanwha Eagles have already accepted the bid.
  • Catcher David Ross signed a two-year, $6.2MM contract with the Red Sox after spending a lengthy tenure with the Braves. Ross, 35, hit .269/.353/.463 with Atlanta during that time, including .256/.321/.449 with nine homers in 196 plate appearances this year.
  • The Phillies signed Kevin Frandsen to a one-year contract that will pay Frandsen $850K, with incentives possibly pushing the total to $1.2MM. The 30-year-old Frandsen hit .338/.383/.451 in 210 plate appearances as Philadelphia's everyday third baseman over the last two months.
  • The White Sox acquired Blake Tekotte from the Padres for right-hander Brandon Kloess. Tekotte, 25, has hit .163/.226/.224 in 55 plate appearances for the Padres over the last two years. 
  • The Rangers acquired Tommy Hottovy from the Royals for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Hottovy, 31, spent most of the season in the Triple-A Omaha bullpen where he posted a 2.52 ERA with 11.0 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 in 50 innings.
  • Scott Maine may be in search of a new home after being designated for assignment by the Blue Jays.The 27-year-old made 30 relief appearances this year, posting a 6.08 ERA with 10.8 K/9 and 5.1 BB/9 in 26 2/3 innings.
  • The Blue Jays agreed to sign Maicer Izturis to a three-year, $10MM contract with a $3MM club option for 2016. Izturis, 32, hit .256/.320/.315 in 319 plate appearances for the Angels this year, his worst full season as a big leaguer. 
  • The Yankees claimed Josh Spence off waivers from the Padres and claimed David Herndon from the Blue Jays. New York also claimed catcher Eli Whiteside off of waivers from the Giants.

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  Week In Review: 10/28/12 - 11/3/12

  By Daniel Seco [November 4, 2012 at 10:18pm CST]

  With teams already wheeling and dealing, let's take a break from the action to catch up on the week that was here at MLBTR...

  • David Ortiz and the Red Sox reached agreement on a two-year deal worth $26MM. Ortiz, who turns 37 in just over two weeks, posted a .318/.415/.611 batting line in 383 plate appearances this past season.
  • The Marlins hired Mike Redmond to be their next manager. The 41-year-old obtains a three-year deal to replace Ozzie Guillen in Miami as the Marlins look to rebound from a disappointing 2012 season.
  • The Tigers agreed to extend manager Jim Leyland through the 2013 season. Leyland's contract expired once the Tigers lost the World Series.
  • Nine players received a qualifying offer from their teams as the deadline passed on Friday. Players presented with the one-year, $13.3MM offer now have until November 9th to accept the deal. If the player turns down the offer and signs elsewhere, the team will get a compensatory draft pick in June.
  • Ervin Santana and the Angels parted ways as the Royals acquired the veteran hurler in exchange for minor league left-hander Brandon Sisk. The 29-year-old posted a 5.16 ERA with 6.7 K/9, 3.1 BB/9 and a 43.2% ground ball rate in 178 innings this past season.
  • The A’s re-signed right-handed pitcher Bartolo Colón to a one-year contract with a base salary of $3MM plus incentives. Colon turned in a 3.43 ERA with 5.4 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 through 24 starts before a positive test for testosterone landed him a 50-game suspension in August. 
  • The Dodgers re-signed reliever Brandon League to a $22.5MM deal over three years. In 28 appearances for the Dodgers last season, the California native posted a 2.30 ERA with 8.9 K/9 and 4.6 BB/9. 
  • The Blue Jays acquired Esmil Rogers from the Indians for Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes. The move fills a hole for each club, as Toronto gets pitching depth while Cleveland gets infield depth.
  • Ryan Madson declined his half of a mutual option for 2013 with the Reds. The option was worth $11MM, and he'll instead receive a $2.5MM buyout. 
  • The Mariners re-signed reliever Oliver Perez to a one-year contract worth $1.5MM with the opportunity to earn $600K more in incentives. He posted a 2.12 ERA in 29 2/3 innings with 7.3 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 in 2012.
  • The Brewers signed minor league free agent Michael Olmsted and placed him on the 40-man roster. Olmsted, 25, pitched to a 1.52 ERA with 14.0 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 in 59 1/3 relief innings between Double-A and Triple-A in the Red Sox's system last year.
  • The Mariners agreed to a new deal with right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma that will extend him through 2014 with an option for 2015. The 31-year-old posted a 3.16 ERA with 7.3 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 in 16 starts and 14 relief appearances in 2012.
  • White Sox GM Rick Hahn's first move in his new position resulted in a two-year, $29MM contract extension with Jake Peavy. In 219 innings Peavy posted a 3.37 ERA with 8.0 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9. 
  • The Angels declined their option on Dan Haren's contract for 2013 after nearly dealing him to the Cubs. The hurler will now enter the open market with a $3.5MM buyout rather than a $15.5MM salary with the Angels next season.
  • The Padres designated left-hander Josh Spence for assignment. Spence, 24, appeared in 11 games for the Padres this season but spent the bulk of the year in Triple-A where he posted a 4.20 ERA with 6.6 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 31 appearances. 
  • The Royals designated right-hander Jeremy Jeffress, left-hander Tommy Hottovy and outfielder Jason Bourgeois for assignment. Bourgeois appeared in 30 games with Kansas City this past season, posting a .258/.303/.323 batting line in 66 plate appearances.

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