Odds and Ends: Wilson, Bautista, Hairston

Linkage for Friday…

• The AP explains how C.C. Sabathia will be paid $9.5MM before throwing a pitch for the Yankees.
• The D’Backs signed lefty Travis Blackley.
• Dan Johnson is headed to Japan.
• The Cardinals signed Japanese pitcher Katsuhiko Maekawa to a minor league deal.  Patrick Newman has details.
• Interesting discussion involving Raul Ibanez’s defense.
• I did a Q&A with SportingGurus.com.
• Ken Rosenthal guesses destinations for 11 remaining free agents in this slideshow.
• MLB is undergoing a hiring/salary freeze and taking away 20% of vacation time for ’09.
• Dejan Kovacevic had a lengthy chat with Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, who wishes the team would get more players to become competitive.  In his article Kovacevic also notes that the Pirates have had talks about bringing back pitcher Denny Bautista, who was non-tendered a week ago.
• Are the Mariners trying to open up a spot for Jerry Hairston Jr.?  They’re looking to add a plus-plus defensive second baseman; not sure if he qualifies.
• Aubrey Huff tops the list of fantasy baseball’s biggest draft position gainers.
• Royals pitcher Kyle Davies is working a construction job this offseason.
• The Orioles settled with Sidney Ponson regarding their grievance.