Week in Review: 2/8 – 2/14

Couple of big signings this week, with Spring Training just around the corner. Let’s get right into it…

• The Angels may have gotten the biggest bargain of the offseason: Bobby Abreu on a one-year, $5MM deal with minimal incentives. Phenomenal value for an incredibly consistent hitter. A few months ago, I never would’ve believed this to be possible.
• The Halos also agreed to terms with Ervin Santana on a four-year, $30MM extension. This move’s a it more questionable. Ervin was tremendous in 2008, but it’s the first year he’s lived up to his potential. He has great stuff, but I’d personally be worried about his ability to keep it consistent. If he manages that, however, he’ll be a bargain for the Angels.
• The other big signing of the week was the Nationals inking Adam Dunn to a two-year, $20MM deal. Dunn adds a legit presence to the middle of that lineup, and gives Washington a very underrated offense. However, without adding some pitching, I’m not sure I see the logic behind this move. Here’s some more insight on the Abreu/Dunn signings.
• Dunn is expected to play first base, which is obviously something Nick Johnson doesn’t love to hear. He’d like to play every day, and will accept a trade to do so. Johnson is a great OBP guy when healthy, but he hasn’t shown the ability to be healthy at all over the past two seasons.
• The Nats tried to add another bat to the lineup, but Ray Durham rejected their offer. He’s apparently 50-50 on retirement. Seems like he’d rather play for a team with a better chance of contending.
• Could that team be the Cardinals? They released Adam Kennedy earlier this week, which forces them to eat $4MM. Very surprising move in this economy. That of course begs the question: Who’s going to be playing second base for the Cards?
• The Brewers signed Braden Looper to a one-year, $4.75MM contract with a $6MM option for 2010. Not a bad deal for the Brewers, who needed starting pitching depth. Surprised we haven’t seen them (or anyone, for that matter) roll the dice on Mark Mulder…
• The Mariners are looking to add an outfielder, and early on it looked like a reunion with Ken Griffey Jr. was on the horizon. The Braves have now entered that picture, though providing some competition for the M’s. Interesting choice for Griffey – play in Seattle again or go to a team more likely to contend?
• Joe Crede’s name is still being tossed back and forth between the Twins and Giants. The Giants offered him a contract earlier this week, while the Twins see a sizeable gap between their offer and Crede’s $7MM demand. Last we heard, the Giants expect Crede to sign with Minnesota. Can Crede’s back hold up on artificial turf at the Metrodome?