Odds & Ends: Contraction, Pudge, German, Jays

Links for Monday…

• Squawking Baseball talked to Braves exec John Coppolella about the salary arbitration process as well as various topics about the team.
• The Marlins renewed their remaining players, including Cameron Maybin and Matt Lindstrom.  The Braves signed 10, including Yunel Escobar.
• Bill Madden of the New York Daily News wonders if contraction will be considered during negotiations for the next Basic Agreement.
• Justin Murphy of Seamheads.com talked to Brian Bannister, as did Joe Posnanski of the Kansas City Star.
• MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro talked to various sources who expect Ivan Rodriguez to wind up a Marlin, though that’s based on opinion rather than insider knowledge.
• We forgot to mention that the Royals designated Esteban German for assignment to make room for Juan Cruz.  Rany Jazayerli liked the Cruz signing.  My opinion: Cruz has great stuff and upside, but he has a ways to go before being considered a top setup man.
• Blue Jays president Paul Beeston says the team will go over slot in the draft for the first time, according to Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail (hat tip Drunk Jays Fans).
• Tracy Ringolsby and Jack Etkin, formerly of the Rocky Mountain News, can now be found at Inside The Rockies.