The season is finally here! I'll refrain from making a celebratory post and instead just go with the usual rundown of the past seven days:
- Chipper Jones agreed to a three-year, $42MM extension with an option for 2013. That deal should keep Chipper in a Braves uniform for the remainder of his career. I think it's a nice value for the Braves, considering Chipper's offensive capabilities, and I also love seeing guys stick with one club their whole career. Nice move for both sides; Braves fans should be happy.
- Will Ohman decided he actually wants to play baseball this season, signing a one-year $1.35MM minor league deal with the Dodgers. His contract has a $2.2MM club option for 2010.
- The biggest surprise of the week had to be the Tigers' release of Gary Sheffield. They'll eat a whopping $14MM as a result of the decision. Sheff claims to be healthy (though we've heard that before), and he's just one home run shy of the 500 mark. He signed with the Mets later in the week, where he'll be an option in both right and left field, and undoubtedly notch career HR number 500 for the league minimum.
- Sheffield was one of many released this week. We also saw Frank Catalanotto released by the Rangers. This move makes more sense. The Rangers, not surprisingly, couldn't find a trade partner for Catalnotto and the $6MM owed to him. His release allows for Andruw Jones to serve as a right-handed platoon option at DH and a fifth outfielder.
- The Phillies joined in as well when they released Geoff Jenkins. Another pricey decision, as they'll have to eat the $8MM left on his contract. Jenkins has drawn interest from the Marlins.
- Two big-time power bats that have never lived up to the hype were released as well. The Nationals said farewell to Wily Mo Pena, while the Marlins cut ties with Dallas McPherson. McPherson seems like he would be a great low-budget, high impact quick fix for the Yankees. Anyone out there want to venture a guess as to where all these players end up?
- The Tigers sent minor-league pitcher Rudy Darrow to the Braves in exchange for Josh Anderson, after Jordan Schafer beat out Anderson for the center field job in Atlanta. This move doesn't make much sense to me, given the Tigers' need for bullpen help. Darrow has put up solid minor league numbers and could've been more beneficial to the Tigers than Anderson.
- Offseason in Review updates: Angels, Mets, Yankees, Astros.
- Just a few hours till the first game of the year! I know I'll be tuning in…feel free to voice your excitement. Personally, I think Opening Day should be recognized as a national holiday.
