We're just a few short weeks away from Opening Day! Let's take a look back at the week that was..
- The Twins and Denard Span agreed to a five-year deal worth $16.5MM, including a team option for a sixth year. The deal covers both of his remaining pre-arbitration years, plus all three arbitration years.
- Hernan Iribarren was picked up by the Rangers after he was placed on waivers by the Brewers. Iribarren fills a need for the club as they voided Khalil Greene's deal in late February.
- John Lackey's five-year, $85MM could set the market for Josh Beckett as he discusses an extension, but Jon Heyman of SI.com hears that he is looking for a "longer term deal." However, baseball sources tell Heyman that they believe a deal will still get done.
- The Rockies inked Todd Helton to a two-year extension. The 36-year-old will earn $4.9MM in 2012 and $5MM in 2013.
- Scouts from several teams (including the Rockies, Pirates, and Blue Jays) were said to be watching Minnesota's Glen Perkins pitch on Tuesday night. The presence of representation from Toronto is particularly interesting, as the Twins reportedly like reliever Jason Frasor. The Cubs are also interested as they inquired on the 32-year-old.
- On Wednesday, Nomar Garciaparra officially announced his retirement from baseball. The 36-year-old had a career line of .313/.361/.521 in 6,116 plate appearances.
- In other retirement news, Brian Giles announced that he's calling it quits. The 39-year-old signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers in February.
- Hank Blalock and the Rays came to terms on a one-year minor league deal worth $925K plus $350K in incentives. Blalock his .234/.277/.459 last season with Texas.
- The Rangers acquired reliever Edwar Ramirez from the Yankees for cash considerations. Ramirez, who turns 29 this month, notched 10.6 K/9 in 98.3 innings with the Bombers.
- Ben got us brought us up to speed on the remaining free agent starters and relievers.
- And, finally, MLBTR introduced a sharp new site design!
Like the Denard Span deal, and I like the Hernan Ibarren pick up for the Rangers-ha-the Brewers were trying to sneak him through waivers. Todd Helton contract seems like a good move by the Rockies, and Edwar Ramirez is a risk to put on your team-and a risk to cut loose. You never know when the stuff guys are going to finally click; good move by the Rangers.