The regular season is upon us at last! Let's take a look back at the week that was:
- A pair of notable extensions were signed this week in the NL West. The Dodgers agreed to a three-year extension with Chad Billingsley worth $35MM, while the Giants tacked on an additional year and another $6MM to Freddy Sanchez's deal.
- On the opposite coast, the Rays signed Wade Davis to a team-friendly four-year deal that guarantees the young righty $12.6MM and comes with three club options.
- C.J. Wilson revealed that the Rangers made him a multiyear offer but the proposition came too late in the offseason for a deal to materialize.
- Giants GM Brian Sabean doesn't expect extension discussions with Tim Lincecum to take place during the season.
- Ichiro Suzuki hinted at wanting to continue his career with the Mariners beyond his current contract.
- The Blue Jays declined their 2012-2014 options on Aaron Hill. While the team forfeited the rights to his $10MM option in 2014, they can still exercise his 2012-2013 options after the season if they choose.
- Several trades occured this week, starting with the Brewers' acquisition of troubled Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan. Washington received minor leaguer Cutter Dykstra in exchange.
- Toronto acquired Jayson Nix from the Indians in exchange for cash considerations.
- The Rockies acquired yet another utility-type player when they traded for Josh Fields. Colorado will send a player to be named later or cash to Pittsburgh in exchange.
- The Royals acquired Matt Treanor from Texas for cash considerations, and designated 26-year-old catcher Lucas May for assignment in a corresponding move.
- The Twins made a move to retain their Rule 5 pick, Scott Diamond, by sending hard-throwing righty Billy Bullock to Atlanta. It's a curious move, as Diamond could've been retained for nothing by keeping him on the 25-man roster.
- A lot of players were handed their walking papers as well. Luis Castillo was released from Philadelphia (as was Matt Anderson), Carlos Silva was released from the Cubs, the Giants released Jeff Suppan, the Yankees released Ronnie Belliard. Belliard later signed with the Phillies.
- Several more players were designated for assignment; the Giants DFA'ed Travis Ishikawa, the Yankees DFA'ed Romulo Sanchez, the Astros plan to designate Ryan Rowland-Smith, the Mets designated Manny Acosta, and the Dodgers designated a pair of players for assignment. For the rest of the week's minor moves, check MLBTR's Transaction Tracker or use our Transactions tag.
- It seems like every week another handful of players is filing their retirement papers. This week, we saw Jermaine Dye officially retire and Randy Winn join him.
they designated Acosta a while ago, why hasn’t he cleared waivers or been claimed yet?
Not a huge deal, but hopefully acquiring Bullock makes up for losing Collins to the Royals. I was a bit angry when I seen them lose Diamond, but I’d MUCH rather have Bullock.