Week In Review: 5/8/11 – 5/14/11

A look back at the week that was here at MLBTR …

• The Red Sox mulled alternatives to the struggling catching duo of Jason Varitek and Jarrod Saltalamacchia, although nothing is imminent.
• The Nationals acquired speedy outfielder Gregor Blanco from the Royals for a player to be named, although Washington's outfield picture remains muddled. The Nats also designated reliever Brian Broderick for assignment.
• The Mariners designated outfielder Ryan Langerhans for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Mike Wilson. The M's also DFA'd the perpetually embattled Milton Bradley, and the Padres aren't interested in bringing back Bradley.
• Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has a new agent in Dan Lozano.
• The Yankees said they won't discuss CC Sabathia's opt-out clause during the season.
• The Astros' sale to Jim Crane is nearly complete. Houston also designated right-hander Nelson Figueroa for assignment and signed catcher Max Ramirez to a minor league deal. Figueroa accepted his assignment to Triple-A Round Rock.
• The Pirates continued extension negotiations with star center fielder Andrew McCutchen. The Bucs also released lefty Scott Olsen.
• The Orioles designated righty Josh Rupe for assignment.
• Mets GM Sandy Alderson said it's unlikely that he'd trade Jose Reyes this season and then try to re-sign the shortstop in the offseason. Meanwhile, Reyes trade rumors persisted. As well, Carlos Beltran has been playing well, and whispers about his trade value kicked up.
• The Athletics' young starters are basically untouchable, we learned.
• Willy Aybar signed with the Edmonton Capitals of the independent North American League. Likewise, Pedro Feliz signed with the Camden RiverSharks of the Atlantic League, an independent league.
• Frank McCourt continued his legal action against MLB following the league taking control of the Dodgers.
• The White Sox designated righty Jeff Gray for assignment. Gray was then claimed by the Mariners.
• The Blue Jays released outfielder Scott Podsednik.
• MLB and the MLBPA made progress in talks regarding a new collective bargaining agreement.
• Angels first baseman Kendry Morales was lost for the season to ankle surgery.
• The D'Backs said they're open to acquiring pitching and moving their reserves. Arizona also released lefty Ron Mahay.
• The Yankees designated right-hander Jess Todd for assignment.
• Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer continued to impress upon being called up to the bigs, but his agent, Scott Boras, said he's not much interested in discussing a long-term deal with Kansas City.
• Draft news and a few mocks were published as we draw closer to June.
• Rockies third baseman Ian Stewart, demoted again to Triple-A, discussed a potential trade from the Colorado organization.
• The Cubs outrighted righty Thomas Diamond from their 40-man roster.