A’s Designate Mortensen For Assignment
The A's announced that they designated right-hander Clayton Mortensen for assignment to create roster space for Grant Balfour, whose two-year deal is now official.'
Mortensen, a 2007 supplementary first round pick, has appeared in eight big league games over the course of the past two campaigns. He has posted a 7.12 ERA with 20 strikeouts and 15 walks in 26 2/3 innings for the A's and Cardinals in his big league career. The 25-year-old has a 4.29 ERA with 6.9 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 as a minor leaguer.
White Sox Claim Phil Humber
The White Sox announced that they claimed right-hander Philip Humber off of waivers from the A's (Twitter link). The A's claimed Humber from the Royals last month, only to designate him for assignment to create roster space for Guillermo Moscoso.
Humber posted a 4.15 ERA in 21 2/3 big league innings this year. As short as that stint was, it was the most the 28-year-old has ever pitched in the big leagues. The former first rounder was once considered a top prospect and the Mets sent him to Minnesota in the Johan Santana deal. In 664 1/3 minor league innings, he has a 4.48 ERA with 7.3 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9.
Cubs, Marshall Agree To Two-Year Deal
The Cubs announced that they have agreed to a two-year deal with Sean Marshall. They also avoided arbitration with Tom Gorzelanny, who's still technically a Cub despite reports that a trade to Washington is imminent.
Marshall will earn $4.7MM over the course of the next two seasons, according to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. Marshall will earn $1.6MM in 2011 and $3.1MM in 2012.
Gil Meche Announces Retirement
Gil Meche has officially announced his retirement. The right-hander was set to earn $12MM this year, but Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports hears that he will forfeit that sum. Meche says his shoulder pushed him to this decision.
“As a competitor my entire life this is the hardest decision that I’ve ever faced, but it’s not fair to me, my family or the Kansas City Royals that I attempt to pitch anymore," Meche explained. "I came into this game as a starting pitcher and unfortunately my health, more accurately, my shoulder, has deteriorated to the point where surgery would be the only option and at this stage of my life I would prefer to call it a career rather than to attempt to pitch in relief for the final year of my contract."
Meche thanked the Royals and their fans for his four seasons in Kansas City.
Red Sox, Papelbon Avoid Arb With $12MM Deal
The Red Sox avoided arbitration with Jonathan Papelbon and agreed to sign the reliever to a one-year deal worth $12MM, according to Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com (on Twitter). The Red Sox also avoided arbitration with Jacoby Ellsbury, agreeing to a $2.4MM deal.
Fielder, Brewers Avoid Arb With $15.5MM Deal
The Brewers avoided arbitration with Prince Fielder on a one-year deal, the team announced. It's a $15.5MM contract, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (Twitter link). Agent Scott Boras represents the powerful first baseman, who will hit free agency after the season.
The deal makes Fielder the highest-paid Brewer in history, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (on Twitter). Heyman has the details on the contract (Twitter link).
Nationals, Jerry Hairston Jr. Nearing Deal
The Nationals are on the verge of signing Jerry Hairston Jr., according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter).
This post was originally published on January 19th, 2011.
Mets Likely To Sign Scott Hairston
The Mets are likely to sign Scott Hairston to a minor league deal, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com (on Twitter). Ted Berg first reported that a deal was likely (Twitter link).
Blue Jays, Rajai Davis Agree To Two-Year Deal
The Blue Jays avoided arbitration with Rajai Davis and agreed to sign the outfielder to a two-year deal, the team announced. The deal, which includes a club option for 2013, guarantees Davis $5.75MM. He'll earn $2.5MM in 2011, $2.75MM in 2012 and could earn $3MM if the team exercises its 2013 option. If not, he'll obtain a $500K buyout, according to the AP (via the Miami Herald).
The deal covers Davis' second and third seasons of arbitration eligibility and includes an option for his fourth arbitration season. Davis, a super two player, earned $1.35MM in 2010 before the A's traded him to Toronto.
In 561 plate appearances last year, the 30-year-old hit .284/.320/.377 with 50 stolen bases in 61 attempts. He has 143 steals and a .330 OBP in parts of five big league seasons. Davis joins Travis Snider, Vernon Wells and, potentially, Jose Bautista in the Blue Jays' outfield. The team's commitment to Davis suggests GM Alex Anthopoulos believes Davis can continue to be an everyday player.
Padres, Heath Bell Avoid Arbitration
The Padres avoided arbitration with Heath Bell, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $7.5MM deal, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter). The closer was arbitration eligible for the third time after making $4MM in 2010. Bell, an ACES client, is set to hit free agency after the season.
Bell had expressed interest in a multiyear deal, but it wouldn't be easy for the Padres to commit $7.5MM-plus on an annual basis when their payroll sits under $50MM. GM Jed Hoyer hasn't publicly ruled out an extension, but at this point it appears that Bell is headed for the open market after the season, where he'll be joined by closers Jonathan Papelbon, Jonathan Broxton, Matt Capps and others.
Bell posted a 1.93 ERA with 11.1 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 70 innings last year. He made his second consecutive All-Star team and saved 47 games, anchoring the Padres' fine bullpen.
Though Bud Black's 'pen will look considerably different in 2011, Bell, Mike Adams and Luke Gregerson will return. Chad Qualls is nearing a deal with the Padres and his presence will help offset the loss of Edward Mujica, Ryan Webb, Adam Russell and Cesar Ramos.
Chase Headley, Ryan Ludwick, Adams and Tim Stauffer are the Padres' remaining unsigned arbitration eligible players, as MLBTR's Arb Tracker shows.