Week In Review: 1/8/2012 – 1/14/2012

The Yankees awoke from a relative offseason slumber to pull off a pair of big moves on Friday. In case you missed that or any other notable news, the Week In Review's got you covered …

• The Yankees and Mariners teamed up for a blockbuster trade including lots of prized young talent, with Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi going to Seattle in exchange for Michael Pineda and Jose Campos.
• The Yanks also agreed to terms with free agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda on a one-year, $10MM deal.
• The Reds agreed to terms with closer Ryan Madson on a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2013 in what may be one of the offseason's best bargains.
• The Angels reached agreement with infielder Howie Kendrick on a four-year, $33.5MM extension that covers his final year of arbitration eligibility and three years of free agency.
• Josh Hamilton said he'd be open to signing an extension with the Rangers before Spring Training, while Texas tabled extension talks with lefty Derek Holland.
• Contract length proved to be an obstacle in the ongoing negotiations between the Rangers and Yu Darvish. Texas was rumored to be talking "Dice-K" money with the right-hander.
• Barry Larkin was elected to the Hall of Fame.
• Marlins president David Samson said Miami will make an aggressive run for Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes once he becomes a free agent.
• The Orioles' Adam Jones said he has not been offered a contract extension.
• The Cubs agreed to terms with reliever Kerry Wood on a one-year contract that includes a 2013 option.
• The Rays signed free agent Luke Scott to a one-year contract with a club option for 2013.
• The Cubs signed lefty Paul Maholm to a one-year deal with a club option for 2013.
• The Blue Jays signed lefty reliever Darren Oliver to a one-year deal with a club option for 2013.
• The Orioles reached agreement with Korean righty Wei-Yin Chen on a three-year contract worth $12MM.
• The Braves agreed to terms infielder Jack Wilson on a one-year contract.
• The Mets signed shortstop Ronny Cedeno to a one-year deal, and they also re-signed Scott Hairston to a one-year Major League pact.
• A handful of players avoided arbitration with their teams: Ryan Sweeney (Red Sox), Chris Resop (Pirates), Martin Prado (Braves), Manny Parra (Brewers), Kyle Kendrick (Phillies), Ryan Vogelsong (Giants), Kendrys Morales (Angels), and Carlos Gomez (Brewers).
• The Brewers exchanged proposals with Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki.
• The Nats withdrew from the Cespedes sweepstakes but remain in on Prince Fielder.
• The Red Sox moved close to signing right-hander Vicente Padilla and met with David Ortiz's agent.
• The Rays closed in on an extension for manager Joe Maddon.
• The Indians expressed interest in free agent first baseman Carlos Pena.
• The Tigers downplayed talks of their interest in Cubs right-hander Matt Garza.
• Recently extended MLB Commissioner Bud Selig prioritized the Athletics' potential relocation/ballpark search.
• Melvin Mora un-retired, while Kevin Cash hung 'em up.
• Hiroyuki Nakajima returned to NPB. The shortstop was unable to reach agreement with the Yankees, the team that won the rights to negotiation with him through the posting process.
• The Royals agreed to terms with third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff on a minor league contract.
• The Cubs agreed to terms with Alfredo Amezaga on a minor league contract.
• The Pirates signed lefty reliever Doug Slaten to a minor league pact.
• The Indians signed reliever Chris Ray to a minor league contract.
• The Mariners signed Aaron Heilman to a minor league deal.
• The Cardinals signed Koyie Hill to a minor league deal.
• The Mets re-signed Miguel Batista to a minor league deal.
• The Orioles re-signed Willie Eyre to a minor league deal.
• The Astros claimed outfielder Fernando Martinez, a former blue-chipper, from the Mets.
• The Brewers claimed Jeff Bianchi from the Cubs.
• The Red Sox acquired infielder Brad Emaus from the Rockies for a player to be named or cash. Boston also signed righty Aaron Cook and Justin Germano, another right-hander, to minor league contracts.
• The Reds signed lefty relievers Ron Mahay and Clay Zavada to minor league contracts.
• Scott Proctor signed with Korea's Doosan Bears.
• Several players were designated for assignment: Nevin Ashley (Rays), Henry Villar (Astros), Kyle Hudson (Orioles), and Mark Teahen (Blue Jays).
• The Phillies released John Bowker.