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Quick Hits: Morneau, Wilson, Tanaka

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Here's the latest news and headlines from around the league…

  • The Twins won't trade Justin Morneau this offseason, but they could look to move him before the July deadline, writes MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. It's not certain what the Twins would get in return for him, however, as he is in the last year of a six-year, $80MM deal and has had trouble staying healthy in recent years.
  • Former Giants closer Brian Wilson's rehabilitation efforts have him closer to throwing off a mound as the former All-Star remains silent about talks with teams regarding his next contract, reports Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle (on Twitter). San Francisco remains interested in bringing the veteran reliever back for 2013, but only if Wilson is willing to accept a low base salary with performance-based incentives.
  • Look for the Giants to sign second baseman Kensuke Tanaka of the Nippon Ham Fighters to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB Spring Training, says John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle (via Twitter). Tanaka, 31, posted a .300/.350/.363 slash line this past season for Nippon and is a former teammate of Yu Darvish. 

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Quick Hits: Rangers, Red Sox, Mets

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With Justin Verlander on his way to Lakeland, FL to prepare for the start of spring training, the countdown to the 2013 season has begun as we enter the first full week of the new year. Let's catch up on the latest stories and rumors from around the league…

  • The Rangers aren't finished building their roster for next season even after adding Lance Berkman to the mix at designated hitter, tweets CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman. Look for Texas to pursue Kyle Lohse, Justin Upton and Michael Bourn, among others. 
  • While the Red Sox failed to live up to lofty expectations in 2012, the Providence Journal's Tim Britton reflects upon both the lowlights and rare highlights of the team's season. 
  • The Mets have quite a bit more money left to spend this winter, reports Heyman (via Twitter), and will look to upgrade a variety of aspects of the roster. Heyman suggests New York would stand to benefit from adding pieces to the outfield, rotation and bullpen. Chris Young has been mentioned as a viable option for the Mets and could easily find himself playing at Citi Field next season given his experience there.

Week In Review: 12/30/12 – 1/5/13

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Here's a look back at the news and stories that made headlines during the first week of 2013…

  • Lance Berkman agreed to a one-year deal with the Rangers worth $10MM with a $1MM buyout for 2014. The veteran has a 2014 option that vests at 550 plate appearances.
  • The Rays signed David Price to a one-year contract. The deal is worth $10.1125MM and allows the two sides to avoid arbitration.
  • The Dodgers agreed to sign J.P. Howell to a one-year deal worth $2.85MM with the opportunity to earn $1.2MM more through performance incentives. Howell, 29, pitched to a 3.04 ERA with 7.5 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 in 50 1/3 innings for the Rays last season.
  • The Yankees designated outfielder Chris Dickerson for assignment. The move creates 40-man roster space for Russ Canzler, who was claimed off of waivers from the Indians.
  • The Indians agreed to sign right-hander Brett Myers to a one-year, $7MM deal with a club option worth $8MM. Myers, 32, pitched to a 3.31 ERA with 5.6 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 in 70 relief appearances last season for the Astros and White Sox.
  • The Indians signed free agent outfielder Nick Swisher to a four-year contract worth a minimum of $56MM. The agreement covers the 2013-16 seasons and includes a vesting option for 2017.
  • The Rangers signed free agent right-hander Jason Frasor to a one-year contract worth $1.5MM. Frasor, 35, pitched for the Blue Jays in 2012, posting a 4.12 ERA with 10.9 K/9, 4.5 BB/9 and a 38.4% ground ball rate in 43 2/3 innings.
  • The Cubs signed Edwin Jackson to a four-year contract worth $52MM and it does not include a no-trade clause. The 29-year-old spent the 2012 season with the Nationals, posting a 4.03 ERA with 8.0 K/9, 2.8 BB/9 and a 47.3% ground ball rate in 189 2/3 regular season innings.

Week In Review: 12/16/12 -12/22/12

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The holidays are here but there's never too little time to catch up on the week that was here at MLBTR…
  • The Mets sold high on R.A. Dickey after the 38-year-old knuckleballer's Cy Young season, trading him to the Blue Jays as part of a seven-player deal. Toronto will receive Dickey, Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas in exchange for John Buck and prospects Travis d'Arnaud, Noah Syndergaard and Wuilmer Becerra. As part of the deal, Toronto has also agreed to a three-year extension with Dickey. 
  • The Tigers agreed to sign free agent right-hander Anibal Sanchez to a five-year contract worth $80MM that includes a 2018 club option. Sanchez posted a 3.86 ERA with 7.7 K/9, 2.2 BB/9 and a 46.4% ground ball rate in 195 2/3 regular season innings this past season. 
  • The Mariners and Raul Ibanez agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.75MM with another 1.25MM in incentive performances. The ACES client played in Seattle from 1996-2000 and 2004-2008.
  • Arizona officially signed Cody Ross to a three-year contract with a fourth year club option. The deal is worth $26MM, which includes a $1MM buyout of the option.
  • The Pirates agreed to sign free agent left-hander Francisco Liriano to a two-year, $12.75MM contract. Liriano pitched for the Twins and White Sox this past season, posting a 5.34 ERA with 9.6 K/9, 5.0 BB/9 and a 43.8% ground ball rate in 156 2/3 innings.
  • The Indians reached a minor league deal with Scott Kazmir. Cleveland is taking a low-risk chance on the left-hander following his strong performance in Puerto Rico this winter.
  • Jeremy Bonderman agreed to a minor league deal with the Mariners, with an invitation to spring training. The right-hander dropped 35 pounds from his frame and is set to start throwing again in January.
  • The Astros signed right-handed reliever Jose Veras to a one-year contract worth $2MM. In 72 appearances for Milwaukee in 2012, Veras posted a 3.63 ERA with 10.6 K/9, 5.4 BB/9 and a 43.8% ground ball rate in 67 innings. 
  • The Cubs agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder Nate Schierholtz worth $2.25MM with $500K in incentives. Schierholtz hit .257/.321/.407 in 269 plate appearances for the Giants and Phillies this year, playing mostly right field.
  • The Brewers signed free-agent left-hander Tom Gorzelanny to a two-year contract worth $5.75MM. Gorzelanny appeared in 45 games for the Nationals this past season, posting a 2.88 ERA with 7.8 K/9, 3.8 BB/9 and a 42.9% ground ball rate in 72 innings.
  • Free agent infielder Casey McGehee agreed to play in Japan for the Rakuten Eagles next season. The veteran will receive at one-year deal worth $1.5MM with incentives up to $500K.
  • The Twins signed free agent starter Rich Harden to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training. Harden last pitched at the MLB level in 2011, posting a 5.12 ERA with 9.9 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 in 82 2/3 innings for the Athletics.
  • The Rangers and A.J. Pierzynski agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $7.5MM. The catcher posted a .278/.326/.501 batting line in 520 plate appearances with 27 home runs in 2012. 
  • The Cubs agreed to sign Edwin Jackson to a four-year, $52MM contract. The 29-year-old spent the 2012 season with the Nationals, posting a 4.03 ERA with 8.0 K/9, 2.8 BB/9 and a 47.3% ground ball rate in 189 2/3 regular season innings.
  • The Marlins signed Placido Polanco to a one-year contract. The 37-year-old hit 15 doubles and posted a .257/.302/.327 batting line in 328 plate appearances this past season.
  • The Phillies officially signed veteran reliever Mike Adams. It's a two-year contract worth $12MM with a third year club/vesting option worth $6.5MM.
  • The Twins signed right-hander Mike Pelfrey to a one-year, $4MM contract. The former Wichita State star can also earn up to $1.5MM in incentives.
  • The Cubs agreed to sign Carlos Villanueva to a two-year, $10MM deal. Villanueva, 29, pitched to a 4.16 ERA with 8.8 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 in 125 1/3 innings spread across 16 starts and 22 relief appearances for the Blue Jays last season. 
  • The Rockies re-signed lefty Jeff Francis. It's a one-year contract worth $1.5MM guaranteed with another $1.5M in incentives based on innings pitched.
  • The Yankees officially re-signed Ichiro Suzuki to a two-year contract worth $13MM. Ichiro has 2,606 hits, two batting titles, ten All-Star Game selections and a career .322/.365/.419 in 12 MLB seasons.
  • Two AL West rivals agreed to exchange prominent players in a deal that will address major needs for both clubs. The Mariners and Angels agreed to a trade that will send Kendrys Morales to Seattle for left-hander Jason Vargas.
  • The Giants and right-hander Santiago Casilla agreed to a three-year, $15MM contract with a vesting option for a fourth season. The deal will pay Casilla $4.5MM in 2013 and 2014 and $5MM in 2015, plus a $1MM buyout for 2016 if his option doesn't vest.
  • The Rays signed free agent right-hander Roberto Hernandez to a one-year, Major League contract. The deal, worth $3.25MM including $1.85MM in incentives, some of which are based on innings and some of which are based on relief appearances.
  • The Indians signed Mark Reynolds to a one-year contract. The deal is worth $6MM and could reach $7.5MM if Reynolds reaches his performance incentives. 
  • The Phillies agreed to sign left-hander John Lannan to a one-year, $2.5MM contract. The deal includes another $2.5M in bonuses.
  • The Athletics traded outfielder Collin Cowgill to the Mets for minor league infielder Jefry Marte, the team announced. The trade frees up a 40-man roster spot for Oakland, who officially announced the Hiroyuki Nakajima signing as well.
  • The Red Sox signed reliever Koji Uehara to a one-year deal worth $4.25MM. Uehara, 38 in April, posted a 1.75 ERA, 10.8 K/9, 0.8 BB/9, 1.00 HR/9, and 32.5% groundball rate in 36 innings this year, missing time with a strained lat muscle. 
  • The Astros agreed to sign Carlos Pena to a one-year contract worth $2.9MM. The Scott Boras client can earn another $1.4MM in incentives.
  • The Red Sox agreed to sign free agent shortstop Stephen Drew to a one-year contract worth $9.5MM plus up to $500K in incentives. He posted a .223/.309/.348 batting line with seven home runs in 327 plate appearances for the Diamondbacks and Athletics this past season.

Yankees Notes: Cashman, Ibanez, Diaz, Payroll

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Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News looks at the Yankees' offseason so far and examines deals the team hasn't made given budgetary concerns (all Twitter links)…

  • Yankees GM Brian Cashman blames the team's lack of pursuit of Raul Ibanez on the club's priority of acquiring a right-handed hitting outfielder. Beyond finding an outfielder, Cashman says that the team does not have an unlimited budget and must work within its means. 
  • Feinsand points to right-handed outfielder Matt Diaz as a potential fit for the Yankees. Diaz has regained his health, should be an inexpensive sign and would bring a career batting line against lefties of .324/.364/.498.
  • The Yankees will open the 2013 season with a payroll over $200MM but remain in a situation similar to last year where Cashman had to move expensive contracts before adding anyone new.

Twins Sign Mike Pelfrey

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The Twins announced that they have signed right-hander Mike Pelfrey to a one-year, $4MM contract. The former Wichita State star can also earn up to $1.5MM in incentives, according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman, who first reported the agreement (Twitter links). 

According to those familiar with Pelfrey's status, the starter has been throwing well and is expected to be ready by Opening Day. Even with this signing, the Twins are expected to continue to pursue starters to bolster their work-in-progress rotation of Vance Worley, Kevin Correia, Scott Diamond, Brian Duensing, and Liam Hendriks.

Pelfrey, 29 in January, heads to Minnesota after undergoing Tommy John surgery early May while with the Mets. New York non-tendered the veteran in November after he spent the entirety of his career with the organization. During his tenure with the Mets, Pelfrey posted a 4.36 ERA with 3.2 BB/9 and 5.1 K/9. Heyman reported earlier this month (via Twitter) that the Scott Boras client was receiving interest from a series of teams including the Mariners, Indians and Pirates. 

Indians Sign Mark Reynolds

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The Indians announced that they have signed Mark Reynolds to a one-year contract. The deal is worth $6MM, according to Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com (via Twitter). Reynolds could earn as much as $7.5MM if he reaches certain performance bonuses. With Reynolds manning first base, the Indians will turn to Lonnie Chisenhall as their starter at the hot corner.

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Reynolds started the 2012 season slowly, but hit 15 home runs after August 1st, finishing with 23 homers and a .221/.335/.429 batting line. The 29-year-old struck out 159 times, but didn't lead the league in strikeouts for the first time since 2007.

The Orioles paid Reynolds a $500K buyout instead of exercising his $11MM option following the regular season. He remained under team control as an arbitration eligible player with a projected salary of $8.9MM, but the Orioles elected to non-tender him.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com first reported that a deal was imminent (on Twitter). Mike Axisa and Ben Nicholson-Smith contributed to this post. Photo courtesy of Kim Klement/US Presswire.

Week In Review: 12/9/12 – 12/15/12

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With yet another crazy week of hot stove madness, let's step away from the action to catch up on the week that was here at MLBTR…

  • For the second time in as many offseasons, the Angels signed the top free agent position player to a surprising long-term contract. The Angels officially signedJosh Hamilton a five-year contract worth $125MM.
  • Zack Greinke signed with the Dodgers to a six-year, $147MM deal as he'll remain in Los Angeles. The 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner pitched to a 3.48 ERA with 8.5 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 in 212 1/3 innings split between the Brewers and Angels in 2012, his fourth 200+ inning season in the last five years.
  • Kansas City agreed to acquire right-hander James Shields, right-hander Wade Davis and a player to be named or cash from Tampa Bay in exchange for outfielder Wil Myers, right-hander Jake Odorizzi, left-hander Mike Montgomery and third baseman Patrick Leonard.
  • The Diamondbacks acquired shortstop Didi Gregorius, left-handed pitcher Tony Sipp, and first baseman Lars Anderson from the Indians in exchange for right-handed pitchers Trevor Bauer, Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw. The Reds are receiving Shin-Soo Choo and Jason Donald in the swap and are sending Drew Stubbs to Cleveland as well. 
  • The Dodgers signed Korean left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu for $36MM over six years. The 25-year-old has been one of the Korea Baseball Organization's most dominant pitchers over the last several years, helping Korea win Olympic gold in 2008 and finish second in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
  • The Indians reached an agreement with Mark Reynolds on a one-year contract worth $6MM plus $1.5MM in potential incentives.
  • The Phillies agreed to sign Mike Adams to a two-year contract worth $12MM with a third-year vesting option. He pitched to a 3.27 ERA with 7.7 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 in 52 1/3 innings for the Rangers this year.
  • The Phillies agreed to sign John Lannan to a one-year contract worth $2.5MM with another $2.5M in bonuses. He's thrown at least 180 total innings in each of the last five seasons and has a career 53.0% ground ball rate, which is well-above-average.
  • The Yankees announced that they designated left-hander Josh Spence for assignment. The move creates 40-man roster space for recently-signed infielder Kevin Youkilis.
  • The Tigers agreed to sign free agent right-hander Anibal Sanchez to a five-year, $80MM contract. Sanchez posted a 3.86 ERA with 7.7 K/9, 2.2 BB/9 and a 46.4% ground ball rate in 195 2/3 regular season innings this past season. 
  • The Yankees agreed to re-sign Ichiro Suzuki to a two-year contract that will likely be worth $13MM. The 39-year-old posted a .283/.307/.390 batting line in 663 plate appearances for the Mariners and Yankees this past season.
  • The Cardinals agreed to sign utility player Ty Wigginton to a two-year deal worth a total of $5MM. Wigginton spent the 2012 season with the Phillies, posting a .235/.314/.375 batting line with 11 home runs and 11 doubles in 360 plate appearances.
  • The Braves signed infielder Ramiro Pen a to a one-year, Major League contract. Pena, 27, has made just 40 Major League plate appearances over the last two seasons and has a career .233/.266/.288 line in 338 career PAs with the Yankees since 2009.
  • The Red Sox agreed to sign free agent right-hander Ryan Dempster to a two-year, $26.5MM contract. Dempster, 35, posted a 3.38 ERA with 8.0 K/9, 2.7 BB/9 and a 43.5% ground ball rate in 173 innings for the Cubs and Rangers in 2012.
  • The Twins signed Kevin Correia to a two-year, $10MM contract. The right-hander will earn $4.5MM in 2013 and $5.5MM in 2014.
  • Outfielder Shane Victorino signed a three-year, $39MM deal with the Red Sox after struggling in 2012 to put up the numbers that made him a star with the Phillies. Victorino posted a .255/.321/.383 line for the Phillies and Dodgers.
  • Free agent infielder Jack Hannahan signed a two-year, $4MM deal with the Reds to back up Todd Frazier. In 318 plate appearances during the 2012 season, he posted a .244/.312/.341 batting line with 16 doubles. 
  • The Giants agreed to sign Andres Torres to a one-year, $2MM contract. The 34-year-old switch hitter has a .241/.320/.388 batting line in eight career seasons at the MLB level.
  • The Dodgers acquired Skip Schumaker from the Cardinals in exchange for minor league shortstop Jake Lemmerman. Schumaker posted a .276/.339/.368 slash line last season in 304 plate appearances. 
  • The Pirates signed free agent reliever Jason Grilli to a two-year, $6.75MM contract. He posted a 2.91 ERA with 13.8 K/9, 3.4 BB.9 and a 30.7% ground ball rate in 58 2/3 innings for Pittsburgh this past season.
  • The Reds signed free agent outfielder Ryan Ludwick to a two-year, $15MM contract with a mutual option for 2015. The 34-year-old posted a .275/.346/.531 batting line with 26 home runs in 472 plate appearances for the Reds this past season.
  • The Tigers agreed to a one-year contract with catcher Brayan Pena. Pena, who turns 31 next month, appeared in 68 games for the Royals in 2012, posting a .236/.262/.321 batting line in 226 plate appearances.
  • Jeff Keppinger greatly improved his stock in 2012, going from a non-tender a year ago to signing a three-year, $12MM contract with the White Sox. Keppinger, 32, is a career .288/.337/.396 hitter, and is coming off an excellent season with the Rays in which he posted an .806 OPS in 418 plate appearances.

KBO Teams To Sign Eveland, Richmond

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The Korean Baseball Organization has added depth to its top league by attracting two MLB pitchers to take their talents to Korea this season. Scott Richmond, formerly of the Blue Jays, has signed with the Lotte Giants to a one-year, $600K deal, reports Naver, a Korean news service. Joining Richmond in Korea will be former Orioles pitcher, Dana Eveland, who has agreed to a contract with the Hanwha Eagles, according to Naver.

Richmond, 33, will provide the Giants with his 6-foot-5 frame and his 7.4 K/9 ratio which may even improve once he arrives in Korea. Unfortunately the native Canadian has only pitched in four Major League games since 2009. The Giants will turn to Richmond to provide strength to their rotation, which means he could get an extended look even if he begins to struggle.

Eveland, 29, has played consistently in the big leagues since 2005 but saw 2012 as a struggle that may have led to his decision to head to Korea. Both a starter and a reliever, Eveland enjoyed his season in 2008 with the A's as he posted a 4.34 ERA with 6.3 K/9 and 4.1 BB/9. Eveland earned $750K with the Orioles last season, points out MASNSports.com's Roch Kubatko, but the left-hander is only scheduled to take home $675K in Korea.

Red Sox Remain Interested In Stephen Drew

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The Red Sox have interest in signing Stephen Drew to help improve the team's infield depth, sources tell ESPN.com's Jayson Stark (via Twitter). The former Athletics and Diamondbacks shortstop is viewed as a stopgap for Boston as Drew would be able to give players like Jose Iglesias and Xander Bogaerts more time to develop by serving as the starter. 

Drew's .223/.309/.348 line in 327 PAs with Arizona and Oakland this season led to the A's not picking up their end of a mutual option worth $10MM. Thea 29-year-old former FSU star may benefit from a full season of clean health as he returned to baseball in July after a severe ankle injury left him unable to play.

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