Week In Review

With Spring Training now in full swing, let's take a look back at the week that was here at MLBTR…

• Felix Hernandez officially signed the most lucrative contract any pitcher has ever obtained to the tune of seven-years and $175MM.
• Michael Bourn agreed to a four-year, $48MM deal with the Indians.
• The Rockies avoided arbitration with Dexter Fowler by agreeing to a two-year deal worth $11.6MM.
• The Reds avoided arbitration with outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, agreeing to a one-year deal for $7.375MM.
• The Cardinals announced extensions for manager Mike Matheny and general manager John Mozeliak. Mozeliak obtained a three-year deal through 2016, while the Cardinals also formally exercised Matheny's 2014 option.
• The Padres avoided arbitration with Clayton Richard by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $5.24MM.
• The Orioles officially signed Jair Jurrjens to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
• The Reds and Homer Bailey reached agreement on a one-year deal to avoid arbitration.
• The Nationals avoided arbitration with Jordan Zimmermann by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $5.35MM. 
• The Marlins signed Casey Kotchman to a minor league contract with an invite to Major League camp.
• The Rockies acquired infielder Reid Brignac from the Rays in exchange for cash considerations and a player later to be named. 
• The Twins signed left-handed reliever Rafael Perez to a minor league deal with an invite to Major League Spring Training.
• The Yankees acquired right-hander Shawn Kelley from the Mariners in exchange for outfielder Abraham Almonte. 
• The Indians officially signed Daisuke Matsuzaka to a minor league contract with a Major League Spring Training invitation.
• The Pirates signed Brandon Inge to a minor league deal with an invitation to Major League Spring Training. 
• The Mariners announced first baseman/designated hitter Mike Carp has been designated for assignment. 
• The Mariners signed right-handed reliever Kameron Loe to a minor league deal.
• The Royals acquired utility player Elliot Johnson from the Rays as the player to be named later in the December trade involving James Shields and Wil Myers.
• The Reds avoided arbitration with right-hander Mat Latos, agreeing to terms on a two-year deal worth $11.5MM.
• The Athletics agreed to sign left-hander Hideki Okajima to a minor league deal with an invite to big league spring training.
• The Nationals signed left-handed reliever Will Ohman to a minor league deal.
• The Dodgers announced the signing of reliever Kevin Gregg to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

As we gladly welcome pitchers and catchers reporting to camp in the coming days, let's take a look back at the week that was here at MLBTR…

• The Mariners and Felix Hernandez agreed to terms on a five-year, $135.5MM contract extension that will run from 2015-2019. The successful completion of the deal remains uncertain due to the condition of his throwing elbow. Hernandez will take a physical on Tuesday when he reports to Spring Training as workouts begin on Wednesday. 
• The Astros sent shortstop Jed Lowrie to the Athletics in a five-player trade. The Astros acquired first baseman Chris Carter, starting pitcher Brad Peacock and catching prospect Max Stassi from the A's in the deal, which sent right-handed reliever Fernando Rodriguez to Oakland along with Lowrie.
• The Diamondbacks extended second baseman Aaron Hill through 2016 with a deal valued at $35MM.
• The Giants avoided arbitration with closer Sergio Romo by agreeing to a two-year deal worth $9MM.
• The Tigers avoided arbitration with right-hander Max Scherzer by agreeing on a one-year contract worth $6.725MM.
• The Brewers signed free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez to a one-year, Major League contract worth $1.5MM plus $1MM in incentives.
• The Rays signed second baseman Kelly Johnson to a one-year deal worth $2.45MM. 
• The Indians signed slugger Jason Giambi to a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
• The Rays signed free agent reliever Kyle Farnsworth to a one-year, Major League contract worth $1.25MM with a chance to double his salary through incentives. 
• The Rays designated Reid Brignac and Elliot Johnson for assignment to clear roster space for Kyle Farnsworth and Kelly Johnson.
• Francisco Liriano's deal with the Pirates became official after the left-hander passed his physical with the organization.
• The Angels finalized their two-year, $8.975MM contract with Alberto Callaspo.
• The Mariners signed Jon Garland to a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training. 
• The Orioles avoided arbitration with Jason Hammel by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $6.75MM. 
• The Orioles and closer Jim Johnson avoided arbitration with a one-year contract for $6.5MM. 
• The Cardinals agreed to a one-year deal with David Freese worth $3.15MM, avoiding arbitration.
• The Mariners agreed to a one-year deal worth $6.5MM plus $1MM in incentives with free agent left-hander Joe Saunders.
• The Mets signed free agent right-hander Brandon Lyon to a one-year contract with a base salary between $750K to $900K. 
• The Dodgers agreed to sign right-handed reliever Mark Lowe to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
• The Mariners designated right-hander Shawn Kelley for assignment. The move creates roster space for Kelly Shoppach, whose one-year deal is now official.
• The Indians avoided arbitration with Mike Aviles, agreeing to a two-year contract worth $6MM.
• The Rays designated Dane De La Rosa for assignment to create room on the 40-man roster for Luke Scott after his one-year, $2.75MM deal was finalized.
• The Padres designated infielder Jeudy Valdez for assignment to allow the club to make room for Fautino De Los Santos, who was claimed off of waivers.
• The Mets signed outfielders Corey Patterson and Mike Wilson to minor league deals.
• Left-hander Jonathan Sanchez signed a minor league contract with the Pirates that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
• The Marlins signed free agent right-hander Jon Rauch to a one-year deal worth $1MM plus up to $750K in incentives. 
• The Nationals signed right-hander Jeremy Accardo to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
• The Yankees agreed to sign Juan Rivera to a minor league deal worth $1.2MM plus up to $800K in incentives.
• Ramon Ramirez signed a minor league contract with the Giants that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training. 
• The Nationals agreed to sign catcher Chris Snyder to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB Spring Training. 
• Former National League Cy Young winner Brandon Webb retired from baseball after injuries curtailed his career.

Let's catch up on the week that was here at MLBTR…

• The Diamondbacks agreed to a four-year contract through 2016 with infielder/outfielder Martin Prado. The deal will pay Prado $40MM in total.
• The Mets signed outfielder Marlon Byrd to a minor league deal with an invite to Major League Spring Training.
• The Reds signed left-hander Manny Parra to a one-year contract. The club designated right-hander Todd Redmond for assignment in a corresponding move.
• The Yankees signed Travis Hafner to a one-year, Major League contract. The deal is worth $2MM plus up to $4MM in incentives.
• The White Sox claimed first baseman Lars Anderson off of waivers from the Diamondbacks.
• The Reds signed catcher Miguel Olivo to a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
• The Red Sox signed Lyle Overbay to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
• The Indians signed Matt Capps to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB Spring Training. 
• The Mets signed LaTroy Hawkins to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
• The Marlins claimed right-hander Sam Dyson off of waivers from the Blue Jays. Miami designated center fielder Kevin Mattison for assignment in a related move.
• The Mariners agreed to sign free agent catcher Kelly Shoppach to a one-year deal that will pay him $1.5MM in base salary with an extra $500K available in incentives.
• The Phillies designated right-hander J.C. Ramirez for assignment. The move creates roster space for right-hander Chad Durbin, whose one-year deal with the Phillies is now official.
• The Brewers signed free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez to a one-year, Major League contract. Gonzalez will obtain a $1.5MM guarantee and could earn an additional $1MM in incentives.
• The Mets signed right-hander Scott Atchison to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
• The Padres agreed to a minor league contract with right-hander Freddy Garcia. 
• The Yankees agreed to sign Juan Rivera to a minor league deal.
• The Cardinals agreed to sign Ronny Cedeno to a one-year, Major League contract worth $1.15MM and includes $850K in performance bonuses.
• The Padres avoided arbitration with reliever Luke Gregerson by agreeing to a one-year, $3.2MM contract for 2013.
• The Phillies signed infielder Yuniesky Betancourt to a minor league deal with an invite to Major League Spring Training.
• The Rays agreed to sign second baseman Kelly Johnson to a one-year deal.

Here's the top news and stories that made headlines this past week at MLBTR…

• The Braves and Diamondbacks officially agreed to a seven-player trade that will send Justin Upton to Atlanta. The Braves obtain Upton and third baseman Chris Johnson for third baseman Martin Prado, right-hander Randall Delgado, shortstop prospect Nick Ahmed, right-handed pitching prospect Zeke Spruill and minor league first baseman Brandon Drury.
• The Cubs reached an agreement with outfielder Scott Hairston for a two-year deal. Hairston could receive up to $6MM over the course of the two years including incentives.
• The Rangers and David Murphy avoided arbitration with a one-year contract worth $5.775MM. 
• The Cubs announced the signing of pitcher Carlos Villanueva to a two-year deal. In order to make room for him, Chicago designated fellow right-hander Lendy Castillo for assignment.
• The Cardinals avoided arbitration with closer Jason Motte, agreeing to a two-year deal worth $12MM plus incentive bonuses. 
• The Red Sox designated right-hander Chris Carpenter for assignment. The move creates roster space for Mike Napoli, whose one-year deal is now official.
• The Red Sox reached agreement with Craig Breslow on a two-year deal to avoid arbitration. The Baratta Partners client will earn a guaranteed $6.25MM and could make up to $10.15MM over the course of the contract.
• The Phillies signed Delmon Young to a one-year, $750K contract. The deal includes roster and performance bonuses that could bring the value of the contract to the $3.25MM range.
• The Rays agreed to sign free agent reliever Kyle Farnsworth to a one-year, Major League contract. The agreement includes a base salary in the $1.25-1.5MM range plus incentives.
• Jhoulys Chacin agreed to a two-year, $6.5MM deal with the Rockies. For his career with Colorado spanning four seasons, Chacin owns a 3.68 ERA with 7.6 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9.
• The Rangers agreed to terms with infielder/outfielder Jeff Baker while officially announcing the signing of left-handed pitcher Nate Robertson. 
• The Marlins agreed to a minor league deal with reliever Chad Qualls with an invite to MLB Spring Training. 
• The Red Sox reached an agreement on a minor league deal with outfielder Ryan Sweeney.
• The Royals designated infielder Tony Abreu for assignment. The move creates roster space for George Kottaras, who was claimed off of waivers from the Athletics.
• The White Sox agreed to sign Matt Lindstrom to a one-year contract worth $2.3MM with a club option for $4MM.
• The Yankees avoided arbitration with David Robertson as the two sides agreed on a one-year, $3.1MM deal for 2013.
• The Mets agreed to sign free agent right-hander Shaun Marcum to a one-year deal worth $4MM plus $4MM in incentives. 
• The Rockies agreed to a minor league deal with catcher Yorvit Torrealba.
• The Orioles agreed to sign Jair Jurrjens to a one-year, $1.5MM Major League contract that could be worth as much as $4MM with incentives.
• The Diamondbacks announced that they designated first baseman Lars Anderson for assignment.
• Nyjer Morgan signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and will earn $1.6MM this season.
• The Marlins signed second baseman Matt Downs to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB Spring Training. 
• The Diamondbacks and Cliff Pennington reached agreement on a two-year, $5MM deal.
• The Brewers signed Bobby Crosby to a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
• The Blue Jays designated right-hander Sam Dyson for assignment. The move creates roster space for Mark DeRosa, who signed with the team this past week.
• The Reds signed free agent right-hander Armando Galarraga to a minor league contract.
• The Astros announced the signing of left-hander Erik Bedard to a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
• The Indians signed outfielder Ben Francisco to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training. 
• The Mets signed Pedro Feliciano to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.

Here's the top news and stories that made headlines this past week at MLBTR…

• The Rangers agreed to a five-year, $55MM extension with Matt Harrison. The contract contains an team option for a sixth year in 2018 that can become a vesting option if Harrison pitches certain innings plateaus.
• The Nationals agreed to sign free agent closer Rafael Soriano to a two-year, $28MM contract. Soriano posted a 2.26 ERA with 9.2 K/9, 3.2 BB/9 and a 35.9% ground ball rate for the Yankees this past season.
• The Red Sox and Mike Napoli reached an agreement on a new contract. Napoli gets $5MM plus incentives for the one-year deal that could reach $13MM.
• The Mariners, Nationals and Athletics combined on a three-team trade that will send Michael Morse to the Mariners, John Jaso to the A's and a three-player package to the Nationals that includes minor league right-handers A.J. Cole, Blake Treinen and a player to be named from the Athletics. 
• The Diamondbacks agreed to sign J.J. Putz to a one-year extension that will keep him in Arizona through 2014.The LSW Baseball client will reportedly receive a $7MM salary in 2014.
• The Pirates agreed to sign right-hander Jeff Karstens to a one-year deal worth $2.5MM.
• The Athletics designated catcher George Kottaras for assignment. The move was made to free up 40-man roster space for the newly-acquired John Jaso, who will take Kottaras' spot as Oakland's primary left-handed hitting catching option.
• The Yankees and Phil Hughes avoided arbitration with a one-year contract worth $7.15MM. The right-hander was arbitration eligible for the third and final time after earning $3.2MM in 2012.
• The Orioles announced extensions for manager Buck Showalter and executive VP of baseball operations Dan Duquette through the 2018 season.
• The Athletics signed manager Bob Melvin to a two-year contract extension, the team announced. The deal will keep the reigning AL Manager of the Year in Oakland through 2016.
• The Rockies signed Miguel Batista to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Batista, 41, posted a 4.61 ERA with 6.2 K/9 and 5.6 BB/9 in 52 2/3 innings for the Mets and Braves last season. 
• The White Sox agreed to sign Matt Lindstrom to a one-year contract with a club option. Lindstrom, 32, pitched to a 2.68 ERA with 7.7 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 in 47 innings for the Orioles and Diamondbacks last season.
• The Indians signed Ryan Raburn to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Raburn averaged 15 home runs per season from 2009-11 and owns a career batting line of .256/.311/.430.
• The Red Sox reached agreement with Craig Breslow on a two-year deal to avoid arbitration. In 63 relief outings for Arizona and Boston last year, Breslow posted a 2.70 ERA with 8.7 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9.
• The Pirates and Garrett Jones avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $4.5MM. The left-handed hitter posted a .289/.332/.556 line with 25 homers against right-handers in 2012. 
• Many players avoided arbitration by coming to an agreement with their respective teams. MLBTR's Arbitration Tracker has a complete list of those who signed. 
• The Angels avoided arbitration with Jason Vargas as the CAA Sports client will earn $8.5MM in 2013.
• The Red Sox and Joel Hanrahan avoided arbitration with a one-year deal worth $7.04MM. The 31-year-old had been arbitraiton eligible for the third and final time.
• The Giants and Buster Posey avoided arbitration with a one-year, $8MM contract. Posey was arbitration eligible for the first time this offseason. 
• The Diamondbacks avoided arbitration with starting pitcher Ian Kennedy, signing him to a one-year, $4.265MM deal.
• The Tigers avoided arbitration with Rick Porcello, agreeing to a one-year deal. The right-hander will earn $5.1MM in 2013.
• The Giants avoided arbitration with Hunter Pence, agreeing to a one-year, $13.8MM contract for 2013.
• The Orioles avoided arbitration with Matt Wieters. The Scott Boras client obtained a $5.5MM contract for 2013.
• The Indians avoided arbitration with Chris Perez as he will earn $7.3MM plus bonuses in 2013.
• The Cubs avoided arbitration with Matt Garza by agreeing to a one-year, $10.25MM deal. In 2012, Garza posted a 3.91 ERA with 8.3 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 18 starts.
• The Brewers reached agreement with Carlos Gomez on a one-year deal for $4.3MM to avoid arbitration. The outfielder had his best season to date in 2012, posting a slash line of .260/.305/.463 with 19 homers in 452 plate appearances.
• The Pirates signed outfielder Brad Hawpe and catcher Lucas May to minor league deals. Both players receive invitations to MLB Spring Training.
• The Red Sox avoided arbitration with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Munsey Sports Management client obtains a one-year, $4.5MM deal for 2013.
• The Blue Jays avoided arbitration with center fielder Colby Rasmus, agreeing to a one-year, $4.675MM deal.
• The Marlins signed Austin Kearns to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
• The Tigers signed Don Kelly to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
• The Phillies signed right-hander Juan Cruz to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

Here's the top news and stories that made headlines this past week at MLBTR…

• The Nationals signed Adam LaRoche to a two-year contract worth $24MM with a mutual option for 2015. The left-handed hitter posted a .271/.343/.510 batting line in 647 plate appearances as Washington's first baseman.
• The Phillies signed veteran Rodrigo Lopez to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Lopez will receive $1MM plus incentives if he's on the big league roster.
• The Orioles avoided arbitration with Nolan Reimold, who will receive $1MM from Baltimore next season.
• The Blue Jays signed catcher Henry Blanco to a non-guaranteed deal for the 2013 season. The 41-year-old Elite Sports Group client would earn $750K at the MLB level.
• Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton invoked his limited no-trade clause to reject an agreed-upon deal between the D'Backs and Mariners that would have sent Upton to Seattle.
• Marcus Thames has been hired as the hitting coach for the Yankees' high A-ball affiliate in Tampa, effectively ending the outfielder's ten-year Major League career.
• The Brewers avoided arbitration with left-hander Chris Narveson, who will earn $840K in 2013.
• The Cubs signed infielder Brent Lillibridge and outfielder Darnell McDonald to minor league contracts.
• Chicago also avoided arbitration with infielder Luis Valbuena, who will earn $930K in 2013.
• The Pirates acquired Jeanmar Gomez from the Indians in exchange for Quincy Latimore. Cleveland had designated the right-hander for assignment last week.
• Pittsburgh's deal with Francisco Liriano has been put on hold after it was revealed that the left-hander suffered a non-throwing arm injury in December.
• The Dodgers signed veteran reliever J.P. Howell to a one-year deal. Howell will reportedly earn $2.85MM with an additional $1.2MM worth of incentives built into the contract.
• The Brewers signed reliever Mike Gonzalez to a one-year contract. The veteran left-hander will earn $2.25MM plus incentives that can increase the value of his contract.
• The Yomiuri Giants signed infielder Jose Lopez to a one-year deal worth $1.2MM guaranteed plus $500K in performance bonuses.

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.

Here's a look back at the last (full) week of 2012..

• The Pirates sent Joel Hanrahan and infielder Brock Holt to the Red Sox in exchange for reliever Mark Melancon, first baseman/outfielder Jerry Sands, infielder Ivan De Jesus Jr., and right-hander Stolmy Pimentel.  Hanrahan, 31, pitched to a 2.72 ERA with 10.1 K/9 and 5.4 BB/9 in 59 2/3 innings for Pittsburgh last season.
• Nick Swisher signed a four-year, $56MM deal with the Indians on Sunday.  The slugger's contract includes a $14MM vesting option in year five if he has 550 plate appearances in 2016.  That would boost the overall value to $70MM.
• The Red Sox agreed to sign Mike Napoli to a three-year, $39MM deal in the first week of December, but have yet to finalize the deal over concerns about his hip.  With the agreement in limbo, another club has expressed interest in the catcher, though no offer has been extended.
• Meanwhile, the Red Sox are looking at Adam LaRoche as a Plan B.  The first baseman still wants to return to the Nationals, but is frustrated that he has yet to reach an agreement with them.  LaRoche wants a three-year deal but Washington and Boston say they won't go past two.
• Hideki Matsui decided to call it a career after ten years in the majors.
• The Mariners inked Raul Ibanez to a one-year deal worth $2.75MM and $1.25MM in incentives.
• Matt Diaz signed a minor league deal with the Yanks that will pay him $1.2MM if he makes the big league roster.
• The Brewers agreed to sign Mike Gonzalez to a one-year contract worth $2.25MM plus incentives.
• The Padres are talking with Brett Myers and would use him in his preferred role of starter.
• The Orioles are still talking with free agent hurler Joe Saunders.
• Five teams have reached out to Derek Lowe.
• The Marlins signed John Maine to a minor league deal.
• The Cubs signed Hisanori Takahashi to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
• Former Giants closer Brian Wilson is generating lots of interest.
• The Mets signed Aaron Laffey to a minor league contract.
• The O's and manager Buck Showalter are close to a contract extension.
• The Rays are looking for a bat.
• Takashi Saito is returning to Japan.
• The Mets want bullpen help.
• Ugueth Urbina is out of prison and hopes to pitch again.

• 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.

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.