Week In Review

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there reading this (including my own)! Let's take a look back at the week that was here on MLBTR…

• The Brewers officially announced extensions for both GM Doug Melvin and manager Ron Roenicke. Melvin will be promoted to president of baseball operations, and his contract runs through 2015. Roenicke's new deal runs through 2014 and contains a club option for 2015.
• The Blue Jays signed Vladimir Guerrero to a minor league contract. Vlad will earn the pro-rated portion of $1.3MM if he plays with the big league club, but will report to extended Spring Training for now.
• Elsewhere in the AL East, the Orioles also signed a former AL MVP of their own, inking Miguel Tejada to a minor league deal. Like Guerrero, he reported to extended Spring Training.
• The Rangers are still working to extend Josh Hamilton, who had one of the best weeks you'll ever see out of a Major League hitter. Hamilton clubbed nine homers, including four in one game.
• The Diamondbacks are open to discussing a contract extension with Miguel Montero during the season, though GM Kevin Towers said the talks would be confidential.
• Starlin Castro, on the other hand, will not discuss an extension with the Cubs during the season. Ditto for Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers.
• The Red Sox acquired Scott Podsednik from the Phillies in exchange for cash and assigned him to Triple-A. The BoSox are currently starved for outfield depth thanks to a slew of injuries.
• The Pirates acquired Jeff Larish from the Red Sox, also for cash. Just as the Sox did with Podsednik, the Buccos assigned Larish to Triple-A.
• The Orioles acquired minor league left-hander Mike Belfiore to the Diamondbacks to complete the Josh Bell trade.
• The Yankees claimed lefty reliever Justin Thomas off waivers from the Red Sox.
• Peter Bourjos has seen his playing time disappear after a slow start and the arrival of Mike Trout, but the Angels aren't actively shopping the defensive wizard.
• The Blue Jays contacted the Phillies in regards to Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino. The Phils reportedly called around the league saying they'd entertain offers for the pair of stars.
• Astros GM Jeff Luhnow said the team will consider every possibility when it comes to trades of veteran players this summer. Presently, however, he's not in a rush to move players like Brett Myers, Carlos Lee, Wandy Rodriguez, and Brandon Lyon.
• Dontrelle Willis has dropped his grievance against the Orioles.
• Brad Penny was released by the Softbank Hawks after just one start. Penny is weighing options from Major League teams, some as a reliever and some as a starter.
• After appearing in parts of 13 Major League seasons, Casey Blake has decided to retire. Congratulations on a nice career, Casey.

Here's a look back at the week that was on MLBTR…

• Yankees closer Mariano Rivera suffered a torn ACL and will likely miss the remainder of the 2012 season. Despite the devastating injury, Rivera stressed to reporters that he's not going out like this and that he fully intends to pitch again.
• In perhaps the most significant trade of the young season, the Angels acquired Ernesto Frieri from the Padres in exchange for minor leaguers Alexi Amarista and Donn Roach. It was well-known that the Halos were looking for bullpen help, and they managed to secure a controllable right-hander with tremendous strikeout numbers, though he could miss the vast dimensions of Petco Park.
• In a more minor trade, the Rangers acquired outfielder Ryan Spilborghs from the Indians and assigned the former Rockie to Triple-A Round Rock. Cleveland will receive cash in exchange.
• Continuing their search for third base help, the Athletics inked Brandon Inge, who had been released by the Tigers the previous week. Inge hit his first Oakland homer today.
• In a similar move, the Dodgers signed a recently-released former All-Star when they inked Bobby Abreu to a minor league contract. Abreu will see some time in the outfield and serve as a bat off the bench.
• An extension is possible for the Dodgers and Andre Ethier, who told the team's new ownership that he'd be willing to negotiate a deal midseason rather than waiting until the winter. Ethier could be in line for as much as $90MM over six years.
• The Orioles are close to bringing Miguel Tejada back to the organization. He'll sign a contract with his former team this week, assuming he can pass a physical on Monday.
• Delmon Young's trip to the restricted list will cost him a week without pay — roughly $260K in salary. The Tigers' left fielder was involved in an alcohol-related confrontation on the team's recent road trip to New York.
• Marlins reliever Juan Oviedo (formerly Leo Nunez) will now be suspended for eight weeks — not six — upon securing a visa and returning to the United States. Ovideo's punishment is the result of pitching under an assumed identity (Nunez).
• The list of Tommy John victims continued to grow, as the Orioles announced this week that Tsuyoshi Wada will undergo the procedure and miss the 2012 season. Wada signed a two-year, $8.15MM contract with Baltimore this offseason and pitched just 2 2/3 innings.
• He may not have a place in the everyday lineup currently, but Brandon Belt won't be traded anywhere, according to Giants GM Brian Sabean.
• Neither of the players in the Padres' double-play tandem — Jason Bartlett or Orlando Hudson — are part of the team's long-term plans. Both are candidates to be traded, or perhaps even released.
• The Yankees signed Cuban outfielder Adonis Garcia to a minor league deal worth $400K. Garcia had been rumored to be in line for a potential eight-figure deal last year, but scouts now question his ability to be a big league regular.
• The Twins claimed outfielder Erik Komatsu off waivers from the Cardinals and designated Clete Thomas to make room for him on the 25-man roster. Komatsu made his Twins debut in right field this weekend.
• The Rays signed a familiar face, inking Hideki Matsui to a minor league contract. Matsui will report to extended Spring Training for the time being.
• Jorge Cantu opted out of his minor league deal with the Angels and elected free agency early last week. He is now free to sign with any team.
• Once thought to be a potential closer candidate, Zach Braddock has instead received his release papers from the Brewers. The 24-year-old lefty hasn't pitched since Spring Training for undisclosed medical reasons.
• The Reds took a flier on former elite setup man Michael Wuertz, signing the injury prone right-hander to a minor league contract.
• Not to be outdone, the Red Sox one-upped Cincinnati's gamble by signing Mark Prior to a minor league deal. Prior has attempted numerous comebacks without success.

The past week was filled with notable releases and injury announcements, and also marked the beginning of Bryce Harper's major league career… let's run it down in this week's review:

• The Angels released Bobby Abreu and his $9MM salary. The move had a wide range of reactions and related news associated with it, and it's expected that he'll latch on with another team.
• Brandon Inge was released by the Tigers on Thursday after spending the first 12 seasons of his career in Detroit.
• Mike Pelfrey may have thrown his last pitch for the Mets, following the announcement this week that he'll undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the 2012 season.
• Brewers left-hander Chris Narveson is also done for the season. He'll undergo a shoulder operation that will sideline him until 2013. The Brewers have enough pitching depth for now but the injury could eventually lead them to search outside the organization.
• The Yankees were counting on Michael Pineda to be a stabilizing force in their rotation when they acquired him this offseason, but instead he's likely lost for the year after it was announced that he too will require a major shoulder operation.
• The Nationals started Bryce Harper's service clock this week when they recalled him from Triple-A and placed Ryan Zimmerman on the disabled list. Harper doubled and picked up his first big league RBI in his debut.
• Delmon Young was placed on the restricted list by the Tigers this week after an alcohol-related altercation in New York City.
• The Angels continue to monitor the trade market for relief help, but are only offering second-tier prospects while the majority of their suitors are more interested in Peter Bourjos.
• Bronson Arroyo has now accrued 10 full seasons of Major League service time and spent more than five years with the Reds, giving him 10-and-5 rights. He cannot be traded without his consent.
• Adam Jones hasn't heard from his agent or the Orioles about a contract extension recently, but isn't bothered by that. He told reporters that he'd have a hard time thinking about a long-term deal if he weren't signed by this time next year though, with his first crack at free agency coming up.
• The Rays are expected to sign Hideki Matsui, who has been working out in preparation for the 2012 season in New York.
• Scott Boras says that his client, Mike Gonzalez, is close to signing with a team. He should sign sometime this week, if Boras' timeline is correct.
• The Athletics claimed Luke Hughes off of waivers from the Twins in an effort to shore up a rocky third base situation.
• Dontrelle Willis will file a grievance against the Orioles after they placed him on the restricted list. Willis' agents at Sosnick and Cobbe said he was granted permission to leave the team, and were quite displeased with GM Dan Duquette.
• Jeremy Bonderman recently underwent elbow surgery and intends to pitch again in 2013.
• Lastly, there's a new version of MLBTR's iPhone app available for download. It'll cost just $2.99 to for you to check it out!

A pair of notable extensions were handed out in baseball's two Western divisions this week. Let's take a look back at those stories and all of the other news from the past week…

• Madison Bumgarner set the record for pitchers with one-plus years of service time when he agreed to a five-year extension with the Giants that will guarantee him $35MM. The deal contains two options — a club/vesting option for 2018 and a club option for 2019.
• The Giants also checked in with the agents for Tim Lincecum and Buster Posey, but nothing is imminent on either front.
• Oddly enough, a second $35MM extension was issued this week, though Erick Aybar was the beneficiary of the second. The Angels locked up their shortstop for the next four years — the same amount of time for which they'll control Howie Kendrick, the other half of their double play combination following his extension.
• Personal service deals and milestone bonuses will no longer be allowed in contracts, under the new collective bargaining agreement. The stipulation was added because Major League Baseball is trying to avoid situations where teams could use these clauses as loopholes to avoid paying the luxury tax.
• The Nationals are considering an extension for Jordan Zimmermann, who told reporters that he has mutual interest in the idea.
• With injuries to Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford hampering their outfield depth, the Red Sox acquired Marlon Byrd from the Cubs in exchange for Michael Bowden (whom they DFA'ed along with Luis Exposito earlier in the week) and a player to be named later. Chicago will pay roughly $6.1MM of the $6.5MM owed to Byrd in this, the final year of his contract.
• The Orioles would claim Exposito off waivers from the Red Sox later in the week, designating Josh Bell for assignment to create roster space. The Diamondbacks then acquired Bell from Baltimore in exchange for a player to be named later.
• Other notable waiver claims this week included the Rays claiming Brandon Allen off waivers from the Athletics. Oakland claimed Rich Thompson off waivers from the Angels this week as well.
• Giants closer Brian Wilson announced that he will undergo his second Tommy John surgery and miss the remainder of the 2012 season. Santiago Casilla, Sergio Romo, and Javier Lopez will combine to close in his stead.
• The Mariners signed Dominican prospect Hersin Martinez for a bonus of $1.1MM. The outfielder is praised for his "tremendous raw power."
• The Padres are prepared to release veteran Orlando Hudson, who hasn't been performing on the field and also reportedly hasn't wowed San Diego with his clubhouse presence.
• Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos told reporters that if he could improve his club in one area, he'd like to add one more impact bat to his lineup.
• Astros closer Brett Myers isn't currently being shopped, according to general manager Jeff Luhnow. That, of course, could change as the trade deadline approaches if Myers is pitching well.
• Lastly, MLBTR is seeking part-time writers. If you think you fit the bill, check the post for details and send in your application!

Let's take a look back at a week that was filled with contract extensions…

• The Indians extended franchise cornerstone Carlos Santana with a five-year deal that will guarantee the switch-hitting backstop $21MM. The contract has a club option for Santana's first free agent season.
• Ian Kinsler won't be reaching free agency anytime soon; the Rangers officially locked up their second baseman with a five-year, $75MM contract. The contract contains an option for a sixth year.
• Kinsler wasn't the only second baseman signing a big deal. Despite reports that the Reds may not be able to afford Brandon Phillips following Joey Votto's extension, Cincinnati inked a new six-year pact with Phillips, guaranteeing him $72.5MM.
• Extension talks with a pair of aces aren't going so smoothly, however. Cole Hamels' talks with the Phillies are going nowhere currently, and the Brewers have put negotiations with Zack Greinke and new agent Casey Close on hold.
• The Mets are considering a contract extension of their own, as they hope that David Wright performs well enough to earn himself a new long-term deal.
• The Indians signed Johnny Damon to play left field, guaranteeing him $1.25MM and with another $1.4MM worth of incentives. As we learned later in the week, Damon doesn't have an opt out date, but rather an agreement that he and GM Chris Antonetti will discuss the issue if Damon isn't receiving playing time.
• The Phillies signed Mike Fontenot to a minor league deal.
• The Padres announced this week that chairman John Moores intends to sell the team — the same week that the sale of their NL West rival Dodgers was approved in court.
• Scott Baker's days with the Twins may be over. The right-hander will undergo season-ending elbow surgery before making an appearance. The Twinkies hold a $9.25MM option on Baker, which it seems unlikely they'll exercise.
• Transferring Baker to the 60-day DL allowed the Twins to claim Clete Thomas off waivers from the Tigers. Detroit had DFA'ed the outfielder earlier in the week. Thomas started in right field in Minneapolis today and homered in his second Twins' at-bat.
• The Padres acquired Brian Tallet from the Pirates in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.
• The Red Sox lost Jacoby Ellsbury for a substantial amount of time this week due to a shoulder injury, and are now mulling over their options.They could scour the waiver wire, or, it's possible that we see the BoSox pull off an early season trade.

It’s time for a look back at the week that was, including a pair of monster contract extensions..

• Joey Votto and the Reds agreed to a ten-year, $225MM contract extension in a deal that includes full no-trade protection.  With this new deal, he is now under contract for the next 12 years at a total price of $251.5MM.  In 2011, Votto followed up his MVP season with a .309/.416/.531 line, 29 homers, and 40 doubles.
• The Giants agreed to a five-year extension with Matt Cain which guarantees him $112.5MM in new money through 2017.  The deal, which establishes a record for right-handed pitchers, includes a club/vesting player option for 2018. 
• The Indians signed shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to a two-year extension for 2013-14.  The deal is worth $16.5MM and will delay Cabrera’s free agency by one year.  The 26-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2011, batting .273/.332/.460 with a career-high 25 home runs.
• The Mets signed left-hander Jonathon Niese to a five-year extension with two club options.  The deal is worth $25.5MM and the two options could push the total value to $46MM.  Niese will earn $1.02MM this year, $3MM next year, $5MM in 2014, $7MM in 2015, and $9MM in 2016.
• Casey Close of Excel Sports Management will represent Zack Greinke as the right-hander embarks on the final season of his contract with the Brewers.
• Red Sox president Larry Lucchino says he’s willing to add payroll to improve the pitching staff even if it takes them over the luxury tax threshold.
• The Reds offered Brandon Phillips a five-year, $60MM contract extension for the 2012-16 seasons.  One Reds source believes Phillips would sign if the Reds offer a sixth guaranteed season.
• Ian Kinsler and the Rangers are close but haven’t hammered out a new deal just yet.
• Carlos Lee agreed to waive his 10-and-5 rights in exchange for full no-trade protection during the first four years of his contract though he can still block trades to 14 unknown teams this year.
• Details of the Dodgers sale came to light and the new ownership group has agreed to assume $412MM of the club’s debt.
• The Cubs inquired about Nats pitcher John Lannan this week.  The left-hander requested a trade and made it known to the public on Wednesday.
• Agent Scott Boras says that client Johnny Damon will sign somewhere by May 1st.
• The Braves announced that they signed right-hander Chad Durbin to a Major League contract after he opted out of his deal with Washington.
• Free agent Vladimir Guerrero changed agencies from SFX to Proformance, Tim reported.
• The cutoff for super two players after the 2012 season will be two years and 134 days of service time, according to preliminary internal studies by CAA.
• The Yankees signed right-hander Ramon Ortiz and traded for catcher Chris Stewart on Wednesday.  They also DFA’d Justin Maxwell and saw Bill Hall elect free agency.
• The Reds claimed Alfredo Simon off of waivers from the Orioles.
• The Cardinals acquired Cedric Hunter from the Athletics for future considerations.
• With Chase Utley on the shelf for the foreseeable future, the Phillies have shown interest in Mike Fontenot.
• The Braves acquired Juan Francisco from the Reds.
• The Indians designated Thomas Neal for assignment and released Felix Pie.
• The Rangers signed right-hander Aaron Heilman to a minor league contract.
• The Orioles released right-hander Armando Galarraga.
• The Rangers re-signed Brad Hawpe to a minor league contract.

By this time next Sunday, the regular season will be in full swing! Let's take a look back on the final week of Spring Training (even though the season technically started on Thursday)…

• A group headed by Stan Kasten and Magic Johnson agreed to purchase the Dodgers for a whopping $2.15 billion — more than double the price of the previous record sale price of an MLB team.
• The Royals and Alex Gordon agreed to a four-year extension that will guarantee him $37.5MM. The deal contains a player option at $12.5MM. He'll earn $6MM, $9MM, $10MM, and $12.5MM over the next four seasons.
• The Padres locked up Cory Luebke through the 2015 season for a $12MM guarantee. Luebke's new contract contains a pair of club options that could raise the total value to $27.75MM.
• The Indians and Angels appeared to be on the verge of a trade that would send Bobby Abreu to Cleveland before the talks fell apart.
• Jonathan Lucroy signed a five-year extension with the Brewers that guarantees him $13MM if he qualifies as a Super Two player, or $11MM if he falls short. His contract also contains an option for a sixth season.
• In a more surprising (and albeit, smaller scale) extension, the Blue Jays signed Dustin McGowan to a two-year deal that guarantees him $3.5MM between the 2013-13 seasons and contains a $4MM club option.
• Following his release from the Astros, veteran righty Livan Hernandez signed a one-year Major League deal with the Braves that guarantees him $750K.
• The Brewers will let Shaun Marcum play out the rest of the season and reach free agency.
• The Giants and Matt Cain continue to talk about a contract extension as Opening Day approaches and CEO Larry Baer insists that the club is not lowballing the pitcher.
• The Cubs and Red Sox finalized the Theo Epstein compensation situation this week. Chicago will receive 19-year-old minor league first baseman Jair Bogaerts as the player to be named later.
• The Diamondbacks worked out a trade with the Pirates to retain Rule 5 pick Brett Lorin by sending 2010 third-rounder Robby Rowland.
• Former Yankees left-hander Kei Igawa signed a two-year deal with the Orix Buffaloes worth ¥200M, which is roughly $2.5MM USD.
• The Yankees signed Jack Cust to a minor league contract.
• The Nationals announced that they signed left-hander Zach Duke to a minor league deal.
• Tony La Russa joined Major League Baseball as a special advisor.
• The Twins officially released right-hander Joel Zumaya as the pitcher will miss the 2012 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
• Vladimir Guerrero worked out in front of Indians scouts at the team's Dominican Republic academy.
• Magglio Ordonez is close to retiring.
• The Giants placed infielder Mike Fontenot on waivers.  San Fran agreed to a one-year, $1.05MM deal this offseason with the veteran and will now save three quarters of that.
• The Rangers released veteran outfielder Brad Hawpe.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

It's time to take a look back at the week that was as we get closer and closer to Opening Day..

• The Rangers agreed to terms with Derek Holland on a five-year, $28.5MM contract extension.  The deal covers the 2012-16 seasons and includes two club options, as MLBTR's Tim Dierkes first reported.  Holland posted a 3.95 ERA with 7.4 K/9, 3.0 BB/9 and a 46.4% ground ball rate in 198 innings this past season.
• Chipper Jones' 19th season in the majors will also be the final one of his career.  The Braves announced that their 39-year-old third baseman will retire following the 2012 campaign.  Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle (536) and Eddie Murray (504) are the only switch hitters with more career home runs than Jones.
• The Angels are reportedly emerging as the frontrunner for Roy Oswalt's services.  Meanwhile, it doesn't look like he'll wind up with the Cardinals or Rangers.
• The Royals acquired outfielder Jason Bourgeois and catcher Humberto Quintero from the Astros for minor league left-hander Kevin Chapman and a player to be named later.  Bourgeois posted a .294/.323/.357 line with 31 stolen bases last year, while playing all three outfield positions and appearing at second base. The 30-year-old will be arbitration eligible for the first time after the 2012 season.
• There's an "understanding" between the Giants and Matt Cain that they'll try to wrap up contract extension talks before the Opening Day.
• The Giants are telling teams they're shopping both Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot.
• The elbow injury to Reds closer Ryan Madson will require Tommy John surgery, ending the right-hander's season.
• The Padres and catcher Nick Hundley agreed to terms on a three-year extension.  The deal covers the 2012-14 seasons and includes a club option for 2015.
• The Red Sox are monitoring the market for left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez.
• The Mets would like to trade Mike Pelfrey, though it's not clear how serious they are about that.
• Don't expect the D'Backs to to get deals done with Ian Kennedy or Daniel Hudson.
• Jeff Moorad stepped down as the Padres' CEO and President and COO Tom Garfinkel will assume CEO duties on an interim basis.  Moorad will stay on as vice chairman and oversee the Padres' relationship with FOX Sports San Diego.
• The Orioles are shopping right-handed reliever Kevin Gregg and corner infielder Mark Reynolds. Both players are under contract for 2012 with club options for 2013.
• The Rangers "might prefer" to keep some of the extra arms on their pitching staff rather than make a trade.
• The Phillies announced that they released right-hander Joel Pineiro. He signed a minor league deal with the Phillies in January and would have earned $1.5MM on the MLB roster.
• The Mets agreed to a $162MM settlement with Irving Picard, the trustee for those who lost money in Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme.
• The Angels signed David Pauley to a minor league contract.  Meanwhile, they continue to look for starting pitching depth.
• The Mariners cut veteran Hong-Chih Kuo.
• Vladimir Guerrero intends to play this season and Japan is an option.
• The Dodgers designated right-hander Ramon Troncoso for assignment in order to reinstate Ronald Belisario from the restricted list.
• The Indians claimed right-hander Rick VandenHurk off of waivers from Toronto.
• The White Sox re-acquired Rule 5 selection Terry Doyle from the Twins. The Twins paid $50K to acquire Doyle in December and they'll get half of that sum back from the White Sox.
• The Orioles signed Dontrelle Willis to a minor league contract and will make $700K in the big leagues.
• The Nationals signed Xavier Nady to a minor league deal.
• The Mariners announced that they have released reliever Shawn Camp.  The 36-year-old signed a Major League deal worth $750K in February.
• The Tigers announced claimed left-hander Kelvin De La Cruz off of waivers from the Indians.
• Joe Torre has rejoined Major League Baseball as its executive VP of baseball operations.

It's time to take a look back at the week that was here at MLBTR..

• A year after retiring, 39-year-old Andy Pettitte is back with the Yankees on a minor league contract.  Pettitte, a Hendricks Sports client, can potentially earn $2.5MM on the deal, which doesn't include incentives.
• The Royals signed shortstop Alcides Escobar to a four-year extension through 2015.  The deal includes club options for 2016 and 2017.  The contract guarantees Escobar $10.5MM through 2015 and the shortstop could earn a total of $21.75MM if the Royals exercise both of their options.
• John Lannan has drawn interest from the Red Sox, Tigers, and Astros and a deal involving the left-hander is "likely".
• The Indians and Roberto Hernandez (a.k.a. Fausto Carmona) have restructured the right-hander's contract and his 2012 salary will now be "far less" than the $7MM he was scheduled to earn.  An option year in his contract has also been eliminated.
• Blue Jays hurlers Brett Cecil and Kyle Drabek are drawing attention from scouts of other teams, though the team is reluctant to move Drabek while his value is down.
• The Orioles are considering possible trades for Kyle McClellan but t's not clear if the Cardinals are ready to move the right-hander.
• The Red Sox agreed to sign Dominican right-hander Simon Mercedes to a deal including an $800K bonus. For the agreement to become official, Mercedes must pass MLB’s investigation into his age, identity and visa.  Mercedes formerly presented himself as two years younger and went by the name of Jeffrey Tapia, so he has a history of identity issues.
• Extension talks between the Padres and catcher Nick Hundley have heated up this week, and an agreement could be close.
• The Royals reportedly offered Ivan Rodriguez an invitation to camp this spring.  The Rays aren't considering Pudge.
• The Red Sox announced that they released pitcher Carlos Silva.
• The Rockies are on the lookout for pitching and considering Dontrelle Willis.  Willis was released by the Phillies earlier in the week.
• Mets reliever D.J. Carrasco could be a trade candidate.
• The Cubs claimed right-hander Frankie De La Cruz off of waivers from the Brewers, leaving Milwaukee with one open spot on their 40-man roster.
• The Astros signed catcher Landon Powell to a minor league deal and invited him to big league camp. The A's recently released the 29-year-old SFX client.
• The A's claimed infielder Brandon Hicks from the Braves.
• The Indians re-acquired left-hander Kelvin De La Cruz from the Rangers for cash considerations.

A recap of this week's news as we get closer and closer to Opening Day..

• Andrew McCutchen is officially the face of the Pirates through at least 2017 now that he has a new six-year contract.  The deal reportedly guarantees the 25-year-old $51.5MM and has a seventh year club option.  McCutchen's contract buys out his final pre-arbitration year, all three arbitration years, and a pair of free agent seasons with a club option for another.
• Some wonder if the Yankees can get under the $189MM luxury tax threshold by 2014 and keep both Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson after their contracts expire following the 2013 season.  However, team president Randy Levine said this week that the Bombers plan to do just that.
• Orioles executive VP of baseball operations Dan Duquette told reporters that he doesn't expect to sign Johnny Damon, but later said that the veteran could be a possibility.
• Roy Oswalt spent most of the offseason telling teams that he'd prefer to sign close to his Mississippi home, but the free agent right-hander will now consider all opportunities.
• The Marlins have reportedly discussed the possibility of presenting Giancarlo Stanton with a "big, crooked" contract offer, though they have yet to reach out to him.
• The Twins signed left-hander Glen Perkins to a three-year, $10.3MM extension. The SFX client was already under contract for $1.55MM in 2012, so the deal covers the 2013-15 seasons. The pact also includes a club option for 2016.
• The Nationals are interested in outfielder Jason Bourgeois and have asked the Astros about him at least three times since December.  However, Nationals manager Davey Johnson has been pleased with internal candidates for the center field job such as Roger Bernadina, Brett Carroll and Rick Ankiel.
• The White Sox have shown interest in lefty relievers Mike Gonzalez and Arthur Rhodes.
• Mariano Rivera may announce whether or not he will pitch in 2013 before the All-Star break.
• Zack Greinke will hire an agent if he reaches free agency next winter but is open to discussing a long-term deal with the Brewers on his own.
• It doesn't appear that Cole Hamels and the Phillies are close on a new deal.  However, Hamels' agent John Boggs met with Phillies' management in Florida this week.
• The Giants and Matt Cain appear to have positive momentum in contract extension talks.
• Free agent reliever Mike Gonzalez turned down a non-roster offer from the Rangers.
• Surprisingly, the Angels are looking around for a left-handed reliever.
• The A's released catcher Landon Powell, who had been outrighted off of the 40-man roster in January and was in camp as a non-roster player.  Powell has a .207/.284/.328 line in 406 plate appearances over the course of three seasons with the Athletics.
• The Orioles released reliever Dennys Reyes over the weekend when he didn't report to camp, but the lefty still plans to pitch for the team this season.
• Chris Young is close to rejoining the Mets.