Week In Review

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

• Washington agreed to terms on a new $100MM, six-year contract extension with Ryan Zimmerman, with a club option for a seventh year worth $24MM.  In conjunction with his current deal, the new agreement can keep the 27-year-old in the nation's capital through 2020 if the option is exercised.  No-trade protection was said to be the final hurdle in talks and the new deal will provide Zimmerman with a full no-trade clause.
• The Padres and Cameron Maybin agreed to a five-year contract extension with an option for a sixth year.  The Brian Goldberg client will get $25MM guaranteed and the option is worth $7-8MM.  The extension covers Maybin's final pre-arbitration season, all three seasons of arbitration-eligibility, and one free agent year with an option for second.
• The Cardinals agreed to a five-year, $75MM contract extension with catcher Yadier Molina.  The deal includes a no-trade clause and a mutual option for 2018 that's worth an additional $15MM.  The 29-year-old is considered by many to be the game's best defensive catcher.  His offense took a leap forward in 2011, as he posted a .305/.349/.465 line in 518 plate appearances.
• Shane Victorino is looking for a five-year contract, but is willing to take a reasonable hometown discount to remain in Philadelphia.
• After months of speculation, Jason Varitek decided to call it a career this week.  The former catcher is expected to remain with the Red Sox in some capacity.
• The Reds announced a three-year extension with reliever Sean Marshall, which runs through 2015.  The contract is worth $16.5MM with $2MM in performance bonuses each year, $1MM for games started and $1MM for games finished.  
• The Royals signed catcher Salvador Perez to a five-year contract that includes three club options. Perez will earn a guaranteed $7MM over the course of the five-year contract, which buys out his three pre-arbitration seasons and two of his seasons of arbitration eligibility.
• Mike Napoli says talks of a new deal with the Rangers have been “squashed” for the time being.
• The Nationals are set to rely on some combination of Rick Ankiel, Roger Bernadina and Jayson Werth in center field this year, but they’re not ruling out potential acquisitions at the position.
• The Rangers signed 17-year-old Dominican outfielder Jairo Beras for $4.5MM, but there are some questions regarding his eligibility.  Beras has been presenting himself as a 16-year-old and if that is the case then he is not eligible to sign.
• The MLB playoffs will expand from eight to ten teams for 2012.  The non-division winners in each league with the two best records will be the wild card teams, meaning it is now possible for a third-place team to reach the postseason.
• The Astros named Brett Myers their closer and his $10MM vesting option for 2013 was reworked to reflect the role change.
• The Tigers have a strong rotation, with Doug Fister, Max Scherzer, and Rick Porcello behind reigning AL Cy Young and MVP Justin Verlander but haven't ruled out trading for a fifth starter.
• Miguel Tejada hopes to return to the Athletics.
• Catcher Bengie Molina retired after spending parts of 13 seasons with the Angels, Blue Jays, Giants and Rangers.  Even though he did not play in 2011, he had remained open to the possibility of returning until this week.
• The Yankees and Russell Martin have agreed to table extension talks until the season ends.
• Mark Teixeira hired agent Casey Close of Excel Sports Management to represent him.  The 31-year-old will earn $22.5MM in each of the next five seasons before hitting free agency.

In case you missed it the first time around, here's a look back at the week that was here at MLBTR:

• Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun won his appeal of a 50-game suspension for testing positive for a PED last October.
• The Nationals and Ryan Zimmerman inched toward a contract extension that eventually came to fruition today.
• Free agent starter Roy Oswalt said he'll sign with a contender after the season begins.
• Reds closer Ryan Madson said he'll retain Scott Boras as his agent despite having to settle for a below-market-value contract this offseason.
• The Yankees rounded out their roster, signing DH Raul Ibanez and agreeing to terms with infielder Eric Chavez on one-year contracts.
• The Pirates acquired right-hander A.J. Burnett from the Yankees in exchange for prospects Exicardo Cayones and Diego Moreno.
• The Phillies signed right-hander Kyle Kendrick to a two-year extension, a deal that doesn't carry into his free agent years.
• The Angels signed reliever Jason Isringhausen to a minor league contract.
• The Cardinals and catcher Yadier Molina progressed enough in extension talks that one could transpire within the week.
• The Padres continued extension talks with center fielder Cameron Maybin.
• Phillies lefty Cole Hamels, a free agent after 2012, indicated he has no deadline for a potential contract extension.
• The Yankees signed reliever David Aardsma, coming off 2011 Tommy John surgery, to an incentive-laden Major League deal.
• Twins first baseman Justin Morneau acknowledged that concussion symptoms could threaten his career.
• Braves lefty Mike Minor said he'd like to be traded if he's not in the rotation this season, though he later couched those remarks.
• The Yankees and catcher Russell Martin tabled extension talks.
• Brewers righty Francisco Rodriguez mulled taking legal action against his former representatives.
• The Rockies and manager Jim Tracy agreed to an indefinite contract extension.
• The Athletics signed outfielder/DH Manny Ramirez to a minor league contract.
• Mike Cameron called it a career.
• The Dodgers claimed outfielder Matt Angle off of waivers from the Orioles.
• A couple of outstanding compensation cases were (somewhat) settled: The Red Sox acquired reliever Chris Carpenter and a player to be from the Cubs in exchange for Theo Epstein, while the Padres will receive a player to be named (among 12 prospects) from the Cubs for Jed Hoyer.
• After signing a minor league contract with the Indians this offseason, Jon Garland didn't join the club after declining a physical.
• Free agent infielder Edgar Renteria indicated he's leaning toward retirement.
• The Brewers signed Jay Gibbons to a minor league contract.
• The Indians signed infielder Cristian Guzman to a minor league deal.
• The Blue Jays signed Rick VandenHurk to a non-guaranteed split contract.
• The Rangers acquired Kelvin De La Cruz from the Indians.

Twitter is filled with updates from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training, and Opening Day is less than two months away! Amidst the sea of "best shape of his life" stories, we saw plenty of news here at MLBTR this past week, so let's run it down:

• The Athletics stunned most of the baseball world when they signed Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year deal that will guarantee the highly-touted Cuban center fielder $36MM. Cespedes' contract contains a unique clause that allows him to become a free agent after the final year, despite the fact that he won't have accumulated six years of service time. Here are some media reactions to the bombshell.
• Speaking of large sums of money, the Yankees were able to unload one when they traded A.J. Burnett to the Pirates for minor leaguers Diego Moreno and Exicardo Cayones. Pittsburgh will pay $13MM of the remaining $33MM on Burnett's deal.
• New York is expected to use that money to sign Eric Chavez and Raul Ibanez. They're negotiating extensively with Ibanez currently. Another DH candidate, Johnny Damon, says that a reunion isn't happening.
• The Bombers also saw their deal with Hideki Okajima fall through due to shoulder troubles, and instead signed Clay Rapada, who was released by the Orioles earlier in the week.
• The Orioles had a deal of their own fall apart, as MLB voided Baltimore's agreement with 17-year-old Korean lefty Seong-Min Kim — a move that will likely strengthen the relationship between MLB and the Korean Baseball Organization.
• David Ortiz and the Red Sox avoided arbitration by settling at the midpoint of their exchanged figures. Ortiz will earn $14.575MM in 2012 — the highest salary ever for a full-time DH.
• The Orioles and Adam Jones have discussed an extension, but for the time being, they avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal that will pay Jones $6.15MM in 2012 and includes incentives.
• Pitchers and catchers may be reporting, but Roy Oswalt still remains unsigned. Here's the latest on him, as Opening Day draws nearer.
• The Rangers and Athletics continue to discuss a deal that would send Koji Uehara to Oakland, and the sides are getting close to an agreement.
• As many as seven teams are seriously interested in Jorge Soler at this point, with the Phillies and Yankees said to be showing the highest levels of interest.
• The Pirates avoided arbitration with Casey McGehee and defeated Garrett Jones in an arbitration hearing. McGehee will earn $2.5375MM on a one-year deal, while Jones will be paid $2.25MM.
• The Brewers beat the man they acquired in exchange for McGehee — Jose Veras — in his arbitration hearing as well. Veras will earn $2MM in 2012.
• The Twins and Alexi Casilla avoided arbitration as well, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $1.3825MM.
• Casey Janssen agreed to a two-year extension with the Blue Jays that's valued ast $5.9MM. Toronto holds a $4MM club option for the 2014 season.
• A few managerial headlines this week, as the Royals exercised Ned Yost's 2013 option, and the Rays signed Joe Maddon to a three-year extension worth roughly $6MM.
• Long-time White Sox hurler Jon Garland will likely return to the AL Central; he signed a minor league deal with the Indians this past week. Injuries limited the 32-year-old to just nine starts with the Dodgers in 2011.
• The White Sox signed Kosuke Fukudome to a one-year deal that will pay the Japanese outfielder $500K in 2012. The South Siders have a $3.5MM club option on Fukudome that comes with a $500K buyout, making his guarantee a total of just $1MM.
• The Cardinals signed 17-year-old Dominican left-hander Erick Hurtado for an undisclosed amount.
• Longtime Red Sox Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek have likely seen their last days as Major Leaguers. Wakefield announced his retirement this week, while Varitek is leaning in the same direction.

Here's a look back at the week that was..

• The Orioles shipped Jeremy Guthrie to the Rockies on Monday for pitchers Jason Hammel and Matt Lindstrom.  Guthrie was set to head to an arbitration hearing with the O's that morning but instead settled with the Rockies at $8.2MM, which is $550K below the midpoint.
• The Yankees and Pirates are discussing a possible A.J. Burnett trade with the Yankees willing to pay a substantial portion of the $33MM remaining on his contract through 2013.  The Pirates appear to be willing to absorb $10MM in a trade but the Yanks want them to eat more of the deal.  The Yankees have talked with four clubs about a possible deal but the Bucs seem like the most likely destination.
• Yoenis Cespedes met with Marlins brass this week and returned to the Dominican Republic with an offer.  Some reports say that the outfielder was offered $40MM over six years, while others say it is less.
• MLBTR learned that the Rangers avoided arbitration with Mike Napoli, agreeing to a one-year, $9.4MM contract for 2012.  Napoli, 30, earned $5.8MM in 2011 and obtained the second-highest raise for any third or fourth-time eligible position player.
• MLBTR also reported that Nelson Cruz signed a new two-year deal with the Rangers worth $16MM plus incentives.  Cruz, 31, hit .263/.312/.509 with 29 home runs in 513 plate appearances last year, adding eight more homers in 70 postseason PAs.
• The Rangers and shortstop Elvis Andrus officially signed a three-year extension worth $14.4MM.  Andrus owns a .271/.340/.343 line with 102 stolen bases (135 attempts) as a Major Leaguer.
• The Angels are unlikely to reach agreement on an extension with Erick Aybar before the start of the season.
• The Dodgers announced that they avoided arbitration with Clayton Kershaw, agreeing to terms on a two-year contract worth $19MM.  The contract buys out Kershaw's first two seasons of arbitration eligibility, but doesn't delay his free agency. He will be arbitration eligible for the final time following the 2013 season and eligible for free agency following the 2014 season.
• Owner Lew Wolff announced that GM Billy Beane and president Michael Crowley have agreed to extensions through the 2019 season.  The Athletics have made five playoff appearances under Beane, who has been with the team longer than any other American League GM.
• The Indians announced that they avoided arbitration with Asdrubal Cabrera, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $4.55MM deal for 2012. 
• The Astros avoided arbitration with infielder Jed Lowrie, signing him to a one-year contract for 2012.  Lowrie's deal is worth $1.15MM plus performance bonuses.
• The Phillies considered signing Roy Oswalt but a deal between the two sides is unlikely. 
• Pitcher Anibal Sanchez won his arbitration case against the Marlins in what his agent Gene Mato. deems a "historic win for the players going forward."  Sanchez received an $8MM salary for 2012 instead of the team's $6.9MM figure.
• Emilio Bonifacio beat the Marlins in their arbitration hearing and the Wasserman Media Group client will be paid $2.2MM in 2012 instead of the Marlins' $1.95MM figure.
• The Mariners signed reliever Shawn Camp to a Major League deal.  Camp, 36, posted a 4.21 ERA, 4.3 K/9, 3.0 BB/9, 0.41 HR/9, and 53.5% groundball rate in 66 1/3 innings for the Blue Jays last year.
• The Mariners signed lefty reliever Hong-Chih Kuo to a one-year, Major League contract. 
• The Diamondbacks and Craig Breslow avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $1.795MM.
• The Orioles agreed to sign Luis Ayala to a one-year, $925K deal that is pending a physical.  The deal includes a $1MM team option for 2013 with a $100K buyout.
• Utility infielder Bill Hall announced his own signing with the Yankees.
• The Royals and Alex Gordon avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $4.775MM.  Gordon can earn another $25K in bonuses.
• The Nationals announced that they've signed infielder/outfielder Mark Teahen to a minor league deal.  The Nats also signed Rick Ankiel to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
• The Padres signed righty Jeff Suppan to a minor league deal that will be worth $950K if he makes the big league roster.
• The Rangers signed outfielder/first baseman Conor Jackson and left-handed reliever Joe Beimel to minor league contracts.  The deals include invitations to big league Spring Training.
• The Cubs claimed Adrian Cardenas off of waivers from the Athletics and designated infielder Blake DeWitt for assignment to create 40-man roster space for him.
• The Orioles agreed to sign Nick Johnson to a minor league deal.
• The Red Sox and Alfredo Aceves avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.2MM deal with $100K in bonus incentives.
• The Yankees signed first baseman Russell Branyan to a minor league deal with a spring training invite.  The move does not impact the team's pursuit of Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, and Raul Ibanez.
• The Cardinals agreed to a minor league deal with a spring training invite with infielder Alex Cora.
• The Dodgers signed reliever Jamey Wright to a minor league deal with a spring training invite.
• The Twins claimed Darin Mastroianni off of waivers from the Blue Jays and designated Esmerling Vasquez for assignment.
• The Cardinals signed Dominican right-hander Andres Serrano for $750K.  Earlier in the week they also signed Scott Linebrink to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to Spring Training.

We're into the first week of February, and just three of MLBTR's Top 50 free agents remain unsigned. Let's take a look back at the past seven days:

• Probably the biggest news of the week was Edwin Jackson agreeing to terms on a one-year, $11MM deal with the Nationals. Most thought Jackson would sign for four years, but it looks like he'll re-enter the market next offseason in hopes of that big payday.
• Casey Kotchman found a new home this week, signing with the Indians on a one-year, $3MM deal following up his surprisingly strong 2011 season. The Tribe also acquired Russ Canzler from the Rays for $100K. Canzler, a 25-year-old outfielder, had a monster season at Triple-A and won the International League MVP.
• The Cubs signed Cuban left-hander Gerardo Concepcion for $7MM. The highly-touted youngster received offers from as many as 10 clubs.
• Matt Belisle signed a one-year contract extension with the Rockies that tacks on an additional year at $4.35MM. The Rox worked out a similar extension with Rafael Betancourt last offseason.
• Todd Coffey signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers that contains a club option. His contract will guarantee him $1.3MM.
• The Brewers avoided arbitration with Shaun Marcum by agreeing to a one-year, $7.725MM deal with the right-hander.
• The Nationals beat John Lannan in arbitration, and will pay him $5MM in 2012, though they're reported to be aggressively shopping the southpaw in the wake of the Jackson signing.
• Washington wasn't the only team to beat a pitcher in arbitration. The Rays beat Jeff Niemann and will pay him $2.75MM rather than $3.2MM in 2012.
• Micah Owings signed a one-year, Major League deal with the Padres with a $1MM base. San Diego also avoided arbitration with Dustin Moseley, agreeing on a $2.0125MM salary.
• The Phillies added to their bullpen by signing Chad Qualls to a one-year deal worth $1.15MM.
• The Diamondbacks avoided arbitration with Miguel Montero by agreeing to a one-year, $5.9MM contract, and also avoided arb with Ryan Roberts by agreeing to a $2.0125MM salary.
• Yoenis Cespedes' agent, Adam Katz, is hopeful that his client will be with a team in time for Spring training. In that same piece, we find that Jim Callis of Baseball America would rank Cespedes in the 7-15 range of BA's annual Top 100 prospect list.
• Both Johnny Damon and Vladimir Guerrero are said to be seeking deals worth $5MM, though it seems unlikely that they'll be able to find that kind of coin to me.
• The Rangers signed Ron Washington to a two-year extension.
• Former Cubs GM Jim Hendry was hired by the Yankees as a special assignment scout.
• Zack Greinke, who still doesn't have an agent after parting ways with his representatives at CAA, is open to an extension with the Brewers.
• Josh Hamilton and the Rangers have tabled their extension talks for now.
• Yankees manager Joe Girardi is hoping his club adds one more bat.
• Manny Ramirez is currently deciding between the Athletics, Blue Jays, and Orioles.
• Tim Wakefield is considering retirement, and Pat Burrell has already made up his mind to do just that; the former No. 1 overall pick called it a career this week.
• Some notable minor league deals this week included Pat Neshek and Ronny Paulino signing with the Orioles, Livan Hernandez latching on with the Astros, and Trever Miller landing with the Cubs.

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

• The Tigers officially agreed to sign free agent first baseman Prince Fielder to a nine-year, $214MM contract.  The agreement has no opt-outs and will keep Fielder in the Motor City through his age 36 season for an average annual value of $23.78MM.  Over the years, Tigers owner Mike Ilitch and GM Dave Dombrowski have dealt extensively with Scott Boras regarding clients such as Kenny Rogers, Ivan Rodriguez, Johnny Damon and Magglio Ordonez.
• The Rangers are set to meet with Roy Oswalt tomorrow morning, assuming he's still a free agent by then.  The Cardinals were reportedly close to a deal with the veteran pitcher but those rumblings have been denied by GM John Mozeliak.  There is "no chance" of Oswalt relieving in 2012, agent Bob Garber told Tim Dierkes.
• Free agent pitcher Edwin Jackson has multiple three-year offers.  The Red Sox have made Jackson an offer and it's believed that he would take a one-year deal to play in Boston.  The Orioles are in the mix and though it doesn't look like they'll offer a four-year deal, they could put a three-year contract with an option year on the table.
• The Giants and Tim Lincecum agreed to a two-year, $40.5MM contract extension, avoiding arbitration with the two-time Cy Young Award winner.  The two-year deal buys out Lincecum's final two seasons of arbitration eligibility and avoids a potentially historic hearing.  The right-hander will earn $18MM in 2012 and $22MM in 2013 to go along with a $500K signing bonus.
• The Blue Jays signed right-hander Brandon Morrow to a three-year, $20MM extension, the team announced.  The deal includes a 2015 option for $10MM.  Morrow will earn $4MM in 2012 and $8MM in 2013 and 2014. There's a $10MM option with a $1MM buyout in 2015 for a total guarantee of $21MM.
• The Red Sox signed outfielder Cody Ross to a one-year deal worth roughly $3MM plus incentives.  Ross played all three outfield positions for the Giants last season and hit .240/.325/.405 line with 14 home runs in 461 plate appearances.  The club designated right-hander Scott Atchison for assignment to make room for Ross.
• The Dodgers pushed hard for Prince Fielder for weeks and thought they had a legitimate chance of signing him by offering the slugger a seven-year deal.
• MLB has informed teams that Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is now a free agent after recently gaining residency in the Dominican Republic.
• The Blue Jays agreed to sign right-handed reliever Francisco Cordero to a one-year, $4.5MM contract.  Cordero, 36, posted a 2.45 ERA with 5.4 K/9, 2.8 BB/9 and a 50% ground ball rate in 69 2/3 innings for Cincinnati this past season.
• The Rockies and Rafael Betancourt agreed to a contract extension which guarantees Betancourt's $4.25MM mutual option for 2013 and adds an option at the same salary for 2014.  He'll earn $4MM in 2012 as part of his current contract.
• The Phillies avoided arbitration with Hunter Pence, agreeing to a one-year, $10.4MM contract for 2012.  The sides settled at the midpoint between Pence's request for $11.8MM and the Phillies' $9MM offer.
• The Yankees and Russell Martin avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $7.5MM with $100K in performance bonuses.
• The Reds acquired infielder Wilson Valdez from the Phillies for left-hander Jeremy Horst.  Horst will be in Major League Spring Training as a non-roster player.
• A possible deal to send Rangers reliever Koji Uehara to Toronto fell through when the reliever exercised his no-trade clause.  Uehara is now said to be drawing trade interest from the Orioles.
• Juan Pierre signed a minor league deal with the Phillies that includes an invitation to Spring Training. 
• On Friday, the Giants agreed to sign free agent infielder Ryan Theriot to a one-year deal worth $1.25MM with $750K in incentives.
• The Yankees have interest in Raul Ibanez.  The veteran has drawn interest from a number of clubs, including the Mets and Tigers, in recent weeks.
• There are early indications that the Giants will have a decent or better chance to lock Matt Cain on another long-term deal.
• Free agent outfielder J.D. Drew is "very likely" to retire.
• The Blue Jays signed 44-year-old infielder Omar Vizquel to a minor league contract that contains an invitation to the Major League Spring Training camp.
• The Reds and reliever Jose Arredondo avoided arbitration by agreeing to terms on a two-year, $2MM contract.
• The Mariners signed Kevin Millwood to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to Spring Training.
• Jeff Keppinger signed a one-year, $1.525MM Major League deal with the Rays.  In order to make room for the 31-year-old, the club designated Russ Canzler for assignment.
• The Orioles announced that they have signed Wilson Betemit to a two-year, Major League contract that includes a vesting option for 2014.  Betemit's deal could be worth up to $6MM.
• Cuban left-hander Gerardo Concepcion, an 18-year-old free agent, is very close to signing with a team.  According to his agent, Concepcion has drawn the most interest from the Rangers, White Sox, Cubs, and Yankees.
• The Indians placed Roberto Hernandez Heredia (better known as Fausto Carmona) on the restricted list.  The move clears a spot on the team's 40-man roster, and Hernandez will not accrue service time or get paid until he reports.
• The Red Sox and Andrew Bailey avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.9MM deal that includes $100K in incentives.
• The Nationals agreed to sign free agent right-hander Brad Lidge to a one-year deal.  Lidge will earn $1MM plus incentives.
• Corner outfielder Austin Kearns agreed to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to Spring Training.
• The Reds signed Willie Harris to a minor league deal.  The 33-year-old can earn an $800K salary if he makes the Reds out of Spring Training.
• The Diamondbacks claimed catcher Craig Tatum off of waivers from the Astros.  The 28-year-old backstop will provide the Diamondbacks with another option behind Miguel Montero and Henry Blanco.
• The White Sox signed left-hander Scott Olsen to a minor league contract with a 2013 team option.
• The Red Sox signed right-hander John Maine to a minor league contract.
• The Reds agreed to sign free agent left-hander Jeff Francis to a minor league deal.
• The Astros signed left-hander Zach Duke to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training.
• The Indians inked reliever Dan Wheeler to a minor league contract.
• The Giants agreed to terms with reliever Clay Hensley on a Major League contract.

Let's take a look back at a busy week here at MLBTR..

• The Rangers agreed to sign Yu Darvish to a six-year deal in the $60MM range.  Bonuses in the deal could tack another $10MM on to the contract.  Darvish can opt out of the contract after the fifth year but must hit high-end award levels in order to earn that option.  The right-hander will earn $5.5MM in 2012, $9.5MM in 2013, $10MM annually from 2014-2016, and $11MM in 2017.
• The Nationals and Gio Gonzalez agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension.  The deal runs through 2016, with club options for 2017 and 2018, and comes less than a month after the Nationals sent four prospects to the Athletics to acquire Gonzalez.  Gonzalez, 26, was eligible for arbitration for the first time as a Super Two this winter.
• The Red Sox traded Marco Scutaro to the Rockies for Clayton Mortenson, freeing up $6MM on their payroll.  The extra breathing room could allow the club to bolster their rotation and it's worth noting that they've stepped up their pursuit of Roy Oswalt.  Boston also avoided arbitration with Daniel Bard this week.
• The Rays agreed to sign Carlos Pena to a one-year, $7.25MM deal that will bring the powerful first baseman back to Tampa Bay.  Pena, 33, posted a .225/.357/.462 line with 28 home runs in 606 plate appearances for the Cubs in 2011.
• Tons of arbitration eligible players agreed to deals with their respective clubs this week.  To get caught up on everything, check out MLBTR's arbitration tracker.
• The Giants and Pablo Sandoval agreed to a three-year extension worth $17.15MM plus incentives.  The deal doesn't delay his free agency — he's still on track to hit the open market after the 2014 season.
• Speaking of the Giants, they appear to be close with Tim Lincecum  on a new contract.  The club offered a two-year, $40MM contract and the pitcher's representatives have countered with a two-year, $44MM offer.  The hurler filed for a $21.5MM salary through arbitration and the Giants countered at $17MM. Both figures set new records for players with less than six years of service time.
• The Braves and Australian right-hander Peter Moylan agreed to a one-year, $1MM minor league deal.
• The Indians signed Julio Lugo to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
• The Brewers signed outfielder Norichika Aoki to a two-year deal that includes a club option for 2014.  Aoki will earn $1MM in 2012 and $1.25MM in 2013 but with incentives and bonuses, he can make a a little over $8.6MM over three years.  Thanks in part to the Aoki deal, GM Bob Melvin says the club is way over budget.
• The Athletics acquired outfielder Seth Smith from the Rockies for righty Guillermo Moscoso and lefty Josh Outman.
• The Rangers have been the middle of the Prince Fielder rumormill but team co-owner Bob Simpson says that he's not an option at his asking price, and that he'd prefer to re-sign Josh Hamilton instead.
• Before adding Scutaro to the fold, it was reported that the Rockies "remain strongly interested" in Justin Turner.
• The Rockies and Rafael Betancourt agreed to a contract extension guaranteeing his $4.25MM mutual option for 2013.  The deal adds an option at the same salary for 2014.  The Octagon client will earn $4MM in 2012 as part of his current contract.
• The Padres avoided arbitration with outfielder Carlos Quentin for $7.025MM.
  
• On Friday, the Nationals announced that they agreed to sign Michael Morse to a contract extension.  Morse's deal is reportedly worth about $10.5MM over two years.
• The Indians acquired starting pitcher Kevin Slowey and $1.25MM from the Rockies for right-handed reliever Zach Putnam.  With the cash acquired, the Tribe will pay Slowey just $1.5MM in 2012.
• This week we learned that Fausto Carmona's real name is Roberto Hernandez Heredia and he is actually 31, not 28.  The right-hander's chances of obtaining a visa quickly don't seem good.  It appears unlikely that the Indians will void his contract, but he has to get to the U.S. to get paid this year.
• The Athletics are "very interested" in adding Manny Ramirez as a designated hitter for 2012.
• The A's also agreed to sign Jonny Gomes to a deal worth approximately $1.1MM.  Gomes, 31, posted a .209/.325/.389 line with 14 homers in 372 plate appearances for the Reds and Nationals in 2011.
• The D'Backs will sign free agent Joe Saunders to a one-year deal after non-tendering him in December.  Saunders will get $6MM, or $2.7MM less than his projected salary through arbitration.
• On Wednesday it was reported that the Nats are discussing a contract extension with Ryan Zimmerman.
• The White Sox are still listening on righty Gavin Floyd and the Red Sox are among the interested teams.
• The Red Sox agreed to terms with right-hander Aaron Cook on a minor league contract.  The deal is worth $1.5MM prorated if Cook is called up to the Major Leagues.
• The Rangers signed Brad Hawpe to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training.  The veteran will earn $1MM plus bonuses if he makes the Opening Day roster.
• The Reds will sign free agent outfielder Ryan Ludwick to a one-year deal that includes a mutual option for 2013.
• The Blue Jays gave Mark Teahen his unconditional release.  They designated him for assignment earlier in the month and will be responsible for paying his $5.5MM salary in 2012.
• The Giants avoided arbitration with Sergio Romo, agreeing to a one-year, $1.575MM deal.
• The Twins and Joel Zumaya agreed to a one-year contract which could pay the Hendricks Sports client anywhere from $800K to $1.7MM based on incentives.
• The Orioles agreed to sign 34-year-old left-hander Dennys Reyes to a minor league deal, a source told MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith.
• The Red Sox reached an agreement with righty Vicente Padilla that will pay him $1.5MM if he makes the big league roster.
• The Astros have agreed to sign Jack Cust to a one-year deal with a club option for 2013.
• The Rockies agreed to sign 49-year-old left-hander Jamie Moyer to a minor league deal.
• The O's signed Armando Galarraga to a minor league contract.
• The Astros announced that they signed catcher Chris Snyder to a one-year deal that includes a mutual option for 2013.
• The Mariners signed left-hander Oliver Perez to a minor league deal.
• The Reds agreed to a minor league deal with catcher Dioner Navarro.
• The Phillies officially signed Joel Pineiro to a minor league contract with a spring training invite.
• Longtime MLB shortstop Orlando Cabrera announced his retirement from baseball.  Cabrera spent 15 seasons in the Major Leagues, winning two Gold Gloves and collecting 2,055 hits along the way.
• The Cubs signed Rodrigo Lopez to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.
• Our own Nick Collias passed along a report from Mexican magazine Puro Béisbol that reliever Luis Ayala is weighing offers from the Angels and the Orioles and could sign with one of the two soon.
• The Blue Jays agreed to sign 37-year-old right-hander Nelson Figueroa to a minor league contract.
• The Indians agreed to sign free agent outfielder Ryan Spilborghs to a minor league deal.
• The Indians announced that they signed outfielder Fred Lewis and right-handed reliever Jeremy Accardo to minor league deals.
• The Rays signed second baseman Will Rhymes, outfielder Jesus Feliciano and right-handed reliever Romulo Sanchez to minor league deals.
• The Cubs completed their minor league deal with catcher Jason Jaramillo, MLBTR's Tim Dierkes learned.

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.

Lots of transactions this week… let's run down the major ones along with the week's top rumors here:

• The Angels and Howie Kendrick agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension worth $33.5MM that will buy out his final arbitration year and three free agent seasons. The Halos also inked Jorge Cantu to a minor league deal.
• The A's signed Coco Crisp to a two-year deal that will pay the center fielder $6MM in 2012, $7MM in 2013, and carries a $7.5MM club option with a $1MM buyout for 2014.
• Jason Frasor's tenure with the White Sox didn't last long; the South Siders dealt him back to the team they acquired him from this past summer — the Blue Jays – in exchange for two minor league pitchers.
• The Padres dealt with their first base surplus this week by trading Anthony Rizzo (along with Zach Cates) to the Cubs in exchange for Andrew Cashner and Kyung-Min Na. Rizzo had previously been one of the key components to San Diego's Adrian Gonzalez trade.
• The Marlins took on one of the game's biggest loose cannons when they acquired Carlos Zambrano for Chris Volstad. The Cubs will pay all but $2.5MM of the $18MM owed to Zambrano. Miami also signed Greg Dobbs to a two-year deal worth $3MM.
• Speaking of nearly untradeable Cubs, the Orioles discussed a potential acquisition of Alfonso Soriano from Chicago earlier this week. Multiple teams have inquired on Soriano apparently, though the Cubs would need to eat an immense amount of salary.
• The Mariners signed Hisashi Iwakuma to a mere one-year, $1.5MM contract that includes $3.4MM in incentives. Iwakuma turned down signficantly more on a multiyear deal with the A's through the posting system following the 2010 season.
• Iwakuma wasn't Seattle's only Japanese signing though; the Mariners also agreed to sign infielder Munenori Kawasaki to a minor league contract. Like Iwakuma, Kawasaki was a free agent and exempt from the posting system.
• The Yankees, meanwhile, failed to reach an agreement with Japanese infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima. The Bombers wanted Nakajima in a utility role, while he was a star with the Seibu Lions.
• The Cubs agreed to extend their relationship with Reed Johnson, coming to terms on a one-year deal worth $1.15MM for the outfielder.
• The Mets made a pair of similar one-year signings (price-wise), picking up Ronny Cedeno for $1.2MM and re-signing Scott Hairston to a $1.1MM deal.
• There were several major league deals given out to relievers this week, starting with the Rays' addition of Fernando Rodney on a one-year deal worth $2MM. Rodney will earn $1.75MM this season with a $250K buyout on a $2.5MM club option for 2013.
• The Blue Jays signed Darren Oliver to a one-year deal that will pay the veteran southpaw $4MM.
• The Dodgers signed Mike MacDougal to a one-year deal that will pay the 34-year-old $1MM and contains a club option for the 2013 season.
• The Nationals, who will be receiving a tremendous increase in their TV revenues, may have emerged as the favorites to land Prince Fielder. Doing so would likely mean they'd have to find a new home for Adam LaRoche.
• Scott Boras is said to be seeking five years for his other big ticket free agent, Edwin Jackson. Early in the offseason, Boras was reportedly seeking A.J. Burnett/John Lackey money (five years, $82.5MM).
• Tigers righty Rick Porcello has opted out of his contract and become arbitration-eligible. He signed a four-year Major League deal out of the draft and exercised his opt-out clause, which will allow him to earn more via the arbitration process.
• Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan is taking a leave of absence while his wife battles with cancer. Keep he and his family in your thoughts.
• After a 17-year Major League career spent entirely with the Yankees, Jorge Posada will announce his retirement in the coming weeks. After all is said and done, Posada will finish with a career triple slash line of .273/.374/.474 to go along with 275 homers.

A pair of notable trades were the highlights of a relatively quiet final week of 2011. Here's a look back at what went down …

• The Red Sox acquired closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney from the Athletics in exchange for outfielder Josh Reddick and minor leaguers Miles Head and Raul Alcantara.
• The Padres acquired outfielder Carlos Quentin from the White Sox in exchange for minor league pitchers Simon Castro and Pedro Hernandez.
• The Giants and ace Tim Lincecum remained far apart on a potential contract extension.
• The Cubs intensified trade talks regarding right-hander Matt Garza. The Tigers are in the mix, as are the Marlins.
• The Blue Jays agreed to sign reliever Darren Oliver to a one-year contract with a club option for 2013.
• The Yankees agreed to sign reserve outfielder Andruw Jones.
• The Mariners signed lefty reliever George Sherrill.
• The Tigers made it be known that they'd be willing to trade right-hander Jacob Turner.
• Lastings Milledge signed a one-year deal with a club option for 2013 with the Yakult Swallows of NPB.
• Prince Fielder's agent insisted that the free agent first baseman does not prefer a short-term contract to a long-term deal.
• The Nationals officially announced the signing of utility man Mark DeRosa.
• The Yankees may have dropped out of the bidding for free agent starter Hiroki Kuroda.
• The Cubs signed right-hander Andy Sonnanstine to a split contract.
• The Yankees signed left-handed reliever Hideki Okajima to a minor league contract.
• The Giants signed right-hander Boof Bonser to a minor league contract.
• Melvin Mora called it a career.
• The Athletics expressed strong interest in Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler.
• The Orioles continued conversations with the representatives for free agent lefty Joe Saunders.
• Two teams expressed "viable" interest in free agent Japanese right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma.
• The Mariners expressed interest in signing free agent right-hander Kevin Millwood.
• The Diamondbacks signed Cuban left-hander Alexander Carreras.
• The Cubs signed a pair of Cuban prospects.
• The Astros interviewed ESPN analyst Keith Law for several front office positions.