Week In Review

It's Sunday, which means it's time for a look back on the week that was here on MLBTR:

• The offseason is beginning to take shape, as we heard that Cliff Lee may seek a C.C. Sabathia-type contract, but the Tigers won't be one of the teams pursuing him (or any other top starters for that matter).
• Meanwhile, Angels owner Arte Moreno is prepared to spend big and targeting Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth. The Cubs are looking to spend too, except they're targeting the draft and scouting.
• The Orioles will look to add power to their lineup, while Lance Berkman will seek out an everyday role somewhere as opposed to a platoon position.
• It's unlikely to think about David Wright being traded, but Mets COO Jeff Wilpon's comments that they'd have to be open to anything has at least spurred speculation. For what it's worth, Wright wants to stay.
• We saw lots of managerial decisions this week, as the Brewers declined their option on Ken Macha, the Reds signed Dusty Baker to a two-year extension, the Mets relieved Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel of their duties, and the Diamondbacks retained both manager Kirk Gibson, who received a two-year extension as well, and former GM Jerry Dipoto (now the senior vice president of scouting and player development).
• Meanwhile, the Astros exercised Brad Mills' 2012 option and added another for 2013, but weren't done there. They made a decision on two player options, exercising Jason Michaels' $900K option while paying a $150K buyout on Geoff Blum's $1.65MM option.
• The Rockies aren't sure on what do with their half of Miguel Olivo's option for 2011, as Victor Martinez is also on their radar, but they're likely discussing a deal to keep Jorge de la Rosa in Colorado.
• A more noteworthy option we learned about was Bronson Arroyo's $11MM option for 2011, which will "definitely" be picked up, according to GM Walt Jocketty. The Reds have a $2MM buyout on the option, so Arroyo is essentially returning on a one-year, $9MM deal. Jocketty will try to extend the veteran workhorse this offseason.
• Perhaps the biggest piece of option news this week relates to Albert Pujols though, whose $16MM option for 2011 was exercised by the Cardinals (not that there was ever any doubt). The Cardinals will be trying everything they can to get Pujols locked up beyond 2011, I'm sure. Side note on Pujols in case you weren't aware, both he and Rafael Furcal now have ten-and-five rights.
• The Padres announced that they'll decline Chris Young's option for 2011 and GM Jed Hoyer will meet with Adrian Gonzalez's agent in the coming weeks. Later in the week we heard the Padres signing Gonzo long-term isn't "practical."
• Cards GM John Mozeliak may have insisted that Colby Rasmus won't be traded, but that won't stop other teams from preparing to make a push for the 24-year-old. After his minor fallout with the Cardinals this season, you can bet all 29 teams have at least thought about making an offer.
• Four Orioles minor leaguers elected free agency, while the Padres claimed Jarrett Hoffpauir from the Blue Jays, and the Rangers claimed Ryan Tucker from the Marlins, designating Rich Harden for assignment in order to do so.
• The Red Sox removed Robert Manuel, Dusty Brown, and Kevin Cash from their 40-man roster; all three will be eligible for free agency following the World Series.
• Daisuke Matsuzaka may have his ups and downs, but he's very much part of Boston's plans in 2011. They won't look to trade him.
• Another Japanese pitcher, Hisashi Iwakuma, was posted by the Rakuten Golden Eagles this week. The 29-year-old posted strong numbers in Japan this past season.
• Lastly, best wishes to Mike Redmond in his post-playing career in baseball. The veteran backstop retired this week, but is expected to find a managerial or coaching job elsewhere in the game. Redmond played 764 games over 13 seasons; not bad for a guy who wasn't drafted. Congratulations, Mike!

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

• The Diamondbacks announced that they have hired Kevin Towers as their new GM.  It was initially reported that interim GM Jerry Dipoto would not return to the organization, but it now seems that Towers has convinced him to stay.  Dipoto will assume a "high-level" position with the club.  Towers says that he hopes to bolster the club's bench and bullpen.
• Talks between Washington and Adam Dunn have picked up and the slugger believes that he'll be a member of the Nationals in 2011.
• This will be a pivotal offseason for White Sox slugger Paul Konerko as he heads into free agency.  Konerko says that if he's not happy with what's available to him this winter, he may retire.
• On Tuesday the Cardinals released Felipe Lopez and the veteran was quickly claimed by the Padres.  However, Lopez rejected San Diego's offer and instead signed with Boston.  Part of Lopez's appeal to Boston is his Type B status.
• We haven't heard too much from Magglio Ordonez since he underwent season-ending surgery last month, but teammate Miguel Cabrera says that the veteran outfielder wants to return to Detroit.
• The Orioles could be in the mix to sign Victor Martinez.
• Colorado considered trading for a starter down the stretch but opted not to.
• The Mets reportedly have too much money committed to their current roster to pursue players such as Cliff Lee this winter.
• Postseason success won't affect the Rays' 2011 payroll.
• Top executives might want nothing to do with the Mets.
• The Brewers signed righthander Mark DiFelice to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training.
• Veteran infielder Edgar Renteria may retire after this season.
• The Cubs DFA'd Mitch Atkins.
• I wonder if Cesar Carrillo keeps a bag packed at all times.  The pitcher has now been claimed by the Astros.

Sundays might mean hours upon hours of football for most sports fans, but around here it means it's time to look back at the past seven days on MLBTR. Here we go:

• We saw two contending teams acquire players this week, despite the fact that they won't be eligible for the postseason roster. The Reds acquired Willie Bloomquist for a player to be named later, and the Rockies did the same with Octavio Dotel.
• Enerio Del Rosario, who was designated for assignment by the Reds in order to make room for Bloomquist, was later acquired by the Astros for cash.
• Joe Torre announced this week that he'll step down as the manager of the Dodgers following this season. He'll be replaced by hitting coach Don Mattingly, whose contract will last for the next three seasons. Here's some additional media reactions to Torre's announcement.
• Oakland signed Akinori Iwamura following his release from the Pirates. He'll look to rebuild a little bit of the value he lost in Pittsburgh this season.
• Aramis Ramirez told reporters that he's staying in Chicago for 2011. No surprise there, as he'd be unable to match the $14.6MM his player option guarantees him.
• And in case you'd forgotten, Ramirez's teammate, Carlos Zambrano, is still planning on retiring once he finishes out his current contract. Ryan Franklin, on the other hand, is reconsidering a similar claim.
• On the other side of Chicago, it was reported that Kenny Williams and the White Sox would love to keep Paul Konerko around, but aren't sure they'll have the payroll available to retain the MVP candidate.
• Darren Oliver's 2011 option vested this week. He'll earn $3.25MM next season.
• This year's #6 overall pick and new free agent, Barret Loux, threw for the Astros and approximately 15 other teams this week. He's not in a rush to find a place to sign, but I doubt he'll have much trouble finding a taker.
• In one of the more unfortunate stories we've seen in awhile, Jason LaRue was forced to retire following a concussion suffered in a brawl between the Reds and Cardinals earlier this year. Best of luck in life after baseball, Jason.
• No surprise to hear that the Brewers won't pick up their half of Doug Davis' mutual option for 2011. Davis was torched through eight starts this season and will likely be looking at a significant pay cut next season.
• There was a lot of talk after Colby Rasmus reportedly requested a trade (though he later denied it), but Cardinals GM John Mozeliak did his part to silence the speculation this week by concretely saying that Rasmus will not be traded. Mozeliak also noted that the Cardinals could increase payroll over the next few years.
• We learned that 29-year-old Japanese righty Hisashi Iwakuma wants to join MLB. He'll be eligible for international free agency following 2011, but his team may want to cash in on  him sooner than that.
• Also, be sure to check out our Transactions page to keep up with all of the minor moves that happen throughout each and every week.

I've been waiting all day for Sunday night, because that's when we take a look back at the week that was on MLBTR..

• Waves were made on Sunday when Cards skipper Tony La Russa confirmed that Colby Rasmus had demanded a trade earlier in the season.  La Russa also said that the youngster made a similar request in 2009.  Rasmus later denied making such a request this year.
• We learned on Wednesday that the Red Sox offered Victor Martinez a two-year contract extension.  However, he turned that proposal down and his agent Alan Nero says that Martinez is seeking a long-term commitment.
• Meanwhile, Boston is prepared to pick up David Ortiz's option.  Big Papi's option calls for him to earn $12.5MM in 2011.
• Boston veteran Mike Lowell put all speculation to rest this week when he announced that he will retire after this season.
• Surprisingly, Aramis Ramirez says that he may not exercise his 2011 option worth $14.6MM.
• The Nats likely won't pick up Adam Kennedy's option for 2011.
• After DFA'ing Akinori Iwamura and Erik Kratz early in the week, the Bucs chose to release Iwamura and outright Kratz to Triple-A.
• It appears that Kevin Towers is the frontrunner for the Diamondbacks GM job.
• Speaking of Towers, the Padres DFA'd Steve Garrison and Towers convinced his current employers, the Yankees, to pick him up.  The Yankees designated Wilkin De La Rosa for assignment in order to make room for the pitcher.
• The Dodgers designated infielder Ronnie Belliard for assignment.
• Reliever Taylor Buchholz landed with Toronto after being DFA'd by Colorado on Tuesday.
• Pat Knows.  The Royals signed former Dolphins and West Virginia quarterback Pat White to a minor-league deal.
• The Phillies gave Nate Robertson his walking papers and claimed Cesar Carrillo from the Padres.
• The Angels released reliever Brian Stokes, whom they acquired last winter from the Mets.  Utility player Robb Quinlan was also released by the Halos.
• Arizona acquired Matt Gorgen from the Rays to complete the July 31st Chad Qualls deal.

It's time to take a look back at the highlights of this past week which included the waiver trade deadline..

• Unquestionably, the biggest story of the week was the White Sox being awarded Manny Ramirez after submitting the winning claim.  Chicago will owe the slugger $3.8MM for the remainder of 2010 but three-quarters of that will be deferred without interest.  White Sox GM Kenny Williams doesn't think that the quirky superstar will be a clubhouse distraction.
• Texas swung a deal for Jeff Francoeur by sending Joaquin Arias to the Mets.  The Rangers DFA'd Brandon Boggs to make room for him.
• The Marlins and pitcher Ricky Nolasco are far apart on terms for a long-term contract.  The hurler still has two arbitration years left because of his Super Two status.
• Matt Kemp is reportedly seeking a deal similar to that of Nick Markakis but knows that he won't get that out of the Dodgers.
• The Dodgers will be on the lookout for a big bat and a catcher this offseason.  They will also pursue an extension with Ted Lilly.  The Yankees had the winning claim on the lefthander but couldn't get a deal done with Ned Colletti & Co.
• The Rockies bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Manny Delcarmen from the Red Sox.  Boston received minor league righty Chris Balcom-Miller in return.
• Righthander Chad Durbin wants to return to the Phillies and it sounds like the feeling is mutual.
• Mark Prior inked a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers.  The righthander will turn 30 on Tuesday.
• For the umpteenth time, the Rangers were on the cusp of acquiring Mike Lowell but ultimately did not.
• Washington extended Livan Hernandez's deal, giving him a $1MM, one-year pact laden with incentives.
• Two MLB stars have parted ways with their agents.  Alex Rodriguez is no longer with Scott Boras and Jayson Werth is looking for new representation.
• Oakland signed Jeremy Hermida and assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate.  He was cut loose by the BoSox earlier in the week.
• The Mets are open to a multi-year deal with knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.
• Milwaukee will be on the lookout for pitching this winter.
• The Red Sox claimed Mike Napoli on waivers but couldn't reach a deal with the Halos.
• Minnesota shipped Loek Van Mil to the Angels to complete the Brian Fuentes deal.  The Twins DFA'd the 7'1" pitcher earlier in the week.
• Colorado signed Luis Ayala.
• Former big league catcher Mike Rivera found a new home with the Marlins.
• The Padres DFA'd righthander Cesar Carrillo on Wednesday.

It's Sunday night and that means it's time to take a look back at the week that was..

• Multiple teams claimed Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez off of waivers but the White Sox emerged with the winning claim.  It was said that the Dodgers would not be willing to part with the slugger for nothing, though it now appears that they may do just that.
• The Twins acquired Brian Fuentes from the Angels on Friday in exchange for a player to be named later.  The 35-year-old has $1.89MM left on his contract this season.
• As August 31st fast approaches, the White Sox and Phillies are said to be eyeing relief options.  Several interesting bullpen arms including Scott Downs, Jason Frasor, and Kevin Gregg have been waived and claimed by teams, though Toronto isn't likely to move any of them.
• Even though Nats GM Mike Rizzo wants to sign him to an extension, Adam Dunn is likely headed for free agency.
• Cody Ross was awarded to San Francisco, though they were likely trying to block the Padres from getting him.  Matt Downs was DFA'd by San Francisco to make room for the outfielder.
• The Dodgers claimed Rod Barajas off of waivers from the Mets to fill in for the injured Russell Martin.
• On Friday the Rays announced that they have officially signed Brad Hawpe to a deal.  Hawpe was designated for assignment by the Rockies and received interest from the Red Sox, Rangers, and Padres.
• The Yankees say that they're content to stand pat rather than deal for a starter before Tuesday.
• Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla is said to be seeking $55-60MM across five years.  However, Uggla says that talks between the two sides have slowed down.
• A pair of Tigers vets, Jhonny Peralta and Johnny Damon, want to return to the club in 2011.  The Red Sox put in the winning claim on Damon this week but the slugger refused to return to Boston.
• Yankees hurler C.C. Sabathia says that he won't "even consider" leaving the Yankees when his player option comes up after next season.
• The Phillies inked Nate Robertson to a minor league deal.  The pitcher will be assigned to their Triple-A affiliate.
• Joaquin Arias was designated for assignment by Texas to make room for Alex Cora.
• Milwaukee released reliever David Riske, who was owed $1MM for the remainder of 2010.
• Arizona released infielder Bobby Crosby after the 30-year-old spent less than one month with the squad.
• Veteran Jermaine Dye says he wants to return in 2011.
• Trever Miller's 2011 option, worth $2MM, will now vest.
• Royals veteran Willie Bloomquist would like the opportunity to be an everyday player again.  He will be a free agent at the end of this season.

Here's a look back at the trades, DFAs, and draft news from the past week:

• The Braves acquired Derrek Lee for three prospects. His overall line's not great, but he's having a strong second half. Chicago will pay $1.7MM of the remaining $3.4MM owed to Lee.
• The Cardinals acquired Pedro Feliz from Houston for minor league David Carpenter. Surprising to see Feliz go anywhere, as his defense has declined and he's statistically one of the least valuable players in baseball this season. But, his first two games in St. Louis have been good at least! Maybe a change of scenery will help.
• The Indians acquired Zach McAllister from the Yankees to complete the Austin Kearns trade. McAllister has struggled in 2010, but anytime you can flip a minor league signee (Kearns) for someone who was an organization's #5 prospect heading into the season (McAllister), you've done well.
• The deadline to sign draft picks came and went this week, with Bryce Harper signing a five-year major league deal that guarantees him $9.9MM. Here's the scoop on the rest of the first-rounders, as well as some notable non-first rounders.
• One first rounder who didn't sign, Barret Loux, will actually be granted free agency on Sept. 1, the commissioner's office ruled. The D'Backs retracted their offer to the #6 overall pick when he failed his physical, but due to his ineligibility to return to NCAA ball, he was granted free agency in fairness to both sides. Arizona will receive the #7 pick in next year's draft as compensation.
• The Rockies DFA'ed Brad Hawpe this week, and the Phillies may have interest. The Rangers have interest, and the Giants did as well, but that's probably out the window thanks to their claim of Cody Ross today.
• Another NL West left-handed hitter cleared waivers this week, but surprisingly, Adam LaRoche isn't drawing interest. He may not mind though, as he's in preliminary extension talks with the D'Backs.
• Billy Wagner's option vested this week, but he still plans to retire. The Braves' closer isn't worried about surpassing John Franco for fourth on the all-time saves list, and he's also apparently not swayed by a guaranteed $6.5MM. Wish I could make that claim myself.
• In international signings, the Pirates signed Mexican pitching prospect Luis Heredia for $2.6MM — the largest bonus ever shelled out by the Buccos on an international amateur. The Red Sox signed Cuban catcher Adalberto Ibarra for a reduced bonus of $700K-$800K after he failed his physical.
• The Marlins extended Wes Helms, signing the veteran to a one-year, $1MM deal for 2011. In other extension news, the Reds offered Dusty Baker an extension beyond the 2010 campaign. Baker is in the final year of a three-year pact.
• The Mets plan on exercising their $11MM option on Jose Reyes, and will likely explore a contract extension.
• The Orioles won't trade Luke Scott or Ty Wigginton. In Scott's case, it makes sense, as he's under team control beyond 2010. Wigginton, however, will be a free agent and won't bring back any form of compensation. The O's could surely have gotten some kind of return in a trade.
• Be sure to check out MLBTR's Transactions section in order to see all of the minor-league signings and players DFA'ed or released this past week!

Baseball lost George Steinbrenner this week, easily its most recognizable owner, and the National League won its first All Star Game in what feels like an eternity (actually 13 years). Let's look back at the week that was…

• This week's big trade featured the Blue Jays and Braves swapping shortstops. Toronto received Yunel Escobar and Jo-Jo Reyes, Atlanta Alex Gonzalez, Tim Collins, and Tyler Pastornicky. Clearly, one team was looking ahead while the other was looking at the present. Reactions to the deal were pretty split.
• The Cardinals gave GM John Mozeliak a three-year contract extension, while Cubs' GM Jim Hendry got a vote of confidence from his team's chairman.
• Several teams are interested in Corey Hart, including the Giants, Rays, and Padres.The Brewers asked San Francisco for Jonathan Sanchez or Madison Bumgarner in exchange for the slugger. The Braves are interested in another righty hitting outfielder, Cody Ross of the Marlins.
• The Padres might need some pitching in addition to an outfielder, and they do not want any rental players. San Diego has not yet had any contract talks with Adrian Gonzalez, and unsurprisingly the Red Sox maintain interest in the star first baseman.
• The Blue Jays made Scott Downs, Jason Frasor, and Kevin Gregg available, and should certainly get some bites. The Reds were looking for some right-handed relief help, so they signed Russ Springer. The Giants and Mariners went to the scrap heap for pitching help, signing Dontrelle Willis and Jamey Wright, respectively.
• The Rockies are looking to add several pieces before the deadline, and have interest in Dan Uggla. The Marlins are likely to keep their second baseman, however. The Dodgers have no intentions of trading Matt Kemp, and Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo doesn't like the offers he's received for Adam Dunn. 
• The Orioles are close to hiring Buck Showalter to manage the team, but no official announcement has been made. Orioles' executive Andy MacPhail said that he would be willing to trade his young players, but it would be hard to give them up. Talks with the Phillies about Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada are dead.
• The Red Sox have in fact exceeded the luxury tax threshold, which may impact their willingness to take on money at the deadline. They were discussing David DeJesus with the Royals before the news broke, however. David Ortiz is looking for a contract extension.
• The Yankees have their eye on Marlins' utility man Wes Helms, but their crosstown rivals might not make a move to add a pitcher after all. They did try to swap Oliver Perez for Gil Meche, however. 
• Philadelphia doesn't expect to add any pitching, and a reunion with Pedro Martinez appears unlikely.
• The Mariners signed a trio of international prospects, while the Blue Jays signed a pair of their own.
• Here's the crop of players that were removed from their team's roster in some way: Dane Sardinha by the Phillies, George Sherrill by the Dodgers, Nelson Figueroa by the Phillies, Armando Benitez by the Marlins, Mike Redmond by the Indians, Fernando Cabrera by the Red Sox, Juan Castro by the Phillies, Mike Lamb by the Marlins, Nick Green by the Blue Jays, Anderson Hernandez by the Indians, Gustavo Molina by the Red Sox, and Casey Daigle by the Astros.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith wrapped up our series on The 2010 Trade Market.

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

• The Cliff Lee sweepstakes came to an end when the Rangers landed the lefty for Justin Smoak and a trio of minor leaguers.  The Yankees thought they had struck a deal for Lee in exchange for a package centered around Jesus Montero, but that wasn't the case.  However, many believe that the Yankees still have the best chance of signing Lee this offseason.
• Meanwhile, after sending Smoak to the M's, Texas is interested in Xavier Nady.
• The Brewers are reportedly listening to offers for Prince Fielder and Corey Hart.  However, the club is not interested in moving Rickie Weeks.
• The Giants won't discuss an extension for Aubrey Huff during the season.
• We've been hearing Jayson Werth's name quite a bit lately and the Red Sox are one of the teams showing interest.
• San Francisco GM Brian Sabean likes Corey Hart, but is said to prefer a left-handed bat.
• Roy Oswalt is not interested in playing for the White Sox or Tigers.
• We've heard the Mets linked to several starting pitchers, though they may not have the financial freedom to make a move at the deadline.
• The Astros shelled out upwards of $2MM to land top Dominican outfield prospect Ariel Ovando.  The Blue Jays also opened up the vault to sign Venezuelan righty Adonis Cardona.
• Kerry Wood, Jake Westbrook, and Austin Kearns are drawing interest from teams.
• The Cubs want to unload some of their cumbersome salaries.
• Stephen Drew is reportedly a player of interest to the Tigers, though there have not been talks yet between Detroit and Arizona.
• The White Sox are said to be "all over Adam Dunn".  Meanwhile, the Nats are drawing interest in Cristian Guzman and Adam Kennedy.
• Interest is picking up in Toronto reliever Scott Downs and the Phillies are looking into the 34-year-old.
• Teams are inquiring on Yunel Escobar, who has struggled in the first half of the year.
• The BoSox have yet to approach Victor Martinez about an extension.
• Pittsburgh acquired the recently DFA'd Sean Gallagher from the Padres.
• Jim Leyland shot down reports of Rick Porcello being a trade chip for the Tigers.
• Meanwhile, Detroit has begun scouting relievers.
• Torii Hunter wants to see the Halos pursue a big-time bat.
• Arizona designated Dontrelle Willis for assignment.
• The Rockies will wait until the end of the month to make deals.
• Halos skipper Mike Scioscia wants depth, not rental players.
• Carlos Delgado wants to get back to baseball within the month.
• Cardinals GM John Mozeliak wants to add personality to the team's clubhouse.
• GM Jon Daniels can opt out of his deal in Texas if the ownership changes.
• The Cardinals signed Mike MacDougal after having bullpen trouble recently.
• Chad Tracy hooked on with the Yankees.
• The Braves signed Willy Taveras.
• Barret Loux, the D'Backs first-round selection in this year's draft, failed his physical.
• Ben spoke with Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos, who is pleased with his recent free agent additions.
• Howard took a look back at Gary Sheffield and the 1994 Trade Deadline.

It's time for a special Fourth of July edition of the Week In Review..

• The Diamondbacks cleaned house, firing GM Josh Byrnes and manager A.J. Hinch.  Jerry DiPoto is the new interim GM and Kirk Gibson has been appointed the interim skipper.  DiPoto wasted little time getting started in his new role, calling the Red Sox about Chris Snyder.
• Bengie Molina was sent from the Giants to the Rangers in a deal that was made official on Thursday.  In order to move the catcher, San Francisco had to kick in cash considerations.  The Giants received Michael Main and Chris Ray in the trade.
• Several teams are in the mix for Cliff Lee, including the Phillies.  However, the club considers themselves to be long-shots in the Lee sweepstakes.  They won't be the only NL East team looking at Lee.  Meanwhile, the M's are looking ahead to 2011-2012.
• More Phillies news as the club has Dan Haren "on their radar".  The Diamondbacks have reportedly been scouting the club's farm system to identify prospects for a deal.  The Nats have also expressed interest in the hurler and the Cards are said to covet him.
• After lots and lots of talk on Sunday, Bobby Valentine ultimately did not agree to manage the Marlins.  Florida has yet to find their new skipper.
• Josh Willingham would like to work out a new deal with the Nationals, but he continues to be mentioned in trade rumors as we approach the deadline.  The Braves are said to be interested in him, as well as Corey Hart and Jose Bautista.
• Willy Taveras was released by the Phillies after being signed by them earlier in the month.
• The international signing period got underway this week and on Saturday MLBTR learned that the Braves agreed to terms with Mauricio Cabrera, a Dominican right-hander.  Other signings include the Tigers inking Venezuelan outfielder Danry Vasquez and the A's picking up third baseman Renato Nunez.  We're going to see a ton of international signings in the coming weeks.
• No surprise here: Yanks president Randy Levine expects impending free agents Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera to be back with the club.
• Both the White Sox and Angels are being linked to Adam Dunn.
• The Astros made a minor deal, shipping Kevin Cash to the Red Sox.  This is the catcher's second stint with Boston.
• The Yankees are looking for bench help, and they may be zeroing in on Ty Wigginton.
• Jermaine Dye is still a free agent, but perhaps not for long.  Three teams are looking at the veteran outfielder: Texas, Colorado, and San Diego.
• Pitcher Sean Gallagher was designated for assignment by the Padres.
• Hank Blalock is reportedly a player of interest in the Angels' front office.  The 29-year-old was DFA'd by Tampa Bay on Tuesday.
• The Halos signed two of their three first-round picks, Cameron Bedrosian and Chevez Clarke.
• The Nats signed Orlando Hernandez to a minor league pact on Friday.  El Duque will report to the club's training complex in Florida and may pitch for Triple-A Syracuse at some point this year.
• Oakland got Boof Bonser on a minor league deal shortly after the hurler was DFA'd by Boston.
• Brian Bruney will look to pitch in New York again, this time for the Mets.  The club signed the well-traveled reliever to a minor league deal.
• Tim learned that the next Super Two cutoff will require fewer days of service time than usual.
• Mike MacDougal opted out of his deal with the Nats.
• The Astros signed infielder Ramon Vazquez to a minor league deal on Friday.
• The Mets signed catcher Michael Barrett to a minor league contract.
• Toronto's Jeremy Reed elected free agency after being outrighted by the club.
• Chad Tracy was DFA'd by the Cubs but elected free agency instead of reporting to the minors.
• Even with a payroll of $97MM, the Twins are willing to spend more.
• The Phillies DFA'd Brian Bocock in order to free up a spot for Cody Ransom.
• Florida designated Brian Barden for assignment as he failed to do much offensively in 2010.
• Ben gave us a look at the upcoming free agents and how they're performing thus far.
• Our own Howard Megdal penned a great read on Bobby Bo.