Wild Card Expansion This Season? Looks Likely

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Bloggo Schloggo

Wild Card expansion for 2012 talks ongoing

By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association are working toward a Thursday deadline to expand the playoffs by adding two additional Wild Card teams overall, creating a one-game first-round playoff in each league, beginning with the 2012 postseason.

The new format was set late last year for a 2013 inception in the new five-year Basic Agreement between the owners and union. The two sides had a deadline of about two months to negotiate the logistics of beginning it a year early.

A report on Wednesday that the deal is nearly complete could not be confirmed. A highly placed source said negotiations between the two sides were ongoing and that work still had to be done.

The agreement expands the Wild Card by adding two additional teams, one each in the American and National Leagues. The three division winners in each league would await the survivor of the one-game Wild Card playoff, establishing the Division Series field. The subsequent DS, League Championship Series and World Series formats would remain the same.

This has been the logistical problem: The regular season ends this year on Wednesday, Oct. 3, leaving only two days for travel, weather problems, plus season-ending tiebreakers for division titles and Wild Card berths and the Wild Card play-in games prior to the start of playoffs on Saturday, Oct. 6. The World Series is slated to start on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

This year’s schedule was long set before collective bargaining ended with a new agreement on Nov. 21.

The expanded playoffs were linked this past November to the sale of the Astros by Drayton McLane to Houston businessman Jim Crane and their move from the NL to the AL, effective for the 2013 season. The Commissioner’s Office and the union collaborated on those developments during last year’s months of collective-bargaining negotiations.

The Astros’ shift from the NL Central to the AL West will give each league 15 teams and all six divisions five clubs.

MLB has been studying how to expand the playoffs for at least two years, and it became a hot topic of discussion in Commissioner Bud Selig‘s 14-man special committee that has been studying on-field improvements of the sport.

The playoff and realignment matters had to be collectively bargained because they involve scheduling, and the union made it clear that any playoff expansion would be tied to moving a team from the six-team NL Central to the four-team AL West to create better competitive balance.

Michael Weiner, the union’s executive director, ultimately said that the playoff expansion wouldn’t have happened without the Astros’ move into the AL.

The current Wild Card format and three divisions in each league were adopted in 1994. From 1969-93, there were two divisions in each league and a League Championship Series between the first-place teams as a prelude to the World Series. Prior to 1969, only the pennant winners in each league met in the World Series.

The new format means that 10 of the 30 teams make the postseason. The additional Wild Cards will place a premium on winning the division title for several reasons: The division winner will get at least a couple of days to breathe before the start of each Division Series, plus it won’t have to burn up perhaps its best starting pitcher to win a play-in game.

Barry M. Bloom is national reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Boomskie on Baseball. Follow@boomskie on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Mark Purdy: Baseball playoff expansion a bad move (mercurynews.com)
Wild Card expansion for 2012 talks ongoing (mlb.mlb.com)
MLB to confirm two new playoff spots for 2012 season (nypost.com)
Report: Additional MLB Wild Cards A ‘Go’ For This Season (chicago.cbslocal.com)

Braun Wins Appeal, Not Guilty.

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Bloggo Schloggo

Braun wins appeal of 50-game suspension

Panel votes 2-1 to overturn NL MVP’s suspected violation

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com

PHOENIX — The verdict is in for National League MVP Ryan Braun: Not guilty.

The Brewers outfielder on Thursday became the first Major Leaguer to successfully appeal a suspected violation of MLB’s Drug Treatment and Prevention Program. The 2-1 ruling from a three-member special panel spared Braun a suspension that might have covered as many as 50 games and positions him to man left field when the Brewers begin their defense of the NL Central crown.

Braun called it the “first step in restoring my good name and reputation,” and he will report to camp Friday and address the media at an 11 a.m. MT news conference that will air live on MLB.com, brewers.com and MLB Network. Major League Baseball was swift to respond to the ruling.

“As a part of our drug testing program, the Commissioner’s Office and the Players Association agreed to a neutral third party review for instances that are under dispute,” read part of a statement from MLB executive vice president for labor relations Rob Manfred. “While we have always respected that process, Major League Baseball vehemently disagrees with the decision rendered today by arbitrator Shyam Das.”

Das cast the deciding vote on a panel that also included Manfred and MLBPA executive director Michael Weiner. According to multiple reports, Braun called into question the chain of custody of the sample when it wasn’t immediately sent in via Fed Ex as required by the testing policy.

It would have been far more difficult, experts say, for Braun to fight the result based on supposedly inadvertently taking a supplement or medication that included a banned substance, even if it truly had been prescribed for a purpose not related to performance enhancement. So a challenge based on improper protocol stands to reason as Braun’s best chance to have gotten the appeal honored.

“We were able to get through this, because I am innocent and the truth is on our side,” Braun said in a statement. “We provided complete cooperation throughout, despite the highly unusual circumstances. I have been an open book, willing to share details from every aspect of my life as part of this investigation, because I have nothing to hide. I have passed over 25 drug tests in my career, including at least three in the past year.”

The MLBPA took the unusual step of releasing news of Braun’s successful appeal, which under normal circumstances would have remained confidential.

Given the high-profile nature of the case, which leaked in December and became national news, the MLBPA and MLB agreed to announce the result.

“Major League Baseball considers the obligations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program essential to the integrity of our game, our clubs and all of the players who take the field,” Manfred said in MLB’s statement. “It has always been Major League Baseball’s position that no matter who tests positive, we will exhaust all avenues in pursuit of the appropriate discipline. We have been true to that position in every instance, because baseball fans deserve nothing less.”

Several Brewers teammates said they were elated at the news. Left-hander Chris Narveson, the Brewers’ union representative, was playing golf with fellow starting pitchers Yovani Gallardo, Randy Wolf and Shaun Marcum when he got the news.

“It’s huge, getting a bat like that back in your lineup,” Narveson said. “This is what we thought we were going to get all along.”

Narveson declined to address what he knew about the specifics of Braun’s defense, but dismissed the idea that Braun’s case hinged on a technicality.

“If somebody mishandles a sample, that’s not just a technicality, that’s an error,” Narveson said. “I don’t know all of the details, so I don’t want to comment too much. But put it this way: This isn’t the first time we’ve had issues with the people [in charge of testing] in Milwaukee. There have been other issues with timing.”

General manager Doug Melvin focused on the bottom line: “I don’t know anything about it other than my job and responsibility as a general manager is to put the best team on the field, and the decision allows me to do that a little bit better.”

Brewers chairman and principal owner Mark Attanasio released a statement Thursday night on behalf of the Brewers.

“Since joining our organization in 2005, Ryan Braun has been a model citizen and a person of character and integrity,” the statement read. “Knowing Ryan as I do, I always believed he would succeed in his appeal. “I also want to reiterate my support for Major League Baseball’s strict substance testing program. It is unfortunate that the confidentiality of the program was compromised, and we thank our fans and everyone who supported Ryan and did not rush to judgment. “The team is looking forward to seeing Ryan in camp tomorrow. With this now behind us, we return our focus to the ballpark and defending our NL Central Division title.”

This day had been looming since October, when Braun was required to submit a urine test during the playoffs that reportedly contained a very high level of testosterone. Typically, such findings remain secret while a player exhausts his appellate rights, but in Braun’s case the result was leaked in a Dec. 10 report by ESPN’s “Outside the Lines.”

In the meantime, Braun had become the Brewers’ first league MVP in 22 years, edging the Dodgers’ Matt Kemp and former Brewers teammate Prince Fielder in balloting by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Braun batted .332 with 33 home runs, 111 RBIs and 33 stolen bases in a charmed 2011 season. He signed a club-record-shattering contract extension in April that made him Brewers property through at least 2020, was voted an All-Star Game starter for the fourth straight season — though he was forced to withdraw because of a leg injury — and led Milwaukee to a club-record 96 regular-season wins and its first division crown in nearly three decades. He then became the Brewers’ first league MVP since Robin Yount won the American League award for a second time in 1989, a triumph that seemed to promise a dream winter for Braun, who was sitting on the balcony of his oceanside home in Malibu, Calif., when a BBWAA official called with the news.

What no one other than Braun, his closest advisers and a handful of MLB officials knew at that time was that the specter of a suspension loomed. Two weeks later, the rest of the world knew.

The night the news broke, a Braun spokesperson released a statement citing “highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan’s complete innocence and demonstrate there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program.” Braun replied in a text to MLB.com that night saying he was eager to state his case, but more than a month would pass before he got his chance.

An appeal began Jan. 19 before Weiner, Manfred and Das. Two days later, with the panel’s ruling pending, Braun accepted his NL MVP Award from the BBWAA at a dinner event in New York.

Now he’ll get a chance to defend it. Braun will report to camp one day before the team’s first full-squad workout on Saturday.

“This is not just about one person, but about all current and future players, and thankfully today the process worked,” Braun said in his statement. “Despite the challenges of this adversarial process, I do appreciate the professionalism demonstrated by the panel chair and the Office of the Commissioner. As I said before, I’ve always loved and had so much respect for the game of baseball. Everything I’ve done in my career has been with that respect and appreciation in mind.

“I look forward to finally being able to speak to the fans and the media on Friday and then returning the focus to baseball and working with my Brewers teammates on defending our National League Central title.”

Adam McCalvy is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brew Beat, and follow him on Twitter at@AdamMcCalvy. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

(Photo credit: BaseballBacks)

MORE ON RYAN BRAUN WINS APPEAL
• Braun wins appeal of 50-game ban
• In speaking, Braun proud of ‘integrity’
• Players, managers react to appeal
• Bauman: Big relief for Brewers
• Kemp glad for NL MVP Braun
• Crew celebrates good news
• Justice: Braun’s statement is key
• Statement from Braun
• Brewers statement on Braun
• Statement from MLB

Braun on winning appeal
Braun takes questions
Roenicke on Braun
Network’s analysis
Melvin on Braun
McCalvy reacts
Heyman’s reaction
Costas on decision
Prince shares thoughts

Phils Pitchers & Catchers Report For Spring Training 1 Week From Today

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Bloggo Schloggo

IT WON’T BE LONG NOW…

MLB announces Spring Training workout dates

MLB.com

Following are the first Spring Training workout dates, subject to change, both for pitchers and catchers and full squads of the 30 Major League clubs:

American League
(Pitchers & catchers | full squad)

BALTIMORE: Sunday, Feb. 19 | Friday, Feb. 24
BOSTON: Tuesday, Feb. 21 | Saturday, Feb. 25
CHICAGO WHITE SOX: Thursday, Feb. 23 | Tuesday, Feb. 28
CLEVELAND: Wednesday, Feb. 22 | Saturday, Feb. 25
DETROIT: Monday, Feb. 20 | Friday, Feb. 24
KANSAS CITY: Tuesday, Feb. 21 | Saturday, Feb. 25
LOS ANGELES ANGELS: Monday, Feb. 20 | Monday, Feb. 27
MINNESOTA: Sunday, Feb. 19 | Friday, Feb. 24
NEW YORK YANKEES: Monday, Feb. 20 | Saturday, Feb. 25
OAKLAND: Sunday, Feb. 19 | Saturday, Feb. 25
SEATTLE: Sunday, Feb. 12 | Saturday, Feb. 18
TAMPA BAY: Tuesday, Feb. 21 | Sunday, Feb. 26
TEXAS: Thursday, Feb. 23 | Sunday, Feb. 26
TORONTO: Wednesday, Feb. 22 | Saturday, Feb. 25

The first pitchers and catchers will report to Spring Training on Feb. 19. (Getty Images)

National League
(Pitchers & catchers | full squad)

ARIZONA: Tuesday, Feb. 20 | Sunday, Feb. 25
ATLANTA: Monday, Feb. 20 | Saturday, Feb. 25
CHICAGO CUBS: Sunday, Feb. 19 | Friday, Feb. 24
CINCINNATI: Sunday, Feb. 19 | Friday, Feb. 24
COLORADO: Monday, Feb. 20 | Monday, Feb. 27
HOUSTON: Monday, Feb. 20 | Sunday, Feb. 26
LOS ANGELES DODGERS: Wednesday, Feb. 22 | Tuesday, Feb. 28
MIAMI: Wednesday, Feb. 22 | Sunday, Feb. 26
MILWAUKEE: Monday, Feb. 20 | Saturday, Feb. 25
NEW YORK METS: Wednesday, Feb. 22 | Monday, Feb. 27
PHILADELPHIA: Sunday, Feb. 19 | Friday, Feb. 24
PITTSBURGH: Sunday, Feb. 19 | Friday, Feb. 24
ST. LOUIS: Sunday, Feb. 19 | Friday, Feb. 24
SAN DIEGO: Monday, Feb. 20 | Saturday, Feb. 25
SAN FRANCISCO: Sunday, Feb. 19 | Friday, Feb. 24
WASHINGTON: Monday, Feb. 20 | Saturday, Feb. 25

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Royals Pack the Truck for Spring Training (fox4kc.com)
Spring excitement gets early start this weekend (mlb.mlb.com)
Royals invite left-handed pitcher Brandon Sisk to Major League Spring Training (royals.mlblogs.com)
Cards efficiently load truck for trip to Florida (mlb.mlb.com)
Mariners get jump-start on Spring Training (mlb.mlb.com)
Spring Training 2012: Arizona Diamondback Pitchers & Catchers Report Feb. 19, Full Squad Feb. 24 (arizona.sbnation.com)
Spring Training 2012: Los Angeles Angels Schedule, News, And Notes (losangeles.sbnation.com)
Valentine planning out Spring Training routine (mlb.mlb.com)

Cuban Defector Cespedes Awaiting Legal Clearance

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Bloggo Schloggo

Cespedes awaiting clearance to sign contract

By Zack Meisel / MLB.com

Yoenis Cespedes is not yet ready to sign with a Major League team after all.

Despite being declared a free agent on Jan. 25, the Cuban defector, who established temporary residency in the Dominican Republic in January, has not been legally cleared by the U.S. Treasury Department‘s Office of Foreign Assets Control, his agent, Adam Katz, told MLB Network Radio.

“I have never gone through this process before,” Katz said. “It is onerous and unpredictable. You just sort of have to breathe into it and not have too many expectations.”

The 26-year-old outfielder said he has narrowed his list of suitors to the Marlins, Tigers, Orioles, Cubs, White Sox and Indians. Katz said Cespedes can agree to terms with a club, but cannot officially sign a contract until the Office of Foreign Assets Control gives its approval.

“We still need to have him unblocked in order to execute a contract and have him play,” Katz said.

Katz remains optimistic that such a scenario will play out soon enough to allow Cespedes to arrive at Spring Training on time.

Marlins president David Samson was hopeful that the five-tool player will visit Miami in the coming weeks.

“If it can be arranged, and he wants to come to Miami and see our ballpark, it would be great,” Samson said. “From our standpoint, we are aggressively negotiating a contract, but there is no way of knowing if we will be a high bidder.”

In a brief stint in winter ball in the Dominican Republic, Cespedes went 5-for-35 (.143) with a home run and 10 strikeouts. He hit .333 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs in 90 games in Cuba during the 2010-11 campaign. Cespedes was Cuba’s starting center fielder during the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Zack Meisel is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @zackmeisel. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Cespedes can negotiate with big-league teams (sfgate.com)
Report: Marlins Among Teams With Interest In Cuban Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes (tracking.si.com)
Cuban prospect Cespedes declared free agent (mlb.mlb.com)
Cespedes’ arrival hinges on residency process (mlb.mlb.com)
Tigers haven’t ruled out pursuit of Cespedes (mlb.mlb.com)
Bidding for Cuba’s Cespedes could begin soon (aol.sportingnews.com)
The legend of Cespedes begins (mlb.mlb.com)
Marlins ‘aggresively negotiating’ with Cespedes (mlb.mlb.com)

HOT STOVE Still Afire Before Spring Rains Reign

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Bloggo Schloggo

Free Agent Pool Still Dripping With Talent

The Babe

All 2011 Free Agents Still Unsigned and Available

PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Rick Ankiel	CF	32	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Luis Ayala	RP	34	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Miguel Batista	RP	40	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Mike Baxter	RF	27	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Andrew Brackman	SP	26	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Pat Burrell	LF	35	Free Agent (B)	San Francisco	–		NR	–
Orlando Cabrera	2B	37	Free Agent	San Francisco	–		NR	–
Shawn Camp	RP	36	Free Agent (B)	Toronto	–		NR	–
Fabio Castillo	RP	22	Free Agent	Texas	–		NR	–
Ramon Castro	C	35	Free Agent	Chicago	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Eric Chavez	3B	34	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Pedro Ciriaco	SS	26	Free Agent	Pittsburgh	–		NR	–
Todd Coffey	RP	31	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Brooks Conrad	2B	32	Free Agent	Atlanta	–		NR	–
Aaron Cook	SP	32	Free Agent	Colorado	–		NR	–
Alex Cora	3B	36	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Dan Cortes	RP	24	Free Agent	Seattle	–		NR	–
Craig Counsell	2B	41	Free Agent	Milwaukee	–		NR	–
Juan Cruz	RP	33	Free Agent	Tampa Bay	–		NR	–
Johnny Damon	DH	38	Free Agent	Tampa Bay	–		27	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Greg Dobbs	3B	33	Free Agent	Florida	–		NR	–
J.D. Drew	RF	36	Free Agent	Boston	–		47	–
Zach Duke	SP	28	Free Agent	Arizona	–		NR	–
Chad Durbin	RP	34	Free Agent	Cleveland	–		NR	–
Willie Eyre	RP	33	Free Agent	Baltimore	–		NR	–
Jeff Francis	SP	31	Free Agent	Kansas City	–		35	–
Kosuke Fukudome	RF	34	Free Agent	Cleveland	–		NR	–
Jon Garland	SP	32	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
Cole Garner	RF	27	Free Agent	Colorado	–		NR	–
Chris Gimenez	C	29	Free Agent	Seattle	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Ross Gload	1B	35	Free Agent	Philadelphia	–		NR	–
Mike Gonzalez	RP	33	Free Agent	Texas	–		NR	–
Vladimir Guerrero	DH	36	Free Agent (B)	Baltimore	–		NR	–
Carlos Guillen	2B	36	Free Agent	Detroit	–		NR	–
Rich Harden	SP	30	Free Agent	Oakland	–		NR	–
Willie Harris	LF	33	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Brad Hawpe	1B	32	Free Agent	San Diego	–		NR	–
Jeremy Hermida	RF	28	Free Agent	San Diego	–		NR	–
Livan Hernandez	SP	36	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Koyie Hill	C	32	Free Agent	Chicago	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Rich Hill	RP	31	Free Agent	Boston	–		NR	–
Raul Ibanez	LF	39	Free Agent (B)	Philadelphia	–		NR	–
Conor Jackson	1B	29	Free Agent	Boston	–		NR	–
Edwin Jackson	SP	28	Free Agent (B)	St. Louis	–		11	–
Jason Jaramillo	C	29	Free Agent	Pittsburgh	–		NR	–
Kelly Johnson	2B	29	Free Agent (A)	Toronto	–		17	–
Andruw Jones	LF	34	Free Agent	New York	–		37	–
Jason Kendall	C	37	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
Casey Kotchman	1B	28	Free Agent	Tampa Bay	–		NR	–
Hong-Chih Kuo	RP	30	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Hiroki Kuroda	SP	36	Free Agent (B)	Los Angeles	–		13	–
Aaron Laffey	SP	26	Free Agent	Kansas City	–		NR	–
Derrek Lee	1B	36	Free Agent (B)	Pittsburgh	–		NR	–
Scott Linebrink	RP	35	Free Agent	Atlanta	–		NR	–
Rodrigo Lopez	SP	36	Free Agent	Chicago	–		NR	–
Ryan Ludwick	LF	33	Free Agent (B)	Pittsburgh	–		NR	–
Damaso Marte	RP	36	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Hideki Matsui	DH	37	Free Agent	Oakland	–		NR	–
Aaron Miles	2B	35	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
Trever Miller	RP	38	Free Agent	Boston	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Kevin Millwood	SP	37	Free Agent	Colorado	–		NR	–
Sergio Mitre	RP	30	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Peter Moylan	RP	33	Free Agent	Atlanta	–		NR	–
Xavier Nady	1B	33	Free Agent	Arizona	–		NR	–
Magglio Ordonez	RF	38	Free Agent (B)	Detroit	–		NR	–
David Ortiz	DH	36	Free Agent (A)	Boston	–		10	–
Ramon Ortiz	RP	38	Free Agent	Chicago	–		NR	–
Roy Oswalt	SP	34	Free Agent (A)	Philadelphia	–		22	–
Micah Owings	SP	29	Free Agent	Arizona	–		NR	–
Vicente Padilla	RP	34	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Corey Patterson	LF	32	Free Agent	St. Louis	–		NR	–
Ronny Paulino	C	30	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Brad Penny	SP	33	Free Agent	Detroit	–		NR	–
Juan Pierre	CF	34	Free Agent (B)	Chicago	–		NR	–
Joel Pineiro	SP	33	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
Horacio Ramirez	RP	32	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
Edgar Renteria	SS	36	Free Agent	Cincinnati	–		NR	–
Jo-Jo Reyes	SP	27	Free Agent	Baltimore	–		NR	–
Arthur Rhodes	RP	42	Free Agent (B)	St. Louis	–		NR	–
Will Rhymes	2B	28	Free Agent	Detroit	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Francisco Rodriguez	RP	28	Free Agent (A)	Milwaukee	–		28	–
Ivan Rodriguez	C	40	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Ramon Santiago	2B	32	Free Agent	Detroit	–		NR	–
Joe Saunders	SP	30	Free Agent	Arizona	–		NR	–
Doug Slaten	RP	31	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Andy Sonnanstine	SP	28	Free Agent	Tampa Bay	–		NR	–
Ryan Spilborghs	RF	32	Free Agent	Colorado	–		NR	–
Ryan Theriot	SS	32	Free Agent	St. Louis	–		NR	–
Jason Varitek	C	39	Free Agent (B)	Boston	–		NR	–
Javier Vazquez	SP	35	Free Agent	Florida	–		12	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Tim Wakefield	SP	45	Free Agent	Boston	–		NR	–
Brandon Webb	SP	32	Free Agent	Texas	–		NR	–
Dan Wheeler	RP	34	Free Agent (B)	Boston	–		NR	–
Jamey Wright	RP	37	Free Agent	Seattle	–		NR	–
Chris Young	SP	32	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–

All 2011 Free Agents Signed and Ranked By Contract Signing Amount

PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Albert Pujols	1B	32	Signed (A)	St. Louis	LA Angels	10	2	$250,000,000
Prince Fielder	1B	27	Agreed	Milwaukee	Detroit	9	1	$214,000,000
Jose Reyes	SS	28	Signed (A)	New York	Miami	6	4	$106,000,000
C.J. Wilson	SP	31	Signed	Texas	LA Angels	5	NR	$77,500,000
Yu Darvish	SP	25	Agreed	Japan	Texas	6	NR	$60,000,000
Mark Buehrle	SP	32	Signed (A)	Chicago	Miami	4	6	$58,000,000
Jonathan Papelbon	RP	31	Signed (A)	Boston	Philadelphia	4	18	$50,000,058
Jimmy Rollins	SS	33	Signed (A)	Philadelphia	Philadelphia	3	5	$38,000,000
Aramis Ramirez	3B	33	Signed (A)	Chicago	Milwaukee	3	7	$36,000,000
Michael Cuddyer	RF	32	Signed (A)	Minnesota	Colorado	3	15	$31,500,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Heath Bell	RP	34	Signed (A)	San Diego	Miami	3	40	$27,000,000
Carlos Beltran	RF	34	Agreed	San Francisco	St. Louis	2	9	$26,000,000
Josh Willingham	LF	32	Signed (A)	Oakland	Minnesota	3	20	$21,000,000
Jason Kubel	LF	29	Signed (B)	Minnesota	Arizona	2	41	$15,000,000
Joe Nathan	RP	37	Signed	Minnesota	Texas	2	42	$14,500,000
Coco Crisp	CF	32	Signed	Oakland	Oakland	2	26	$14,000,000
Rafael Furcal	SS	34	Agreed	St. Louis	St. Louis	2	38	$14,000,000
Frank Francisco	RP	32	Signed (B)	Toronto	NY Mets	2	46	$12,000,000
Aaron Harang	SP	33	Signed	San Diego	LA Dodgers	2	NR	$12,000,000
Wei-Yin Chen	SP	26	Signed	Japan	Baltimore	3	NR	$11,338,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Aaron Hill	2B	29	Signed (B)	Arizona	Arizona	2	30	$11,000,000
Clint Barmes	SS	32	Signed (B)	Houston	Pittsburgh	2	NR	$10,500,000
Chris Capuano	SP	33	Signed	New York	LA Dodgers	2	NR	$10,000,000
David DeJesus	RF	32	Signed (B)	Oakland	Chicago Cubs	2	21	$10,000,000
Bruce Chen	SP	34	Signed (B)	Kansas City	Kansas City	2	34	$9,000,000
Mark Ellis	2B	34	Signed (B)	Colorado	LA Dodgers	2	NR	$8,750,000
Ryan Madson	RP	31	Signed (A)	Philadelphia	Cincinnati	1	16	$8,500,000
Tsuyoshi Wada	SP	30	Signed	Japan	Baltimore	2	NR	$8,150,000
Carlos Pena	1B	33	Signed	Chicago	Tampa Bay	1	14	$7,250,000
Jamey Carroll	SS	37	Signed	Los Angeles	Minnesota	2	NR	$6,750,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Ramon Hernandez	C	35	Signed (B)	Cincinnati	Colorado	2	32	$6,400,000
Jerry Hairston Jr.	2B	35	Signed	Milwaukee	LA Dodgers	2	NR	$6,000,000
Luke Scott	OF	33	Agreed	Baltimore	Tampa Bay	1	NR	$6,000,000
Grady Sizemore	CF	29	Signed	Cleveland	Cleveland	1	25	$5,000,000
Matt Capps	RP	28	Signed	Minnesota	Minnesota	1	NR	$4,750,000
Paul Maholm	SP	29	Agreed	Pittsburgh	Chicago Cubs	1	24	$4,750,000
Erik Bedard	SP	32	Signed	Boston	Pittsburgh	1	23	$4,500,000
Francisco Cordero	RP	36	Agreed	Cincinnati	Toronto	1	44	$4,500,000
Juan Rivera	LF	33	Signed	Los Angeles	LA Dodgers	1	NR	$4,500,000
Alex Gonzalez	SS	34	Signed (B)	Atlanta	Milwaukee	1	NR	$4,250,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Wily Mo Pena	DH	30	Signed	Seattle	Japan	2	NR	$4,050,000
Rod Barajas	C	36	Signed (B)	Los Angeles	Pittsburgh	1	NR	$4,000,000
Jonathan Broxton	RP	27	Signed	Los Angeles	Kansas City	1	NR	$4,000,000
Freddy Garcia	SP	35	Signed	New York	NY Yankees	1	36	$4,000,000
Darren Oliver	RP	41	Signed (A)	Texas	Toronto	1	NR	$4,000,000
Chien-Ming Wang	SP	31	Signed	Washington	Washington	1	50	$4,000,000
Willie Bloomquist	LF	34	Signed	Arizona	Arizona	2	NR	$3,800,000
Octavio Dotel	RP	38	Signed (B)	St. Louis	Detroit	1	NR	$3,500,000
Jon Rauch	RP	33	Signed	Toronto	NY Mets	1	NR	$3,500,000
Wilson Betemit	3B	30	Agreed	Detroit	Baltimore	2	NR	$3,250,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Ryan Doumit	C	30	Signed (B)	Pittsburgh	Minnesota	1	29	$3,000,000
LaTroy Hawkins	RP	39	Signed	Milwaukee	LA Angels	1	NR	$3,000,000
Jason Marquis	SP	33	Signed	Arizona	Minnesota	1	NR	$3,000,000
John McDonald	SS	37	Signed	Arizona	Arizona	2	NR	$3,000,000
Nick Punto	3B	34	Signed	St. Louis	Boston	3	NR	$3,000,000
Cody Ross	OF	31	Signed (B)	San Francisco	Boston	1	39	$3,000,000
Kerry Wood	RP	34	Agreed	Chicago	Chicago Cubs	1	NR	$3,000,000
Laynce Nix	OF	31	Signed	Washington	Philadelphia	2	NR	$2,500,000
Norichika Aoki	OF	30	Signed	Japan	Milwaukee	2	NR	$2,250,000
Yuniesky Betancourt	SS	29	Signed (B)	Milwaukee	Kansas City	1	NR	$2,000,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Casey Blake	3B	38	Signed	Los Angeles	Colorado	1	NR	$2,000,000
Fernando Rodney	RP	34	Signed	Los Angeles	Tampa Bay	1	NR	$2,000,000
Nate McLouth	OF	30	Signed	Atlanta	Pittsburgh	1	NR	$1,750,000
Takashi Saito	RP	41	Signed (A)	Milwaukee	Arizona	1	NR	$1,750,000
Jeff Keppinger	2B	31	Signed	San Francisco	Tampa Bay	1	NR	$1,525,000
Endy Chavez	OF	33	Signed	Texas	Baltimore	1	NR	$1,500,000
Hisashi Iwakuma	SP	30	Signed	Japan	Seattle	1	NR	$1,500,000
Jose Molina	C	36	Signed	Toronto	Tampa Bay	1	NR	$1,500,000
Kelly Shoppach	C	31	Signed	Tampa Bay	Boston	1	NR	$1,350,000
Henry Blanco	C	40	Signed	Arizona	Arizona	1	NR	$1,250,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Mark Kotsay	OF	36	Signed	Milwaukee	San Diego	1	NR	$1,250,000
Jim Thome	1B	41	Signed	Cleveland	Philadelphia	1	43	$1,250,000
Reed Johnson	RF	35	Agreed	Chicago	Chicago Cubs	1	NR	$1,150,000
Chad Qualls	RP	33	Signed	San Diego	Philadelphia	1	NR	$1,150,000
Scott Hairston	RF	31	Signed	New York	NY Mets	1	NR	$1,100,000
George Sherrill	RP	34	Signed	Atlanta	Seattle	1	NR	$1,100,000
Jonny Gomes	OF	31	Signed	Washington	Oakland	1	NR	$1,000,000
Gerald Laird	C	32	Signed	St. Louis	Detroit	1	NR	$1,000,000
Brad Lidge	RP	35	Signed (B)	Philadelphia	Washington	1	NR	$1,000,000
Mike MacDougal	RP	34	Signed	Los Angeles	LA Dodgers	1	NR	$1,000,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Guillermo Mota	RP	38	Signed	San Francisco	San Francisco	1	NR	$1,000,000
Jack Wilson	SS	34	Signed	Atlanta	Atlanta	1	NR	$1,000,000
Jose Mijares	RP	27	Signed	Minnesota	Kansas City	1	NR	$925,000
Bartolo Colon	SP	38	Agreed	New York	Oakland	1	33	$900,000
Matt Treanor	C	35	Signed	Texas	LA Dodgers	1	NR	$850,000
Dontrelle Willis	SP	30	Signed	Cincinnati	Philadelphia	1	NR	$850,000
Joel Zumaya	RP	27	Signed	Detroit	Minnesota	1	NR	$850,000
Mark DeRosa	OF	36	Signed	San Francisco	Washington	1	NR	$800,000
Adam Kennedy	2B	36	Signed	Seattle	LA Dodgers	1	NR	$800,000
Brian Schneider	C	35	Signed	Philadelphia	Philadelphia	1	NR	$800,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Clay Hensley	RP	32	Agreed	Florida	San Francisco	1	NR	$750,000
J.C. Romero	RP	35	Signed	Colorado	St. Louis	1	NR	$750,000
Eli Whiteside	C	32	Signed	San Francisco	San Francisco	1	NR	$600,000
Josh Bard	C	33	Signed	Seattle	LA Dodgers		NR	Minor Lg
Ronny Cedeno	SS	28	Signed	Pittsburgh	NY Mets	1	31	–
John Grabow	RP	33	Signed	Chicago	LA Dodgers		NR	Minor Lg
Cesar Izturis	SS	31	Signed	Baltimore	Milwaukee		NR	Minor Lg
Kevin Kouzmanoff	3B	30	Signed	Colorado	Kansas City		NR	Minor Lg
Jose Lopez	2B	28	Signed	Florida	Cleveland		NR	Minor Lg
Jason Michaels	OF	35	Signed	Houston	Washington		NR	Minor Lg
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Lyle Overbay	1B	35	Signed	Arizona	Arizona	1	NR	–
Jorge Posada	DH	40	Retired	New York	–		NR	–
Chris Snyder	C	30	Agreed	Pittsburgh	Houston	1	NR	–
Omar Vizquel	SS	44	Agreed	Chicago	Toronto		NR	–
Total:								$1,332,238,058

All Stats Via ESPN.com
________________________________________________

Hot Stove MLBlog: News, notes and analysis

MLB.com

The offseason maneuvering is in full swing. Stay up on all the trades, signings, rumors and analysis with the Hot Stove MLBlog.

Yankees talking with Bill Hall The Yankees have engaged in discussions with free agent Bill Hall about a possible utility role, the New York Daily News reported.

Citing a person with knowledge of the situation, the newspaper reported that Hall is considering “a couple of teams.” The Yankees would likely only offer Hall a Minor League contract with a chance to make the club in Spring Training.

Hall, 32, batted a combined .211 last season with the Astros and Giants. The Yankees currently have Eduardo Nunez and Ramiro Pena in line as bench candidates who can play multiple infield positions and some outfield.

– Bryan Hoch

Angels bring back Rodriguez on Minors deal The Angels previously inked reliever Francisco Rodriguez (not K-Rod) to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Rodriguez, the Mexico native who was signed as an amateur free agent by the Angels in 2005, will make $481,000 if he makes the big league club.

The 28-year-old right-hander was designated for assignment this offseason, then slipped through waivers and became a free agent. During his rookie season in 2010, Rodriguez put up a 4.37 ERA and a 1.521 WHIP in 43 appearances. Last season, though, shoulder woes limited him to 13 2/3 innings in the Majors and 10 innings in the Minors.

In seven seasons in the Minors, Rodriguez has gone 25-37 with a 5.27 ERA in 215 games (47 starts).

– Alden Gonzalez

Rangers to meet with Oswalt Monday; What about Cardinals? Roy Oswalt remains one of the biggest names on the free agent market this offseason, and it looks like the Rangers have some interest in adding him to their already-loaded pitching staff.

The club is planning to meet with Oswalt and his agent, Bob Garber, on Monday for a get-together that is “exploratory,” MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan reports. The addition of Oswalt could be costly, particular for a club that has three arbitration cases remaining and not much opportunity in the starting rotation.

“He’s somebody we’ve talked about, but we’re happy with our rotation and our pitching staff,” general manager Jon Daniels said. “He’s intriguing, but I’m not sure exactly how it fits.” Oswalt lives in Mississippi and has a long-standing relationship with Rangers club president Nolan Ryan. The Cardinals are also interested, and are high on Oswalt’s list, but St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak denied this weekend that a deal is in the works.

The Cardinals, who are also pretty well set in terms of starting pitching, are reportedly at least seriously in the running for Oswalt. MLB Network Radio reported Friday night that a deal was very close, and ESPNBoston.com reported that night that Oswalt has “elected to stay in the National League” and that he is “likely” to sign with the Cardinals “soon.”

But, as MLB.com’s Matthew Leach reported, Mozeliak wrote in an e-mail that reports were “not true.”

– Joey Nowak

Greinke, sans agent, open to extension Brewers pitcher Zack Greinke, who is currently operating without an agent, told MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy that he would still consider a contract extension.

Greinke is preparing to enter his second season with Milwaukee and the final year of his four-year, $38 million extension he signed in January 2009. He cut his ties with CAA Sports last year, after the Brewers acquired Greinke in a trade with the Royals.

“It’d be me in charge as of right now,” he said. “So, we’ll see how long that lasts.”

Greinke, who was 16-6 with a 3.83 ERA and 201 strikeouts last season with the Brewers, had this to say about a possible extension: “I’ll talk to them about it. I don’t really want to talk to anyone else about it. But I like the business of baseball. It’s exciting for me. It’s not like I plan on being my agent, but it is exciting being able to know what’s going on behind the scenes.”

– Joey Nowak

Indians’ deal with Lugo is off The Indians reached an agreement on a Minor League contract with veteran infielder Julio Lugo more than a week ago, but MLB.com has learned that the proposed deal is no longer expected to come to fruition.

Lugo, 36, was going to receive an invitation to attend Spring Training with the big league club with a shot at competing for a bench job. His chances of making the Opening Day roster appeared thin, and now he will re-enter the free-agent pool.

In parts of 12 Major League seasons — including stops with the Astros, Rays, Dodgers, Red Sox, Cardinals, Orioles and Braves — Lugo has hit .269 over 1,352 career games. Last year, he signed a Minor League contract with Atlanta in May, but was ultimately released in September.

Lugo hit .231 (12-for-52) in 13 games for Triple-A Gwinnett and .136 (6-for-44) in 22 games with the Braves during the 2011 season. The infielder hits right-handed and has experience at second base, shortstop, third base and in the outfield.

Right now, the Indians have 20 non-roster invitees in the fold for this spring.

–Jordan Bastian

Reds add Jeff Francis Looking to supplement their rotation with extra depth, the Reds reached a Minor League deal late Wednesday with left-handed pitcher Jeff Francis, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com and MLB Network.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty told MLB.com last week that his club was interested in adding Francis, a free agent.

Francis, 30, was 6-16 with a 4.82 ERA in 31 starts last season with the Royals. Most of his career had been spent with the Rockies from 2004-10. He was a 17-game winner in 2007.

Lifetime, Francis is 61-66 with a 4.78 ERA in 181 games (180 starts).

– Mark Sheldon

Betancourt contract with Rox goes official Rockies reliever Rafael Betancourt passed his physical, which makes his new contract official. The Rockies picked up his 2013 option and added an option for ’14 for Betancourt, who became the team’s closer late last season.

In addition, Betancourt and new Rockies catcher Ramon Hernandez were boyhood friends and state all-star teammates in Venezuela. Hernandez’s history with young pitchers should help the Rockies’ staff.

– Thomas Harding

Angels extend offer to Ayala, nothing imminent The Angels are one of a handful of teams that have tendered a formal offer to Luis Ayala, but a source familiar with the negotiations said the free-agent reliever is still weighing his options and a decision is not imminent.

It’s unclear at this point whether the Angels have offered a Major League or a Minor League contract, but they are believed to be in the mix along with the Orioles, Yankees, Astros and perhaps others. Considering he’s coming off a bounceback season with the Yankees, one that saw him post a 2.09 ERA and a 1.268 WHIP in 56 innings, the 34-year-old right-hander would likely command a Major League deal.

The Angels were among four teams interested in adding Francisco Cordero, but he wound up agreeing to terms on a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Blue Jays on Tuesday. Cordero is reportedly headed to Toronto to serve as a setup man — a pretty clear indication that the Blue Jays’ offer trumped that of the Angels and other suitors.

– Alden Gonzalez

Cespedes declared a free agent Yoenis Cespedes is now a free agent.

On Wednesday, Major League Baseball sent out a notice to the clubs advising them that Cespedes, as a resident of the Dominican Republic, is not subjected to the Amateur Draft and may now sign as a free agent.

On Tuesday, the outfield prospect established residency in the Dominican Republic.

Cespedes, who just finished a stint with Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League, recently said the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers, and Indians have expressed the most interest in signing him. He is expected to command a contract greater than the one received by Cuban left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who signed a six-year, $30.25 million deal with the Reds in January 2010.

The Marlins are on record saying they believe Cespedes’ best fit is in Miami, with its strong Cuban community. The club is prepared to make a substantial offer — between four and six years — for the power-hitting outfielder.

Reports that he is not interested in signing with the Marlins are not true, an industry source said.

Cespedes hit .333 with 33 home runs, 99 RBIs and 11 stolen bases over 90 games in Cuba during the 2010-11 season, and many believe he can be inserted into the 2012 Opening Day starting lineup for the team that signs him.

He hit .143 with one home run and 10 strikeouts in 35 at-bats for the Aguilas.

– Jesse Sanchez

Reds get Valdez, sign Masset Bypassing the free-agent market for backup infielders that can play shortstop, the Reds executed a trade Wednesday that brought utility infielder Wilson Valdez from the Phillies for left-handed reliever Jeremy Horst.

Valdez spent the last two seasons in Philadelphia and batted .249 with a .294 on-base percentage, one home run and 30 RBIs over 99 games in 2011. A lifetime .243 hitter, the 33-year-old Valdez has also spent time with the White Sox, Mariners, Padres, Dodgers and Mets.

Out of Valdez’s 342 career big league games, 190 have been played at shortstop where he owns a .980 fielding percentage. Many might remember him doing the Reds in as the winning pitcher of the May 25, 2011 game that lasted 19 innings at Citizen Banks Park. With his team out of pitchers, Valdez moved from second base and pitched a scoreless top of the 19th inning.

Also, Nick Masset signed a two-year contract to avoid arbitration. Terms were not immediately known.

– Mark Sheldon

Reports: Red Sox have made offers to Oswalt, Jackson The two most alluring starting pitchers who remain free agents have both received offers from the Red Sox, according to reports Wednesday.

Roy Oswalt’s received a “significant” offer, according to CBS Sports’ Danny Knobler, while Jim Bowden of ESPN reported via Twitter that the Sox have made an offer to Edwin Jackson, whom they prefer over Oswalt.

Oswalt was limited by back problems last year, so Jackson could be viewed as a more sure thing, at least in terms of innings. Oswalt reportedly is being selective with possible destinations, turning down an offer from the Tigers.

– Evan Drellich

Marlins primed to bid on Cespedes Cuban sensation Yoenis Cespedes is on the verge of becoming a free agent, and the Marlins are expected to make a strong push for the 26-year-old outfielder.

Cespedes has established residency in the Dominican Republic, which had kept him in a holding pattern for months. Now, the outfielder is awaiting approval from Major League Baseball to be declared a free agent.

Recently, Cespedes said the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers and Indians had expressed the most interest. The Marlins are on record saying they believe Cespedes’ best fit is in Miami, with its strong Cuban community. They are prepared to make a substantial offer — between four and six years — for the power-hitting outfielder.

There is a feeling within the organization that another impact bat is needed to reach the postseason, and Cespedes is a five-tool player. The Marlins also feel Cespedes can handle center field, but some wonder if that is his best position. Because of his size, he may profile more as a corner outfielder. But he has the speed to play all three positions.

In recent weeks, Cespedes got some game experience while playing with Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League. He showed glimpses of his power, but he’s also rusty.

If he signs with Miami, he certainly would get a strong look in Spring Training, but chances are he would open the season at either Triple-A New Orleans or Double-A Jacksonville.

If everyone is healthy and Cespedes wins the center field job for Opening Day, Emilio Bonifacio then could go back to being a super-utility player.

The bottom line is the Marlins feel they would be a more rounded and deeper team with Cespedes.

– Joe Frisaro

Cespedes gains residency in Dominican The bidding is about to begin.

Cuban outfield prospect Yoenis Cespedes has established his residency in the Dominican Republic and is now waiting on approval from Major League Baseball to be declared a free agent, his representative, Edgar Mercedes, said.

He is expected to command a contract greater than the one received by Cuban left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who signed a six-year, $30.25 million deal with the Reds in January 2010.

– Jesse Sanchez

Yankees could trade for a DH In a conference call with reporters discussing the Michael Pineda trade, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that he’d be more inclined to trade from his pitching depth to acquire a designated hitter than to sign one on the free-agent market.

When the Yankees officially announced the signing of right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, they’ll have seven starters vying for five spots. CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, Pineda, Phil Hughes, A.J. Burnett and Freddy Garcia are the other six.

“Maybe I use our excess pitching to find a bat,” Cashman said. “That’s a possibility. … We stretched the payroll to get [Kuroda] done, so I’m not sure what we have financially. I think we’ll look at the trade market first and foremost and see where that takes us.”

Among the DH options out there, the Yankees have reportedly heard from Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Vladimir Guerrero and Raul Ibanez, but are not thought to consider any of them an urgent priority.

– Bryan Hoch

Cuban lefty Concepcion works out for Rangers Free-agent pitcher Gerardo Concepcion worked out for the Rangers in front of a contingent that included owner Nolan Ryan at the team’s complex in the Dominican Republic on Monday, and the club is among the favorites to sign the Cuban left-hander.

The Rangers, Yankees, Cubs and White Sox have expressed the most interest in signing the left-hander, according to Concepcion’s agent, Jaime Torres. The Marlins, Phillies, Giants, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Royals have also shown interest.

Concepcion has one offer on the table, and is expected to sign a Major League contract during the next two weeks, the agent said.

“Everything is great. I really don’t know how to describe it,” Concepcion, 18, said by phone from the Dominican Republic. “All the training and exercise I have done is paying off. I’ve worked so hard to get here. I’m so happy. It’s like a dream come true.”

Concepcion, who was named Rookie of the Year in the Cuban Serie Nacional in 2010-11, after posting a 10-3 record and a 3.36 ERA in 21 games with Industriales de la Habana, defected from Cuba last June during the World Port Tournament in the Netherlands. He later established residency in Mexico, and was declared a free agent last week.

He has been working out in the Dominican Republic and starred in a showcase for Major League scouts on the island last Thursday.

– Jesse Sanchez

Millwood reportedly signs with Mariners Nine days after making the trade that cleared out Michael Pineda’s spot in their starting rotation, the Mariners have apparently signed a possible replacement in veteran right-hander Kevin Millwood.

News of an agreement between the Mariners and Millwood came via his own family, through a posting on Facebook by his sister Erika. It was subsequently confirmed by CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman, who reports that it is a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training.

Millwood, who turned 37 on Christmas Eve, last season went 4-3 in nine starts with the Rockies, who returned him to the Majors in mid-August after he had spent most of the year in the Minors in the Yankees and Red Sox organizations.

The Mariners would be the seventh club of Millwood’s career, during which he has compiled a record of 163-140 with a 4.10 ERA. He also has a no-hitter to his credit, against the Giants on April 27, 2003 while with the Phillies.

A two-time 18-game winner with the Braves in 1999 and 2002, Millwood reportedly had a chance to remain in Colorado on a $1 million contract with an additional $1 million in incentives.

– Tom Singer

Ayala now on Angels’ radar The Angels have expressed interest in free-agent reliever Luis Ayala, a source with knowledge of the situation told MLB.com. Right now, though, it appears they’re one of four clubs interested in giving the 34-year-old right-hander a big league contract, an industry source said.

Ayala signed a Minor League deal with the Yankees last February and had a big bounce-back year, posting a 2.09 ERA and a 1.268 WHIP in 56 innings (spanning 52 appearances). For his big league career, he has a 3.47 ERA and a 1.286 WHIP in seven seasons.

Ayala has been lights out while pitching for the Yaquis de Obregon of the Mexican winter league this offseason, giving up just two earned runs in 19 2/3 innings (good for an ERA of 0.92) while striking out 13 batters and walking four. A report out of Mexico said Ayala was choosing between the Angels and Orioles, but a source said that of Saturday, teams hadn’t begun tendering formal offers.

The Angels signed veteran reliever LaTroy Hawkins to a $3 million contract in December and are looking to add more depth to a bullpen that was tied for the American League lead in blown saves last season. Ayala could be drawn to Southern California because of its strong Mexican-American presence and its close proximities to Ayala’s native country.

– Alden Gonzalez

Scutaro dealt from Red Sox to Rockies BOSTON — The Red Sox traded shortstop Marco Scutaro to the Rockies in exchange for right-hander Clayton Mortensen, the clubs announced on Saturday.

Scutaro will be Colorado’s starting second baseman. For the Red Sox, the main motive of the deal was to clear some salary space, so they could add another proven starter to their rotation.

Veteran free agent Roy Oswalt is one intriguing possibility. Edwin Jackson is another candidate on the free-agent market. The White Sox are said to be dangling righty Gavin Floyd in trade talks.

Mortensen is a veteran of three seasons, who has compiled a 4-8 record and 5.12 ERA over 24 appearances (13 starts).

– Ian Browne

More moves coming for Reds?The Reds have added a closer, a left fielder, a starting pitcher and a lefty setup man. What’s next?

Infielder … maybe.

The free-agent market for infielders who can play shortstop and back up rookie Zack Cozart is rather thin. It’s thin enough that Reds general manager Walt Jocketty is thinking trade rather signing someone from the open market.

“We’re still talking to a couple of clubs,” Jocketty said late Friday. “We’ll know something by next week, hopefully. I don’t think there’s a lot of guys out there free agent wise.”

Jocketty did not divulge which clubs he was chatting with.

Of the free-agent shortstops, there’s only Ryan Theriot, Miguel Tejada and former Red Edgar Renteria. In recent days, ex-Red Orlando Cabrera retired and Jack Wilson signed with the Braves.

Jocketty said that there has been some interest shown to Theriot.

“We’ve talked to him, had some conversations,” Jocketty said.

Asked if he was optimistic something could get done, Jocketty responded “not today.”

• If the Reds sign nobody and don’t pull off a trade, Jocketty said he’d be comfortable going with what is already in house. That would mean Cozart and Paul Janish would be the team’s shortstops, with Cozart on the inside track to start.

• The Reds are continuing to look at adding to their depth with possible Minor League contract offers. One player they’re taking a look at, Jocketty confirmed, is pitcher Jeff Francis.The left-handed Francis, 30, was 6-16 with a 4.82 ERA in 31 starts last season with the Royals. He was with the Rockies from 2004-10 and was a 17-game winner in 2007.

– Mark Sheldon

A’s reportedly have strong interest in Manny Manny Ramirez is turning the heads of at least a few teams as the outfielder looks to return to Major League Baseball, but no club is more interested in the 12-time All-Star than the A’s, according to a report by ESPN.

The 39-year-old Ramirez, who retired last season after violating the league’s banned substances policy for the second time, has been working out in Miami and plans to have open workout sessions for interested teams later this month.

The Orioles and Blue Jays already have watched Ramirez hit, according to the report, but a source told ESPN that Oakland is “very interested” in Ramirez.

“The Orioles and Blue Jays saw Manny work and Baltimore liked what it saw, but Oakland has been the team that has expressed the most interest, even before having him work out,” the source told ESPN.

Ramirez, a 19-year veteran, has hit .312 with 555 home runs during his career with the Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers, White Sox and Rays.

If Ramirez were to sign with a team, he would serve a 50-game suspension stemming from his positive test last season. Ramirez and MLB had previously agreed on lowering the suspension from 100 games, which is the typical punishment for a second positive test.

– Cash Kruth

Pena returns to Rays Carlos Pena is returning to the Rays after spending a year away, a source confirmed on Friday.

The 33-year-old first baseman’s one-year contract is worth $7.25 million. Pena spent the 2007-10 seasons with Tampa Bay before joining the Cubs as a free agent last offseason, and his two best seasons came with the Rays (46 home runs in ’07, 39 in ’09).

Pena’s home run total for the Cubs last year (28) matched his output with the Rays in 2010. He hit .225 with a .357 on-base percentage in 2011, marks that are in line with his respective .239 and .352 clips lifetime.

Pena will take a pay cut from his $10 million salary a year ago.

– Evan Drellich

Yanks have heard from Vlad, Ibanez The Yankees have heard from the representatives for free agents Vladimir Guerrero and Raul Ibanez about their opening at designated hitter, Newsday’s Ken Davidoff reports.

Guerrero and Ibanez could join a crowd of candidates vying for the Yankees’ attention in the wake of last week’s Jesus Montero trade to the Mariners. New York is known to have reached out to the representatives for Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Carlos Pena, but it is believed that the Yankees have only between $1 million and $2 million to spend on a DH.

Internally, the Yankees are touting a tandem of Andruw Jones and Minor League slugger Jorge Vazquez to tackle DH duties, while also using the spot to help rest players like Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira. Davidoff’s report also noted that Jack Cust’s representatives talked to the Yankees, but Cust agreed to a contract with the Astros on Tuesday.

– Bryan Hoch

Astros reach one-year deal with Cust Jack Cust, who has hit 105 home runs in a 10-year Major League career that has spanned six teams, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Astros that includes an option for 2013, according to a baseball source.

The deal is pending a physical and could be announced as soon as Wednesday. Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow declined to comment.

Cust, 33, appeared in 67 games before being cut loose last July by the Mariners, for whom he batted .213 with three homers and 23 RBIs. He spent the previous four seasons with the Oakland A’s, hitting 97 homers and driving in 281 runs in that span. He’s played primarily left field, right field and designated hitter in his career.

– Brian McTaggart

Rockies make offer to veteran Moyer For now, the Rockies’ 2012 potential Opening Day starting rotation can be called the “under-30 club.” But that could change, considerably, with one potential signing.

Looking for a veteran to help guide the young rotation, the Rockies could be bringing in 49-year-old left-hander Jamie Moyer. The Rockies have made an offer of a Minor League contract, and a club official told MLB.com on Tuesday morning that “it’s in his court.”

Moyer had Tommy John ligament transfer surgery in his throwing elbow in December 2010 and worked for ESPN as an analyst last year, but stated all along he oped to pitch again in 2012. He went 9-9 with a 4.84 ERA for the Phillies in 2010.

By making the offer, the Rockies are signaling that they believe Moyer can be a help to them, not merely a novelty, although his potential signing sparks folks to go digging for trivia. For example, when Moyer made his Major League debut for the Cubs on June 16, 1986, the following competitors for the Rockies’ 2012 rotation had not been born: Jhoulys Chacin (Jan. 7, 1988), Tyler Chatwood (Dec. 16, 1989), Juan Nicasio (Aug. 31, 1986), Drew Pomeranz (Nov. 22, 1988) and Alex White (Aug. 29, 1988).

One of Moyer’s teammates on the 1986 Cubs was Rockies television color commentator George Frazier, then a relief pitcher.

The Denver Post, which reported the offer to Moyer on Monday night, also reported that the Rockies are looking at trading for a second baseman, with the Red Sox’s Marco Scutaro and the Mets’ Justin Turner as possibilities.

– Thomas Harding

Reds get Ludwick MLB.com has learned via a source Monday night that outfielder Ryan Ludwick has agreed to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2013. The dollar figure remains unclear, but the Reds weren’t expected to spend a lot to fill their opening for a fourth outfielder.

Ken Rosenthal at FOX Sports and MLB Network was first with the story.

Ludwick, 33, batted .237 with 13 home runs last season in a combined 139 games with the Padres and Pirates. He has a history with Reds general manager Walt Jocketty, having played for him with the Cardinals. Ludwick spent the 2007-09 seasons in St. Louis and hit a career best 37 homers with 113 RBIs in 2008.

This fills the Reds need for a fourth outfielder that can mainly play left field in a quasi-platoon with Chris Heisey.

– Mark Sheldon

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
__________________________________________________

All 2011 Free Agents Signed and Unsigned
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Rick Ankiel	CF	32	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Norichika Aoki	LF	30	Signed	Japan	Milwaukee	2	NR	$2,250,000
Luis Ayala	RP	34	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Rod Barajas	C	36	Signed (B)	Los Angeles	Pittsburgh	1	NR	$4,000,000
Josh Bard	C	33	Signed	Seattle	LA Dodgers		NR	Minor Lg
Clint Barmes	SS	32	Signed (B)	Houston	Pittsburgh	2	NR	$10,500,000
Miguel Batista	RP	40	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Mike Baxter	RF	27	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Erik Bedard	SP	32	Signed	Boston	Pittsburgh	1	23	$4,500,000
Heath Bell	RP	34	Signed (A)	San Diego	Miami	3	40	$27,000,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Carlos Beltran	RF	34	Agreed	San Francisco	St. Louis	2	9	$26,000,000
Yuniesky Betancourt	SS	30	Signed (B)	Milwaukee	Kansas City	1	NR	$2,000,000
Wilson Betemit	3B	30	Agreed	Detroit	Baltimore	2	NR	$3,250,000
Casey Blake	3B	38	Signed	Los Angeles	Colorado	1	NR	$2,000,000
Henry Blanco	C	40	Signed	Arizona	Arizona	1	NR	$1,250,000
Willie Bloomquist	LF	34	Signed	Arizona	Arizona	2	NR	$3,800,000
Andrew Brackman	SP	26	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Jonathan Broxton	RP	27	Signed	Los Angeles	Kansas City	1	NR	$4,000,000
Mark Buehrle	SP	32	Signed (A)	Chicago	Miami	4	6	$58,000,000
Pat Burrell	LF	35	Free Agent (B)	San Francisco	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Orlando Cabrera	2B	37	Free Agent	San Francisco	–		NR	–
Shawn Camp	RP	36	Free Agent (B)	Toronto	–		NR	–
Matt Capps	RP	28	Signed	Minnesota	Minnesota	1	NR	$4,750,000
Chris Capuano	SP	33	Signed	New York	LA Dodgers	2	NR	$10,000,000
Jamey Carroll	SS	37	Signed	Los Angeles	Minnesota	2	NR	$6,750,000
Fabio Castillo	RP	22	Free Agent	Texas	–		NR	–
Ramon Castro	C	35	Free Agent	Chicago	–		NR	–
Ronny Cedeno	SS	28	Signed	Pittsburgh	NY Mets	1	31	–
Endy Chavez	CF	33	Signed	Texas	Baltimore	1	NR	$1,500,000
Eric Chavez	3B	34	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Bruce Chen	SP	34	Signed (B)	Kansas City	Kansas City	2	34	$9,000,000
Wei-Yin Chen	SP	26	Signed	Japan	Baltimore	3	NR	$11,338,000
Pedro Ciriaco	SS	26	Free Agent	Pittsburgh	–		NR	–
Todd Coffey	RP	31	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Bartolo Colon	SP	38	Agreed	New York	Oakland	1	33	$900,000
Brooks Conrad	2B	32	Free Agent	Atlanta	–		NR	–
Aaron Cook	SP	32	Free Agent	Colorado	–		NR	–
Alex Cora	3B	36	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Francisco Cordero	RP	36	Agreed	Cincinnati	Toronto	1	44	$4,500,000
Dan Cortes	RP	24	Free Agent	Seattle	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Craig Counsell	2B	41	Free Agent	Milwaukee	–		NR	–
Coco Crisp	CF	32	Signed	Oakland	Oakland	2	26	$14,000,000
Juan Cruz	RP	33	Free Agent	Tampa Bay	–		NR	–
Michael Cuddyer	RF	32	Signed (A)	Minnesota	Colorado	3	15	$31,500,000
Johnny Damon	DH	38	Free Agent	Tampa Bay	–		27	–
Yu Darvish	SP	25	Agreed	Japan	Texas	6	NR	$60,000,000
David DeJesus	RF	32	Signed (B)	Oakland	Chicago Cubs	2	21	$10,000,000
Mark DeRosa	LF	36	Signed	San Francisco	Washington	1	NR	$800,000
Greg Dobbs	3B	33	Free Agent	Florida	–		NR	–
Octavio Dotel	RP	38	Signed (B)	St. Louis	Detroit	1	NR	$3,500,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Ryan Doumit	C	30	Signed (B)	Pittsburgh	Minnesota	1	29	$3,000,000
J.D. Drew	RF	36	Free Agent	Boston	–		47	–
Zach Duke	SP	28	Free Agent	Arizona	–		NR	–
Chad Durbin	RP	34	Free Agent	Cleveland	–		NR	–
Mark Ellis	2B	34	Signed (B)	Colorado	LA Dodgers	2	NR	$8,750,000
Willie Eyre	RP	33	Free Agent	Baltimore	–		NR	–
Prince Fielder	1B	27	Agreed	Milwaukee	Detroit	9	1	$214,000,000
Jeff Francis	SP	31	Free Agent	Kansas City	–		35	–
Frank Francisco	RP	32	Signed (B)	Toronto	NY Mets	2	46	$12,000,000
Kosuke Fukudome	RF	34	Free Agent	Cleveland	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Rafael Furcal	SS	34	Agreed	St. Louis	St. Louis	2	38	$14,000,000
Freddy Garcia	SP	35	Signed	New York	NY Yankees	1	36	$4,000,000
Jon Garland	SP	32	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
Cole Garner	RF	27	Free Agent	Colorado	–		NR	–
Chris Gimenez	C	29	Free Agent	Seattle	–		NR	–
Ross Gload	1B	35	Free Agent	Philadelphia	–		NR	–
Jonny Gomes	LF	31	Signed	Washington	Oakland	1	NR	$1,000,000
Alex Gonzalez	SS	34	Signed (B)	Atlanta	Milwaukee	1	NR	$4,250,000
Mike Gonzalez	RP	33	Free Agent	Texas	–		NR	–
John Grabow	RP	33	Signed	Chicago	LA Dodgers		NR	Minor Lg
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Vladimir Guerrero	DH	36	Free Agent (B)	Baltimore	–		NR	–
Carlos Guillen	2B	36	Free Agent	Detroit	–		NR	–
Scott Hairston	RF	31	Signed	New York	NY Mets	1	NR	$1,100,000
Jerry Hairston Jr.	3B	35	Signed	Milwaukee	LA Dodgers	2	NR	$6,000,000
Aaron Harang	SP	33	Signed	San Diego	LA Dodgers	2	NR	$12,000,000
Rich Harden	SP	30	Free Agent	Oakland	–		NR	–
Willie Harris	LF	33	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
LaTroy Hawkins	RP	39	Signed	Milwaukee	LA Angels	1	NR	$3,000,000
Brad Hawpe	1B	32	Free Agent	San Diego	–		NR	–
Clay Hensley	RP	32	Agreed	Florida	San Francisco	1	NR	$750,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Jeremy Hermida	RF	28	Free Agent	San Diego	–		NR	–
Livan Hernandez	SP	36	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Ramon Hernandez	C	35	Signed (B)	Cincinnati	Colorado	2	32	$6,400,000
Aaron Hill	2B	29	Signed (B)	Arizona	Arizona	2	30	$11,000,000
Koyie Hill	C	32	Free Agent	Chicago	–		NR	–
Rich Hill	RP	31	Free Agent	Boston	–		NR	–
Raul Ibanez	LF	39	Free Agent (B)	Philadelphia	–		NR	–
Hisashi Iwakuma	SP	30	Signed	Japan	Seattle	1	NR	$1,500,000
Cesar Izturis	SS	31	Signed	Baltimore	Milwaukee		NR	Minor Lg
Conor Jackson	1B	29	Free Agent	Boston	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Edwin Jackson	SP	28	Free Agent (B)	St. Louis	–		11	–
Jason Jaramillo	C	29	Free Agent	Pittsburgh	–		NR	–
Kelly Johnson	2B	29	Free Agent (A)	Toronto	–		17	–
Reed Johnson	RF	35	Agreed	Chicago	Chicago Cubs	1	NR	$1,150,000
Andruw Jones	LF	34	Free Agent	New York	–		37	–
Jason Kendall	C	37	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
Adam Kennedy	2B	36	Signed	Seattle	LA Dodgers	1	NR	$800,000
Jeff Keppinger	2B	31	Signed	San Francisco	Tampa Bay	1	NR	$1,525,000
Casey Kotchman	1B	28	Free Agent	Tampa Bay	–		NR	–
Mark Kotsay	RF	36	Signed	Milwaukee	San Diego	1	NR	$1,250,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Kevin Kouzmanoff	3B	30	Signed	Colorado	Kansas City		NR	Minor Lg
Jason Kubel	LF	29	Signed (B)	Minnesota	Arizona	2	41	$15,000,000
Hong-Chih Kuo	RP	30	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
Hiroki Kuroda	SP	36	Free Agent (B)	Los Angeles	–		13	–
Aaron Laffey	SP	26	Free Agent	Kansas City	–		NR	–
Gerald Laird	C	32	Signed	St. Louis	Detroit	1	NR	$1,000,000
Derrek Lee	1B	36	Free Agent (B)	Pittsburgh	–		NR	–
Brad Lidge	RP	35	Signed (B)	Philadelphia	Washington	1	NR	$1,000,000
Scott Linebrink	RP	35	Free Agent	Atlanta	–		NR	–
Jose Lopez	2B	28	Signed	Florida	Cleveland		NR	Minor Lg
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Rodrigo Lopez	SP	36	Free Agent	Chicago	–		NR	–
Ryan Ludwick	LF	33	Free Agent (B)	Pittsburgh	–		NR	–
Mike MacDougal	RP	34	Signed	Los Angeles	LA Dodgers	1	NR	$1,000,000
Ryan Madson	RP	31	Signed (A)	Philadelphia	Cincinnati	1	16	$8,500,000
Paul Maholm	SP	29	Agreed	Pittsburgh	Chicago Cubs	1	24	$4,750,000
Jason Marquis	SP	33	Signed	Arizona	Minnesota	1	NR	$3,000,000
Damaso Marte	RP	36	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Hideki Matsui	DH	37	Free Agent	Oakland	–		NR	–
John McDonald	SS	37	Signed	Arizona	Arizona	2	NR	$3,000,000
Nate McLouth	CF	30	Signed	Atlanta	Pittsburgh	1	NR	$1,750,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Jason Michaels	LF	35	Signed	Houston	Washington		NR	Minor Lg
Jose Mijares	RP	27	Signed	Minnesota	Kansas City	1	NR	$925,000
Aaron Miles	2B	35	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
Trever Miller	RP	38	Free Agent	Boston	–		NR	–
Kevin Millwood	SP	37	Free Agent	Colorado	–		NR	–
Sergio Mitre	RP	30	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Jose Molina	C	36	Signed	Toronto	Tampa Bay	1	NR	$1,500,000
Guillermo Mota	RP	38	Signed	San Francisco	San Francisco	1	NR	$1,000,000
Peter Moylan	RP	33	Free Agent	Atlanta	–		NR	–
Xavier Nady	1B	33	Free Agent	Arizona	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Joe Nathan	RP	37	Signed	Minnesota	Texas	2	42	$14,500,000
Laynce Nix	LF	31	Signed	Washington	Philadelphia	2	NR	$2,500,000
Darren Oliver	RP	41	Signed (A)	Texas	Toronto	1	NR	$4,000,000
Magglio Ordonez	RF	38	Free Agent (B)	Detroit	–		NR	–
David Ortiz	DH	36	Free Agent (A)	Boston	–		10	–
Ramon Ortiz	RP	38	Free Agent	Chicago	–		NR	–
Roy Oswalt	SP	34	Free Agent (A)	Philadelphia	–		22	–
Lyle Overbay	1B	35	Signed	Arizona	Arizona	1	NR	–
Micah Owings	SP	29	Free Agent	Arizona	–		NR	–
Vicente Padilla	RP	34	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Jonathan Papelbon	RP	31	Signed (A)	Boston	Philadelphia	4	18	$50,000,058
Corey Patterson	LF	32	Free Agent	St. Louis	–		NR	–
Ronny Paulino	C	30	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Carlos Pena	1B	33	Signed	Chicago	Tampa Bay	1	14	$7,250,000
Wily Mo Pena	DH	30	Signed	Seattle	Japan	2	NR	$4,050,000
Brad Penny	SP	33	Free Agent	Detroit	–		NR	–
Juan Pierre	CF	34	Free Agent (B)	Chicago	–		NR	–
Joel Pineiro	SP	33	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
Jorge Posada	DH	40	Retired	New York	–		NR	–
Albert Pujols	1B	32	Signed (A)	St. Louis	LA Angels	10	2	$250,000,000
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Nick Punto	3B	34	Signed	St. Louis	Boston	3	NR	$3,000,000
Chad Qualls	RP	33	Signed	San Diego	Philadelphia	1	NR	$1,150,000
Aramis Ramirez	3B	33	Signed (A)	Chicago	Milwaukee	3	7	$36,000,000
Horacio Ramirez	RP	32	Free Agent	Los Angeles	–		NR	–
Jon Rauch	RP	33	Signed	Toronto	NY Mets	1	NR	$3,500,000
Edgar Renteria	SS	36	Free Agent	Cincinnati	–		NR	–
Jo-Jo Reyes	SP	27	Free Agent	Baltimore	–		NR	–
Jose Reyes	SS	28	Signed (A)	New York	Miami	6	4	$106,000,000
Arthur Rhodes	RP	42	Free Agent (B)	St. Louis	–		NR	–
Will Rhymes	2B	28	Free Agent	Detroit	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Juan Rivera	LF	33	Signed	Los Angeles	LA Dodgers	1	NR	$4,500,000
Fernando Rodney	RP	34	Signed	Los Angeles	Tampa Bay	1	NR	$2,000,000
Francisco Rodriguez	RP	28	Free Agent (A)	Milwaukee	–		28	–
Ivan Rodriguez	C	40	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Jimmy Rollins	SS	33	Signed (A)	Philadelphia	Philadelphia	3	5	$38,000,000
J.C. Romero	RP	35	Signed	Colorado	St. Louis	1	NR	$750,000
Cody Ross	LF	31	Signed (B)	San Francisco	Boston	1	39	$3,000,000
Takashi Saito	RP	41	Signed (A)	Milwaukee	Arizona	1	NR	$1,750,000
Ramon Santiago	2B	32	Free Agent	Detroit	–		NR	–
Joe Saunders	SP	30	Free Agent	Arizona	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Brian Schneider	C	35	Signed	Philadelphia	Philadelphia	1	NR	$800,000
Luke Scott	LF	33	Agreed	Baltimore	Tampa Bay	1	NR	$6,000,000
George Sherrill	RP	34	Signed	Atlanta	Seattle	1	NR	$1,100,000
Kelly Shoppach	C	31	Signed	Tampa Bay	Boston	1	NR	$1,350,000
Grady Sizemore	CF	29	Signed	Cleveland	Cleveland	1	25	$5,000,000
Doug Slaten	RP	31	Free Agent	Washington	–		NR	–
Chris Snyder	C	30	Agreed	Pittsburgh	Houston	1	NR	–
Andy Sonnanstine	SP	28	Free Agent	Tampa Bay	–		NR	–
Ryan Spilborghs	RF	32	Free Agent	Colorado	–		NR	–
Ryan Theriot	SS	32	Free Agent	St. Louis	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Jim Thome	1B	41	Signed	Cleveland	Philadelphia	1	43	$1,250,000
Matt Treanor	C	35	Signed	Texas	LA Dodgers	1	NR	$850,000
Jason Varitek	C	39	Free Agent (B)	Boston	–		NR	–
Javier Vazquez	SP	35	Free Agent	Florida	–		12	–
Omar Vizquel	SS	44	Agreed	Chicago	Toronto		NR	–
Tsuyoshi Wada	SP	30	Signed	Japan	Baltimore	2	NR	$8,150,000
Tim Wakefield	SP	45	Free Agent	Boston	–		NR	–
Chien-Ming Wang	SP	31	Signed	Washington	Washington	1	50	$4,000,000
Brandon Webb	SP	32	Free Agent	Texas	–		NR	–
Dan Wheeler	RP	34	Free Agent (B)	Boston	–		NR	–
PLAYER	POSITION	AGE	STATUS	2011 TEAM	NEW TEAM	YEARS	RANK	DOLLARS
Eli Whiteside	C	32	Signed	San Francisco	San Francisco	1	NR	$600,000
Josh Willingham	LF	32	Signed (A)	Oakland	Minnesota	3	20	$21,000,000
Dontrelle Willis	SP	30	Signed	Cincinnati	Philadelphia	1	NR	$850,000
C.J. Wilson	SP	31	Signed	Texas	LA Angels	5	NR	$77,500,000
Jack Wilson	SS	34	Signed	Atlanta	Atlanta	1	NR	$1,000,000
Kerry Wood	RP	34	Agreed	Chicago	Chicago Cubs	1	NR	$3,000,000
Jamey Wright	RP	37	Free Agent	Seattle	–		NR	–
Chris Young	SP	32	Free Agent	New York	–		NR	–
Joel Zumaya	RP	27	Signed	Detroit	Minnesota	1	NR	$850,000

TEAM	DOLLARS
LA Angels	$330,500,000
Detroit	$218,500,000
Miami	$191,000,000
Philadelphia	$94,550,058
Texas	$74,500,000
LA Dodgers	$43,900,000
Milwaukee	$42,500,000
St. Louis	$40,750,000
Colorado	$39,900,000
Minnesota	$39,350,000
Arizona	$35,800,000
Baltimore	$24,238,000
Pittsburgh	$20,750,000
Chicago Cubs	$18,900,000
Tampa Bay	$18,275,000
NY Mets	$16,600,000
Kansas City	$15,925,000
Oakland	$15,900,000
Toronto	$8,500,000
Cincinnati	$8,500,000
Boston	$7,350,000
Washington	$5,800,000
Cleveland	$5,000,000
NY Yankees	$4,000,000
Seattle	$2,600,000
San Francisco	$2,350,000
San Diego	$1,250,000
Atlanta	$1,000,000
Chicago Sox	$0
Houston	$0

Reds sign lefty Jeff Francis to minor league contract (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
Week In Review: 1/22/12 – 1/28/12 (mlbtraderumors.com)
Oswalt to Rangers? (philadelphiatale.wordpress.com)
Indians’ deal with Julio Lugo has “fallen apart” (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
Unsigned free agents for the Jays’ consideration (thestar.com)
Yankees sign Manny Delcarmen to minor-league deal (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
Recapping Day Three of Oswalt Rumors (elmaquino5.wordpress.com)

The Heart Of The Order, 3-4 Power Combos

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Bloggo Schloggo

Dynamic 3-4 duos abound around big leagues

Pujols-Hunter, Fielder-Cabrera latest in long list of power combos

By John Schlegel / MLB.com

The conversation about the greatest 3-4 combinations in baseball history begins with Ruth-Gehrig, whose uniform numbers, one-name notoriety and Hall of Fame credentials tell you why.

Manny Ramirez

In more recent years, there have been some venerable combos, like Barry Bonds-Jeff Kent and Manny Ramirez-David Ortiz, and there remain many solid power duos taking up the Nos. 3 and 4 spots in lineups throughout the Majors today.

But the 3-4 conversation has changed a bit this offseason.

No longer will Braun-Fielder be a hyphenated word in these discussions. Pujols-Holliday didn’t last very long, and the Tigers came up with a pretty solid Plan B for losing half their 3-4 combo to injury this winter.

With the pieces seemingly in place now, here’s a glance at some of the best 3-4 combos in the game heading into 2012:

Gehrig - Ruth by Espino Family

WINTER ADDITIONS

It’s hard not to put Miguel Cabrera-Prince Fielder right at the top of the list before they have even played their first game together, because their potential together is so spectacular.

The Tigers already had a great combo with Cabrera and Victor Martinez, but the blockbuster Fielder acquisition takes it up a notch. Fielder was already part of one of the game’s best while teaming with reigning National League Most Valuable Player Award winner Ryan Braun in Milwaukee, and he’s on to another good thing in Detroit — on paper, at least.

Of course, that new combo under the halo has some pop to it as well. Albert Pujols-Torii Hunter combines the best hitter of his generation with an All-Star who has put up 20-plus homers in 10 of the past 11 seasons.

Another boffo offseason move altered a 3-4 combo, albeit indirectly. With Jose Reyes installed at the top of the Marlins’ lineup, Hanley Ramirez-Mike Stanton hope to have more opportunities to knock in runs and, in Stanton’s case, knock baseballs to the moon. Heading into only his second full season in the Majors, Stanton is emerging as one of the game’s must-see power hitters behind the star Ramirez, who will be shifting to third base.

CLASSIC COMBOS

The American League East’s beasts have the middle of the order covered with veteran hitters who have a powerful list of accomplishments. Mark Teixeira-Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees stands out as having perhaps the game’s best switch-hitter and the active leader in career homers, although a rebound year for A-Rod is in order.

In Boston, the Adrian Gonzalez-Kevin Youkilis combo is only one year in, but it has great potential. While Gonzalez delivered as advertised in his first season after being traded from the Padres, Youkilis has a two-year downturn to rebound from in the final year of his contract with the Sox.

And in the category of young duos taking over where Braun-Fielder left off, Colorado’s Carlos Gonzalez-Troy Tulowitzki emerged the last few years as an up-and-coming combo. CarGo experienced a dip from his 2010 MVP Award-caliber season, but he still came close to matching Tulo’s 30-homer, 100-RBI effort.

The current combo with the most quality miles together is Philadelphia’s Chase Utley-Ryan Howard, but they’re on the mend. Utley lost much of last season to chronic knee pain, and Howard will be on the shelf at least into May with the Achilles tendon injury he suffered in the Phillies’ postseason finale. When on their games and healthy, Utley-Howard has been hard to top.

The Rangers, meanwhile, had an unorthodox 3-4 combo most of last season and into the playoffs, with Josh Hamilton-Michael Young, the latter of whom delivered just 11 homers — but also more than 200 hits and 100 RBIs — in the cleanup spot. But Young shared that spot for half the season, so Hamilton-Adrian Beltre might be considered one of the stronger combos around, too.

ON THE RISE As seen in Pujols’ career, if you have an MVP Award candidate as half of a combo, you have a good combo.

In Toronto, Jose Bautista-Adam Lind isn’t a one-man show by any means, but it doesn’t hurt that Bautista is hitting the last couple of years like he’s a Triple Crown winner waiting to happen. Ditto in L.A., where Andre Ethier-Matt Kemphas been a buzz combo for a few years now. But while Kemp’s star rose high in the sky last year, Ethier has seen his numbers dip each season since his career year in 2009.

And in Cincinnati, Joey Votto-Jay Bruce really began to mesh as a formidable duo in 2011. They actually came the closest to any of these current 3-4 combos to hitting for 30-100 last year, falling one Votto homer and three Bruce RBIs short.

Then there was Braun-Fielder both crashing that barrier for the third time in the past four years. Meanwhile, the top power duo in the game was the 2-3 combo of Curtis Granderson and Teixeira, who combined for 80 homers and 230 RBIs.

Every team has a 3-4 duo, and perhaps 2012 will bring others into the discussion. Maybe Ryan Zimmerman-Jayson Werth will get something going in Washington. Maybe Minnesota’s Joe Mauer-Justin Morneau will get back on track, together. Maybe a new combo will emerge for us to admire, or one we’ve known will take it to the next level.

For now, there are plenty of 3-4 duos to keep pitchers on their toes and put their teams in position to make noise offensively.

John Schlegel is a national reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

COMBO PLAYERS

Links to Bio, stats, photos and highlights

Stark: NL Central suddenly has an identity crisis (espn.go.com)
You: Albert Pujols’ and Prince Fielder’s Huge Contracts Mean Big Money to Joey Votto? (bleacherreport.com)
Prince Fielder: 6 Bold Predictions for His 2012 Campaign with Detroit Tigers (bleacherreport.com)
David Sabino: Pujols, Fielder leave NL short at first base (sportsillustrated.cnn.com)
Prince Fielder Paid Like Royalty in Nine-Year $214 Million Deal With Detroit Tigers (ryankantor.com)
Will Oakland Athletics Sign Manny Ramirez Simply As Publicity Stunt? (ballhyped.com)
Boston Red Sox: David Ortiz Looking for a Big Payday in Arbitration Hearing (bleacherreport.com)
MLB Power Rankings: February Predictions and Rankings for All 30 Teams (bleacherreport.com)

Pat Burrell Calls It Quits After 12 Seasons and 292 Homers

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Bloggo Schloggo

Burrell, No. 1 overall pick in ’98, calls it a career

Slugger won World Series with Phillies in ’08, Giants in ’10

By Joey Nowak / MLB.com

Pat Burrell is retiring after a 12-year Major League career, according to multiple reports that surfaced on Monday afternoon.

Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors first reported that the 35-year-old outfielder was hanging up his cleats, and Ken Rosenthal of MLB Network and FOXSports.com confirmed the report on his Twitter account.

Burrell spent the bulk of his career with the Phillies, winning a World Series in 2008, then most recently with the Giants, where he got his second World Series ring in 2010.

He experienced a renaissance of sorts that season after the Rays released him after 24 games. Burrell signed on with the Giants and batted .266 with 18 homers and 51 RBIs in 341 plate appearances.

Burrell played in 92 games in 2011, batting .230 with 21 RBIs and seven home runs. The No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 First-Year Player Draft, he hit 20 or more homers nine times, finishing his career with 292 home runs.

Joey Nowak is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @joeynowak.‬ This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Former Philadelphia Phillies Star Pat Burrell Reportedly Set to Retire (bleacherreport.com)
Pat Burrell expected to retire at age 35 (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
Former Phillie Pat Burrell To Retire, Maybe Join San Francisco Giants Front Office? (philadelphia.cbslocal.com)
Pat Burrell Is Retiring, But “The Machine” Just Might Live On [Tribute] (deadspin.com)
You: Ex-Phils, Giants outfielder Burrell likely will retire (tracking.si.com)
Pat Burrell, the Rally Squirrel and 20 days ’til spring training (randombaseballstuff.com)
Chronic foot problem forces Burrell to retire (aol.sportingnews.com)

Phils Add Right Handed Bullpen Help With Chad Qualls

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Bloggo Schloggo

Phils bolster bullpen with veteran righty Qualls

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

PHILADELPHIA – The Phillies wanted more bullpen depth, so Tuesday they signed right-hander Chad Qualls to a one-year, $1.15 million contract.

Qualls, 33, is expected to join a ‘pen that could include Jonathan Papelbon, Jose Contreras, Antonio Bastardo, Mike Stutes, Kyle Kendrick and Dontrelle Willis, with several others in the mix in Spring Training.

Qualls provides the Phils another veteran right-handed arm, which might prove necessary because of the uncertainty surrounding Contreras’ health. Contreras had right elbow surgery last year, and while the Phillies believe he could be ready close to Opening Day, nobody is certain.

“Chad was one of those guys that was available to us at a reasonable price for what he can do,” Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday. “He has the ability to pitch in the seventh and the eighth. We’ll see where he fits. [Manager] Charlie [Manuel] and [pitching coach Rich] Dubee and Chad will decide that, but he’s certainly a guy with a power-sinker and power-slider combination.

“He was throwing very well at the end of the year. He’s had some battles with consistency, but he clearly has ability and some durability. And those are pretty important elements.”

Qualls, 33, went 6-8 with a 3.51 ERA in 77 appearances last season with the Padres. He had a 1.96 ERA in his final 19 appearances, but he went 4-5 with a 5.05 ERA in 38 appearances on the road, compared to 2-3 with a 2.09 ERA in 39 appearances in pitcher-friendly Petco Park.

“We looked at it. We saw it,” Amaro said. “We took a look at some of that data and information, but at the end of the day, when we discussed it with our scouts, we just felt like this type of a risk on a guy was not all that big of a risk. We kind of know what we’re going to get out of him.”

Right-handers hit just .218 with a .537 OPS against Qualls last season, while left-handers had much better success, hitting .320 with an .881 OPS.

Qualls has more appearances (512) over the previous seven seasons than any other pitcher. He is 38-34 with a 3.78 ERA and 51 saves in 537 career appearances with Houston, Arizona, Tampa Bay and San Diego.

His deal includes performance and award bonuses. He will wear No. 50.

“If he’s throwing strikes regularly, he’ll do some damage for us,” Amaro said.

Amaro said he does not expect any similar moves before the beginning of Spring Training on Feb. 19.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Amaro eyes May return for Howard (mlb.mlb.com)
Ryan Howard Unlikely To Play Opening Day, Says Phillies GM Ruben Amaro (tracking.si.com)
Mets inquire on free agent reliever Chad Qualls (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
Padres Decline Options On Harang, Hawpe, Qualls (mlbtraderumors.com)

Prospecting Prospects, A Prospectus

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Bloggo Schloggo

Breaking down MLB.com’s Top 100 Prospects

By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com

MLB.com’s first Top 100 Prospects listis now, as they said in “Mission: Impossible,” out in the open. Now the fun is just beginning.

The whole purpose of this kind of list is to get people talking, arguing, pushing and shoving. OK, not that last part. But every year this list has come out — just 50 in seasons past — the debates and comments have been passionate, to say the least.

Mike Trout

Arguments are bound to start right at the top. There was general consensus about who the top three prospects are among the scouts polled for the rankings. Matt Moore, Bryce Harper and Mike Trout were the top three on nearly everyone’s list. But there was no consensus on the order; that deck could be easily shuffled in any way and an argument could be made for whatever came out.

After that, debate could center around any of the other 97 on the list, who received Ryan Gosling-sized snubs by not making the list, or which teams’ systems didn’t get the love they deserved. The list, by the very nature of projecting prospects, is a subjective undertaking, done specifically to move the opinion needle.

To be eligible for the Top 100 list, a player must have rookie eligibility. To qualify for rookie status, a player must not have exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues or accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the 25-player-limit period, excluding time on the disabled list or in military service.

Jeremy Hellickson

International signees like Yu Darvish, in case you were wondering, are not being considered. Prospect Watch follows the guidelines laid out by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement: Players who are at least 23 years old and played in leagues deemed to be professional (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Cuba) are not eligible.

With those requirements in mind, each scout was asked to anonymously provide his own top 50 prospects list. An AP poll-type format was used. If, say, a scout put Moore in the top spot (eight of them did), Moore would get 50 points, 49 points for the second prospect, and on down to one point for the 50th prospect on each list. The more scouts involved, the more thorough the list, but there’s no avoiding having some opinion form the overall rankings.

The Graduates

Six of the first 10 from the 2011 Top 50 rankings are now considered big leaguers. Three of them — Jeremy Hellickson (No. 2), Dustin Ackley (5) and Eric Hosmer (8) — received American League Rookie of the Year votes. No. 13 Michael Pineda and Desmond Jennings (11) also got ROY votes, an award won by Hellickson. National League Rookie of the Year winner Craig Kimbrel wasn’t a Top 50 guy, but runner-up Freddie Freeman (17) was. Nineteen players from last year’s list are no longer deemed eligible due to their loss of rookie status.

Michael Pineda

Others dropped for other reasons, like injury and poor performance. With the new, extended list, some just moved into the 51-100 range, like Aaron Hicks (from 39 to 72), Wilin Rosario (41 to 63) and Chris Archer (47 to 74). Some fell off the rankings completely because of injury (Kyle Gibson and John Lamb) or a bad 2011 performance (Tyler Matzek) or maybe a combination of the two (Tanner Scheppers or Jose Iglesias). In total there are 30 new names in the first 50 this year that didn’t appear in the 2011 preseason rankings.

Team competition

Every team has at least one player in the Top 100. The White Sox brought up the rear, with just one player on the list (righty Addison Reed) coming in at 100. The Indians also only have one representative, though shortstop Francisco Lindor is at No. 32 overall.

Prospect Points

Giving 100 points to the team with the No. 1 prospect, 99 to the team with No. 2 and on down, below are the top 10 teams in terms of “prospect points.”
Team	Top 100	Points
Mariners	5	329
Royals	4	290
Pirates	4	276
Braves	5	267
D-backs	3	253
Padres	6	237
Rangers	4	236
Rockies	4	229
Yankees	4	225
Nationals	4	206

Three teams tied for the top of the list, with six prospects each. It should probably surprise no one that the Rays are one of those teams. The other two organizations with a half-dozen prospects stockpiled with offseason trades. Three of the A’s six came from the Gio Gonzalez trade and the Padres added a pair courtesy of the Mat Latos deal (13 of the top 50 have been involved in at least one trade).

Bryce Harper

Does having the most prospects give you the best system? Not necessarily. Presence on a Top 100 list doesn’t speak to depth in a system or where talent is on the organizational ladder. But what if a weighted score was devised so as to look at which system had the most impact or elite talent? Giving 100 points to the team with the No. 1 prospect, 99 to No. 2 and on down, it turned out it wasn’t the teams with the six names on the list that ranked at the top.

The Seattle Mariners, now with five Top 100 prospects thanks to the Jesus Montero trade, had a total of 329 “prospect points,” with three of those five landing in the top 50. The Kansas City Royals were second, even though they only had four names in the Top 100. But all four were in the top 50. The Pirates (276 points), Braves (267) and D-backs (253) rounded out the top five. The Padres and their six prospects finished sixth with 237 points, the Rays were 11th (198) and the A’s placed 13th (179).

Breakdown by position

Pos.	Top 100	Top 50
RHP	36	20
OF	21	8
LHP	12	7
SS	11	5
C	8	3
3B	8	4
1B	3	3
2B	1	0

Positional breakdown

You can never have enough pitching. That’s what they always say, right? This list, and the ones that have preceded it, prove most teams believe it, and that it’s important to grow your own arms.

In 2011, half of the 50 ranked prospects were pitchers. This year went over the 50 percent mark, with 27 hurlers in the top 50. The overall list is just a tiny bit less pitching-heavy, with 48 pitchers in the Top 100. The complete breakdown looks like this: 36 right-handed pitchers (20 in the top 50), 21 outfielders (eight in top 50), 12 left-handed pitchers (seven), 11 shortstops (five), eight catchers (three), eight third basemen (four), three first basemen (three) and a single second baseman who was not in the top 50.

Lefty-righty split

The lefty-righty breakdown on the mound is pretty severe, with right-handers holding a large edge. But what about the 52 hitters on the list?

That group is righty-dominant as well. A total of 33 of those 52 hitters are right-handed, with 13 of the 23 top 50 guys hitting from the right side. A dozen hitters are lefties (seven in the top 50) and there are seven switch-hitters (three top 50). The top 10 is a little more equitable, with two right-handers (Trout and Manny Machado), a lefty (Harper) and a switch-hitter in Jurickson Profar.

DRAFT CLASSES

A look at the Draft classes represented in the Top 100 Prospects list:
Draft	Top 100	Draft	Top 100
2006	4	2009	14
2007	7	2010	25
2008	12	2011	17

Feeling the Draft

Whether it’s a bias of the list’s creator or just the way the Minors looks right now can be debated, but there’s no question the Top 100 is very, very Draft-heavy.

A total of 79 players on the list came to the pro game via the Draft. The 2010 Draft is the most heavily represented with 25 players. Last year’s Draft comes in second with 17 and the 2009 Draft is third with 14 players.

It should come as no surprise that the vast majority of draftees on the list were first-rounders. Half of the 100, in fact, were taken in the first round. The second round was second with nine Top 100 players, but the fourth round pulled a little upset with four players, one more than the third round.

when did they go?

A look at the rounds of the Draft represented in the Top 100 Prospects list:
Round	Top 100	Round	Top 100
1st	50	7th	1
2nd	9	11th	1
4th	4	14th	1
3rd	3	18th	1
8th	3	38th	1
5th	2	41st	1

Equally expected is the fact that No. 1 overall picks have a bigger representation than most other first-round slots with three: Harper, Gerrit Cole and Tim Beckham. But the No. 1 picks are not alone. The No. 7 pick (Archie Bradley, Matt Harvey, Yonder Alonso) and the No. 9 pick (Jacob Turner, Jarrod Parker, Javier Baez) also had three representatives.

At the other end of the spectrum are Brad Peacock (pick No. 1,231) and Jarred Cosart (pick No. 1,156).

International flavor

Although there may have been only 21 international non-drafted free agents on the list, the group did manage to find representation from nine countries. The Dominican Republic led the way with 11 players, and no other country had more than two, with Venezuela and Panama tying for that amount. Curacao would have had two if Andrelton Simmons, who went to junior college and was drafted, was counted for his country of origin, joining Profar. With the same thinking, Canada deserves a nod thanks to the Mariners’ James Paxton.

Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLB.com and writes a blog, B3. Follow @JonathanMayoB3 on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

An interview with Seedlings 2 Stars (yankeesfansunite.wordpress.com)
Michael Beller: Top prospects poised to make a dent in 2012 (sportsillustrated.cnn.com)
Prospect Watch: Top 10 right-handed pitchers (mlb.mlb.com)
Cliff Corcoran: In a New York minute, Yanks become AL East favorites (sportsillustrated.cnn.com)

Pierre Can Still Steal Bases- Phils Add Speed To Power Bench

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Bloggo Schloggo

Phillies ink Pierre to Minor League deal

By Paul Hagen / MLB.com

In a small but potentially significant move, the Phillies signed speedy Juan Pierre to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training on Friday.

Pierre, 34, batted .279 as the everyday leadoff hitter and left fielder for the White Sox last season. He stole 27 bases and was thrown out 17 times, but he did steal 68 bags for Chicago in 2010.

The Phils allowed Raul Ibanez to depart as a free agent this offseason, and it appeared at the outset that John Mayberry Jr. would inherit that spot in left field based on the fact that he batted .309 with 10 homers and 34 RBIs in his last 149 at-bats of the regular season.

Mayberry still has the inside track, but he also faces significant competition for playing time.

While talented-but-raw 24-year-old Domonic Brown may well get a full season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley to polish his skills, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said recently that he could still play his way onto the big league roster with an impressive spring.

Amaro also signed veteran Laynce Nix, who has been used primarily against right-handed pitching throughout his career.

The addition of Pierre adds another wrinkle to the situation and potentially gives manager Charlie Manuel another option in left.

Pierre has 554 career stolen bases, the most of any active player, and ranks 26th on the all-time list, three behind Davey Lopes. In the last 11 years, Pierre has 1,958 hits, fifth most among all players.

“He’s not the same blazer he was with Florida and Los Angeles, but we think he can provide something we were grossly lacking on our bench last year — speed,” Amaro said. “We did not sign him to be our everyday left fielder. The bulk of the time will go to John Maybery and Laynce Nix, and, of course, Dom Bown is still in the picture.

“But we’ll put [Pierre] in the mix and see what happens. We view him as a guy who can give us another element. He can be a very useful guy.”

Paul Hagen is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Phillies Sign Juan Pierre To Minor League Contract (tracking.si.com)
Phillies Sign Juan Pierre (mlbtraderumors.com)
Phillies Sign Outfielder Juan Pierre (philadelphia.cbslocal.com)
Phillies, OF Pierre agree to minor league deal (espn.go.com)
Inbox: What are the club’s plans for Brown? (philadelphiatale.wordpress.com)
Philadelphia Phillies In Love With Idea of Juan Pierre, Not Real Juan Pierre (bleacherreport.com)
I Hate To See Wilson Go- But That’s Phillywood (philadelphiatale.wordpress.com)

May 2012
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
« Apr
	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	31

Wild Card expansion for 2012 talks ongoing

By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com

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when did they go?

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