Fantasy Baseball and MLB News, Rumors and Injury Updates

MLB Players in the News

December 15, 2009 @ 09:26:53

First Baseman

1B | Chris Richard | Tampa Bay Rays | Transaction
Marc Topkin, of the St. Petersburg Times, reports the Tampa Bay Rays signed free-agent P Joe Bateman (Brewers), RP Jeff Bennett (Rays), P Jason Cromer (Rays), P Richard De Los Santos, SP Carlos Hernandez (Rays) and 1B Chris Richard (Rays) to minor league deals with invitations to Spring Training Monday, Dec. 14.

1B | Adrian Gonzalez | San Diego Padres | Fantasy
Nick Cafardo, of The Boston Globe, reports the Boston Red Sox are talking trade for San Diego Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez, but talks are going nowhere, according to a major league source. The Padres are asking for SP Clay Buchholz and P Casey Kelly or OF Ryan Westmoreland. The Red Sox are unwilling to include Kelly or Westmoreland for the time being. One teammate indicated that Gonzalez has made the Red Sox his preferred destination if he is traded.

Second Baseman

2B | Augie Ojeda | Arizona Diamondbacks | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Nick Piecoro, of The Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Diamondbacks are interested in free-agent 2B Kelly Johnson (Braves). If the team signs Johnson, they would be expected to trade 2B Augie Ojeda.

2B | Kelly Johnson | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Nick Piecoro, of The Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Diamondbacks are interested in free-agent 2B Kelly Johnson (Braves). If the team signs Johnson, they would be expected to trade 2B Augie Ojeda.

Third Baseman

3B | Eric Chavez | Oakland Athletics | Injury News
The San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports Oakland Athletics 3B Eric Chavez (back) is pain-free and will begin throwing in January.

3B | Andy Marte | Cleveland Indians | Injury News,
Indians.MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports Cleveland Indians IF Andy Marte (oblique) suffered a strained oblique and is inactive in the Dominican Winter League.

3B | Craig Counsell | Milwaukee Brewers | Fantasy
Updating previous items, The Associated Press reports Milwaukee Brewers 3B Craig Counsell will receive $2.1 million for the 2010 season. He can make an extra $500,000 in performance bonuses: $50,000 each for 50, 75, 90 and 110 games, and $100,000 each for 125 games and 75 and 100 starts.

3B | Mike Lowell | Boston Red Sox | Injury News, Fantasy
ESPN.com reports Boston Red Sox 3B Mike Lowell (hip, thumb) will conduct a physical for the Texas Rangers this week, according to a major league source. "As for the trade, nothing is final," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "As we've said it's something both teams are looking at and the parameters are generally understood. Still some things to work through though, and it's not a lock to happen. I expect resolution one way or the other fairly soon."

Catcher

C | Eliezer Alfonzo | Seattle Mariners | Transaction, Free Agency News
The Seattle Times' Geoff Baker reports the Seattle Mariners signed free-agent C Eliezer Alfonzo (Padres) to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

C | Ramon Castro | Toronto Blue Jays | Transaction, Free Agency News
ESPN.com's Jorge Arangure reports the Toronto Blue Jays signed free-agent C Ramon Castro (White Sox) to a one-year, $1 million deal.

C | Bengie Molina | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Newsday's Ken Davidoff reports free-agent C Bengie Molina (Giants) is seeking a three-year deal from the New York Mets.

C | Yorvit Torrealba | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Alden Gonzalez, of MLB.com, reports free-agent C Yorvit Torrealba's (Rockies) grievance hearing against the New York Mets is scheduled to take place Wednesday, Dec. 16, according to SI.com. He is saying that the Mets falsely created the impression that he was an injury risk, and backed out of a three-year, $14.4 million deal a few years ago.

C | Jason Kendall | Kansas City Royals | Fantasy
Updating a previous item, Jayson Stark, of ESPN.com, reports the Kansas City Royals signed C Jason Kendall to a two-year deal worth $6 million Friday, Dec. 11.

Outfielder

OF | Juan Pierre | Chicago White Sox | Transaction, Fantasy
Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown reports the Chicago White Sox acquired OF Juan Pierre from the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor league pitchers. The Dodgers agreed to pick up half of what is owed to Pierre.

OF | Grady Sizemore | Cleveland Indians | Fantasy
Indians.MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports Cleveland Indians OF Grady Sizemore is likely to remain the leadoff hitter.

OF | Jason Bay | Free Agent | Free Agency News
The Boston Herald's John Tomase reports the New York Yankees have contacted free-agent OF Jason Bay's (Red Sox) representatives.

OF | Mike Cameron | Boston Red Sox | Free Agency News
ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reports the Boston Red Sox agreed to a two-year deal worth $7-8 million per season with free-agent OF Mike Cameron (Brewers). The deal is pending a physical. He is slated to play left field.

OF | Juan Rivera | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Fantasy
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, report the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are now the favorites to trade for Atlanta Braves SP Derek Lowe, after losing out on Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay and Philadelphia Phillies SP Cliff Lee. The Angels could offer OF Juan Rivera in order to acquire Lowe.

OF | Michael Saunders | Seattle Mariners | Fantasy
Todd Zolecki, of MLB.com, reports Seattle Mariners RP Brandon Morrow and OF Michael Saunders could be part of a three-team deal that would land the Mariners SP Cliff Lee, according to FOXSports.com. The deal would also involve the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies.

OF | Jason Michaels | Houston Astros | Transaction
MLB.com's Alyson Footer reports the Houston Astros re-signed OF Jason Michaels to a one-year deal worth $800,000 Monday, Dec. 14.

OF | Jonny Gomes | Free Agent | Free Agency News
John Fay, of The Cincinnati Enquirer, reports free-agent OF Jonny Gomes (Reds) said he is open to re-signing with the team after not being offered a contract over the weekend. It is believed he will demand at least $1.5 million in arbitration.

OF | Ryan Westmoreland | Boston Red Sox | Fantasy
Nick Cafardo, of The Boston Globe, reports the Boston Red Sox are talking trade for San Diego Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez, but talks are going nowhere, according to a major league source. The Padres are asking for SP Clay Buchholz and P Casey Kelly or OF Ryan Westmoreland. The Red Sox are unwilling to include Kelly or Westmoreland for the time being. One teammate indicated that Gonzalez has made the Red Sox his preferred destination if he is traded.

OF | Vladimir Guerrero | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Updating a previous report, Jayson Stark, of ESPN.com, reports the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are closing in on a one-year deal worth roughly $6.5 million with free-agent DH Hideki Matsui (Yankees). If the team signs Matsui, free-agent OF Vladimir Guerrero's (Angels) time with the team will likely end.

OF | Alfredo Amezaga | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports the Los Angeles Dodgers could be interested in signing free-agent OF Alfredo Amezaga (Marlins).

OF | Randy Winn | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Nick Piecoro, of The Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Diamondbacks could end up signing free-agent OF Randy Winn (Giants).

OF | Matt Holliday | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Anthony DiComo, of MLB.com, reports the New York Mets prefer free-agent OF Jason Bay (Red Sox) over OF Matt Holliday (Cardinals) because of Bay's propensity to pull the ball, something that would help him at Citi Field, according to the New York Daily News.

Starting Pitcher

SP | Jake Westbrook | Cleveland Indians | Injury News
Indians.MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports Cleveland Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said the team received "meaningful" relief from insurance on SP Jake Westbrook's (elbow) contract last season.

SP | Derek Lowe | Atlanta Braves | Fantasy
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, report the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are now the favorites to trade for Atlanta Braves SP Derek Lowe, after losing out on Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay and Philadelphia Phillies SP Cliff Lee. The Angels could offer OF Juan Rivera in order to acquire Lowe.

SP | Cliff Lee | Philadelphia Phillies | Fantasy
Todd Zolecki, of MLB.com, reports Seattle Mariners RP Brandon Morrow and OF Michael Saunders could be part of a three-team deal that would land the Mariners SP Cliff Lee, according to FOXSports.com. The deal would also involve the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies.

SP | Brandon Morrow | Seattle Mariners | Fantasy
Todd Zolecki, of MLB.com, reports Seattle Mariners RP Brandon Morrow and OF Michael Saunders could be part of a three-team deal that would land the Mariners SP Cliff Lee, according to FOXSports.com. The deal would also involve the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies.

SP | Carlos Hernandez | Tampa Bay Rays | Transaction
Marc Topkin, of the St. Petersburg Times, reports the Tampa Bay Rays signed free-agent P Joe Bateman (Brewers), RP Jeff Bennett (Rays), P Jason Cromer (Rays), P Richard De Los Santos, SP Carlos Hernandez (Rays) and 1B Chris Richard (Rays) to minor league deals with invitations to Spring Training Monday, Dec. 14.

SP | Roy Halladay | Toronto Blue Jays | Fantasy
Updating previous reports, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports the three-team blockbuster trade that would send Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay to the Philadelphia Phillies and SP Cliff Lee to the Seattle Mariners would become official Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the earliest, barring physicals and an extension for Halladay.

SP | Gustavo Chacin | Houston Astros | Transaction
MLB.com's Alyson Footer reports the Houston Astros signed free-agent SP Gustavo Chacin (Phillies) to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training Monday, Dec. 14.

SP | John Lackey | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Updating a previous report, Sam Miller, of The Orange County Register, reports the Boston Red Sox have reached a tentative agreement on a five-year deal worth $85 million with free-agent SP John Lackey (Angels), according to SI.com's Jon Heyman. However, the deal is not complete.

SP | Randy Wolf | Milwaukee Brewers | Fantasy
Updating previous reports, The Associated Press reports Milwaukee Brewers SP Randy Wolf's three-year deal worth $29.75 million includes incentives. He can make an extra $250,000 a year in performance bonuses: $125,000 each for 190 and 200 innings. He has a limited no-trade clause and would receive $250,000 if he is traded.

SP | Clay Buchholz | Boston Red Sox | Fantasy
Nick Cafardo, of The Boston Globe, reports the Boston Red Sox are talking trade for San Diego Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez, but talks are going nowhere, according to a major league source. The Padres are asking for SP Clay Buchholz and P Casey Kelly or OF Ryan Westmoreland. The Red Sox are unwilling to include Kelly or Westmoreland for the time being. One teammate indicated that Gonzalez has made the Red Sox his preferred destination if he is traded.

SP | Chien-Ming Wang | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Nick Piecoro, of The Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Diamondbacks do not appear interested in signing free-agent SP Chien-Ming Wang (Yankees).

SP | Josh Beckett | Boston Red Sox | Fantasy
Marc Topkin, of the St. Petersburg Times, reports the Boston Red Sox are reportedly trying to negotiate an extension with SP Josh Beckett.

SP | Ben Sheets | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Bryan Hoch, of MLB.com, reports the New York Yankees are monitoring free-agent SP Ben Sheets (Brewers) and met with his agent, Casey Close, during the winter meetings last week. However, the Yankees are unlikely to pay out the $11 to $12 million that he is seeking. The team will also wait to see what free-agent SP John Lackey (Angels) signs for before making any pitching moves.

SP | Justin Duchscherer | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Bryan Hoch, of MLB.com, reports the New York Yankees are monitoring free-agent SP Justin Duchscherer (Athletics). General manager Brian Cashman has said that he met with Duchscherer's agent, Damon Lapa, according to the New York Daily News. The Yankees will wait to see what free-agent SP John Lackey (Angels) signs for before making any pitching moves.

SP | Colby Lewis | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Alden Gonzalez, of MLB.com, reports Japanese League SP Colby Lewis is eyeing a return to the major leagues, according to Nikkan Sports. Lewis turned down an offer from his previous team, the Hiroshima Carp, and will head back to the United States in hopes of making a big league roster.

Relief Pitcher

RP | Winston Abreu | Tampa Bay Rays | Transaction
USAToday.com reports the Tampa Bay Rays re-signed P Winston Abreu to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

RP | Fernando Rodney | Free Agent | Free Agency News
ESPN.com's Jorge Arangure reports the New York Mets are pursuing free-agent RP Fernando Rodney (Tigers).

RP | Scott Strickland | Florida Marlins | Transaction, Free Agency News
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Juan C. Rodriguez reports the Florida Marlins signed free-agent P Matt Peterson (Royals), RP Scott Strickland (Dodgers), IF Donnie Murphy (Athletics) and IF Brian Barden (Cardinals) to minor league contracts.

RP | Matt Peterson | Florida Marlins | Transaction, Free Agency News
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Juan C. Rodriguez reports the Florida Marlins signed free-agent P Matt Peterson (Royals), RP Scott Strickland (Dodgers), IF Donnie Murphy (Athletics) and IF Brian Barden (Cardinals) to minor league contracts.

RP | Matt Capps | Free Agent | Free Agency News
ESPNChicago.com's Bruce Levine reports free-agent RP Matt Capps (Pirates) has been contacted by at least 12 teams. Three teams want Capps to serve as their closer. Capps, who is seeking a multiyear deal, would make around $3 million to $4 million as a setup man.

RP | Marcus McBeth | Oakland Athletics | Transaction
CBSSports.com reports the Oakland Athletics signed free-agent RP Marcus McBeth (Red Sox), P Cedrick Bowers (Rockies) and P Fernando Hernandez (White Sox) to undisclosed minor league deals Monday, Dec. 14.

RP | Jeff Bennett | Tampa Bay Rays | Transaction
Marc Topkin, of the St. Petersburg Times, reports the Tampa Bay Rays signed free-agent P Joe Bateman (Brewers), RP Jeff Bennett (Rays), P Jason Cromer (Rays), P Richard De Los Santos, SP Carlos Hernandez (Rays) and 1B Chris Richard (Rays) to minor league deals with invitations to Spring Training Monday, Dec. 14.

RP | Kelvim Escobar | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Marc Topkin, of the St. Petersburg Times, reports the New York Mets have made a minor league offer to free-agent RP Kelvim Escobar (Angels).

RP | Drew Storen | Washington Nationals | Fantasy
Geoff Morrow, of The Patriot-News, reports Washington Nationals RP Drew Storen worked with pitching coach Paul Menhart on reducing the timing in his delivery in the Arizona Fall League this year. Storen has been criticized for his slow move to the plate with runners on base. However, he has lowered his time-to-the-plate from 1.7 seconds to 1.3 "without losing velocity or movement, so that was awesome," Storen said.

RP | Joel Hanrahan | Pittsburgh Pirates | Fantasy
Jenifer Langosch, of MLB.com, reports Pittsburgh Pirates RPs Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek are both closing possibilities for the 2010 season.

RP | Evan Meek | Pittsburgh Pirates | Fantasy
Jenifer Langosch, of MLB.com, reports Pittsburgh Pirates RPs Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek are both closing possibilities for the 2010 season.