MLB Player News: CBSSports.com

Several teams looking at 3B Beltre

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 22:23:10 EST

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said Wednesday that teams have called to express interest in closer J.J. Putz and Gold Glove third baseman Adrian Beltre going into baseball's winter meetings next week in Las Vegas. "People have inquired about them, yes," Zduriencik said. "But there has not been a specific offer from anybody."

Putz reportedly drawing interest

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 22:19:58 EST

Percival out into March after surgery

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 18:03:46 EST

Tampa Bay Rays closer Troy Percival had back surgery this week and is expected to be ready to return to the AL champions before opening day. The surgery was performed Tuesday in California. The reliever is expected to take three months to recover. With 352 saves, Percival is eighth on the career list.

Cardinals finalize Miller deal

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 17:59:35 EST

Left-hander Trever Miller and the Cardinals finalized a one-year contract Wednesday. In eight-plus seasons he is 14-14 with a 4.43 ERA and 10 saves in 519 appearances. Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said improving the bullpen, especially from the left side, was a priority for the offseason. Tampa Bay declined a $2 million option last month, electing to pay Miller a $400,000 buyout.

Cubs give Fox one more comeback try

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 17:57:34 EST

Right-handed reliever Chad Fox and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a minor league contract Wednesday. Fox was added to the Cubs' roster May 2 and was 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in three relief appearances before a season-ending injury to his right elbow. That was his first major league action since 2005. The 38-year-old Fox is 10-12 with six saves and a 3.60 ERA in 217 relief appearances over parts of nine seasons with Atlanta, Milwaukee, Boston, Florida and the Cubs.

Red Sox lock up Pedroia for 6 years

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 17:54:39 EST

Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who earned $457,000 last season while winning the AL Most Valuable Player award, agreed Wednesday to a $40.5 million, six-year contract that could keep in Boston through at least 2014. The club effectively bought out Pedroia's arbitration years and his first two years of free agency (2013-14); there is also a club option for 2015 that is voided if he's traded. "I understood that if I went year-to-year I probably would have made more money. But I'm in a place that I love," Pedroia said. "My first thought was, 'I play for the best team. Who wouldn't want to play for the Boston Red Sox? We're going to have a chance to win every year.' ... It fits." He earns a signing bonus of $1.5 million and a salary of $1.5 million in 2009, followed by salaries of $3.5 million, $5.5 million and $8 million in what would have been his three years of arbitration eligibility. He would earn $10 million each in 2013 and 2014.

Mets invite 1B Green to camp

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 17:46:07 EST

The Mets gave Nelson Figueroa, lefty pitcher Adam Bostick, infielder Andy Green and catcher Rene Rivera non-roster invitations to spring training.

Mets invite Bostick, Green to camp

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 17:40:59 EST

The Mets gave Nelson Figueroa, lefty pitcher Adam Bostick, infielder Andy Green and catcher Rene Rivera non-roster invitations to spring training.

Mets bring back Figueroa

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 17:38:00 EST

The Mets signed pitcher Nelson Figueroa and three other minor league free agents Wednesday. Figueroa, a 34-year-old righty, was 3-3 with a 4.57 ERA for the Mets this season. He made six starts for New York. Figueroa is 10-20 lifetime with a 4.64 ERA with Arizona, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and the Mets. The Mets gave Figueroa, lefty pitcher Adam Bostick, infielder Andy Green and catcher Rene Rivera non-roster invitations to spring training.

Giants add Howry for setup help

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 17:35:32 EST

San Francisco took another step to bolster its bullpen Wednesday, agreeing a $2.75 million, one-year contract with free agent reliever Bobby Howry. The Giants had been looking for a reliable right-handed reliever to be their primary setup man and filled the spot with Howry, who was declined salary arbitration by the Chicago Cubs on Monday. San Francisco already signed lefty reliever Jeremy Affeldt last month, and Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy figure those two veterans will help bring the younger pitchers along. "I'm sure it's a comfort to Boch," Sabean said. "This was a big part of the puzzle and showed how much these guys respected our interest and took the punch to sign with us. The sooner the better that the organization has an idea of what's going on and the players are more comfortable."

Mariners add bench pop in Branyan

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 17:23:27 EST

Free agent Russell Branyan and the Mariners agreed Wednesday to a $1.4 million, one-year contract. Branyan has hit 133 home runs in 11 major league seasons, including 24 in 2002 and 18 in 2006. He can also play first base, third base and be a designated hitter. In addition to his base salary, Branyan could make $500,000 in performance bonuses. They start at $250,000 for 200 plate appearances.

Astros expect 35 starts from Hampton

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 13:54:51 EST

Oft-injured Mike Hampton finalized a one-year, $2 million deal with the Astros on Wednesday. "Some of my fondest memories came in an Astros uniform," he said. "So it's a chance to return to some of those glory days." Hampton sat out the 2006 season after Tommy John surgery and did not pitch in 2007 because of an oblique injury and an elbow problem that required season-ending surgery. "I just knew that I was going to get there," he said. "I was never going to give up." After sitting out for two full seasons, Hampton said it took a few starts for him to "get the rust off" and feel good on the mound last year. "After three starts I could finally start turning the corner and I really felt like the velocity picked up, the movement was there," he said. "Toward the end of last year I made 13 starts and I wish I had another 20 because I was feeling that good. I was really excited about where I was and I thought my stuff was there."

White Sox getting catcher of future

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 12:34:05 EST

The Braves, in dire need for healthy veteran starting pitchers, have reached a tentative agreement to acquire right-hander Javier Vazquez from the White Sox in a six-player trade. The teams agreed to the trade Tuesday, two people familiar with the deal said. The 32-year-old right-hander must take a physical for the deal to be completed, one of the people said, and he was likely to be examined Wednesday. Atlanta, according to one of the people, agreed to send Chicago a package of four prospects, including power-hitting minor league catcher Tyler Flowers and shortstop Brent Lillibridge, among the organization's top stolen-base threats. The Braves also give up minor league third baseman Jon Gilmore and left-hander Santos Rodriguez. In addition to Vazquez, the Braves would acquire reliever Boone Logan, a 24-year-old lefty who was 2-3 with a 5.95 ERA in 55 games last season.

Lillibridge part of Vazquez trade

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 12:30:49 EST

Logan a piece of the Vazquez deal

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 12:18:37 EST

Braves set to complete Vazquez deal

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 12:14:22 EST

A's hand out some minor deals

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 12:01:43 EST

The Athletics signed 1B Tagg Bozied and OF Matt Carson to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training. Signee RHP Jonathan Hunton was merely given a minor league contract.

Twins offer RP Reyes arbitration

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:56:08 EST

The Twins offered salary arbitration to LHP Dennys Reyes, who has until Sunday night to accept. If he does, he becomes a signed player. If he doesn't, the Twins could still sign him back in free agency.

Royals offer arbitration to Grudz

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:48:40 EST

The Royals re-signed C Matt Tupman and RHP Matt Wright to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training. Also, they offered salary arbitration to 2B Mark Grudzielanek, who has until Sunday night to accept. If he does, he becomes a signed player. If he doesn't, the Royals could still sign him back in free agency.

Royals invite two to spring training

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:44:31 EST

Brewers give 1B Thorman minor deal

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:35:31 EST

The Brewers signed former Braves first baseman Scott Thorman to a minor league contract.

Red Sox give Traber minor deal

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:10:06 EST

The Boston Red Sox pitcher Billy Traber signed to a minor league contract Tuesday.

Burriss to become trade bait?

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 10:58:42 EST

The Giants could have a new starting shortstop by the end of the week. San Francisco is keeping up its pursuit of free agent Edgar Renteria as the leading contender to replace 11-time Gold Glover Omar Vizquel, who was told after the season he wouldn't be re-signed. While it's unclear whether Renteria has formally been offered a contract, details on the parameters of a deal are being traded between the sides. If the Giants sign Renteria they might look to make a winter-meetings trade of Emmanuel Burriss, the promising shortstop selected by San Francisco in the first round of the 2006 draft. The 23-year-old Burriss played 95 games last season as a rookie.

Giants closing in on Renteria

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 10:57:04 EST

The Giants could have a new starting shortstop by the end of the week. San Francisco is keeping up its pursuit of free agent Edgar Renteria as the leading contender to replace 11-time Gold Glover Omar Vizquel, who was told after the season he wouldn't be re-signed. While it's unclear whether Renteria has formally been offered a contract, details on the parameters of a deal are being traded between the sides. The Detroit Tigers declined to offer Renteria salary arbitration Monday. The Giants don't publicly discuss their negotiations with free agents, but Renteria still is considered a top option for the middle of San Francisco's infield. "We are, on an ongoing basis, talking to a number of different options at a number of different positions," Bobby Evans, the Giants' director of player personnel, said Tuesday. "Nothing's been nailed down."

Burnett offered arbitration, Zaun not

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 19:13:47 EST

A.J. Burnett, one of the top free-agent pitchers this offseason, was offered salary arbitration by the Blue Jays on Monday. Teams had until midnight to make arbitration offers to their former players who became free agents, and Toronto will receive two extra selections in June's amateur draft if the right-hander decides to sign with another team. The Blue Jays declined to offer arbitration to catcher Gregg Zaun. Toronto is hoping to re-sign Burnett but could face stiff competition from several teams, including AL East rivals Boston and the New York Yankees.

Fuentes offered arbitration by Rockies

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 19:12:33 EST

Free-agent closer Brian Fuentes was offered salary arbitration Monday by the Rockies, ensuring they will receive two compensatory picks in next year's amateur draft if the left-hander signs with another team. Fuentes is a Type A free agent and has until Sunday to accept the arbitration offer. A three-time All-Star, Fuentes lost his closer job in 2007 during the Rockies' run to their first World Series. He served as a setup man for Manny Corpas during the second half of the season. Fuentes regained his role as closer when Corpas struggled last April. Fuentes, who made $5 million in 2008, was 1-5 with 30 saves last season. In eight big league seasons, seven with Colorado, he is 17-27 with a club-record 115 saves.

Mariners interested in Griffey

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 19:10:47 EST

Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said the Mariners' interest in Ken Griffey, who turned 39 last month, remains preliminary. "I have had discussions with Ken Griffey's agent, yes. Have we talked about some possibilities with him? We have," Zduriencik said. "Is there anything concrete? Is there an offer made? No. I'd say it's more an inquiry more than anything else." The Mariners drafted Griffey No. 1 overall in 1987 and put him in their opening-day lineup while he was still a teenager. Zduriencik stopped short of saying Seattle has an "interest" in signing him. "I'm not sure I'm prepared to answer that. I should know more in a week to 10 days," he said. The White Sox declined Griffey's $16.5 million contract option for 2009 at the end of October. Griffey is getting a $4 million buyout to complete a $116.5 million, nine-year deal he agreed to with his hometown Cincinnati Reds before the 2000 season -- after he demanded a trade from Seattle.

Angels offer arbitration to four

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 19:04:51 EST

The Los Angeles Angels offered salary arbitration Monday to free agents Mark Teixeira, Francisco Rodriguez, Jon Garland and Darren Oliver. The club declined to offer arbitration to longtime outfielder Garret Anderson, GM Tony Reagins said. Free agents have until Sunday to accept arbitration offers. Anderson and Garland are Type B free agents, while the rest are Type A. If the Type A free agents sign with other clubs, the Angels will receive two compensatory picks in the 2009 amateur draft. If Anderson or Garland decline arbitration and sign with another club, Los Angeles will receive a "sandwich" draft pick between the first and second round.

Dodgers offer arbitration to three

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 19:02:02 EST

The Dodgers offered salary arbitration to Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe and Casey Blake on Monday. The club declined arbitration to: Rafael Furcal, Jeff Kent, Greg Maddux, Nomar Garciaparra, Brad Penny, Joe Beimel, Gary Bennett, Jason M. Johnson, Pablo Ozuna, Chan Ho Park and Mark Sweeney. The three players offered arbitration have until Sunday to accept the offer, in which case they would be assured a spot on the roster. "This basically is to protect our rights to get draft picks for these particular players. If they want to accept (arbitration), we'll be happy to bring them back," GM Ned Colletti said. "We can continue to negotiate with these players for a long time. There's no deadline." If Type A free agents Ramirez and Lowe do not accept arbitration and choose to sign with another team, the Dodgers will receive two draft picks apiece from that club. Blake, a Type B free agent, would net the Dodgers a supplemental draft pick if he signs with another team.

Red Sox offer arbitration to two

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 18:58:06 EST

The Red Sox offered salary arbitration to free-agent catcher Jason Varitek and pitcher Paul Byrd, a move that means the club would receive compensatory draft picks if those players sign with another team. Boston declined to offer arbitration to its other free agents: Curt Schilling, Bartolo Colon, Mike Timlin, David Ross, Sean Casey, Alex Cora and Mark Kotsay. Varitek is a Type A free agent, so if he signs with another team the Red Sox would receive two compensatory draft picks next year. Byrd is a Type B free agent. If he signs with another club, Boston would get a "sandwich" pick between the first and second round. Free agents have until Sunday to accept arbitration offers.

A's decline arbitration on four

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 18:51:44 EST

The Athletics declined to offer salary arbitration to their four free agents Monday, including slugger Frank Thomas. The others are relievers Alan Embree and Keith Foulke, and outfielder Emil Brown. Thomas joined the A's on April 24 after being released by Toronto, but the Big Hurt missed much of the season. The 40-year-old DH spent two stints on the disabled list and played only 55 games, batting .263 with five homers and 19 RBI. He has said he hopes to play up to two more seasons before retiring.

Three Astros not offered arbitration

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 18:47:09 EST

The Astros declined to offer salary arbitration by Monday's deadline to pitcher Randy Wolf, utility infielder Mark Loretta and catcher Brad Ausmus, but the veteran catcher said after the season he wanted to retire if he couldn't sign with a team closer to his San Diego home.

Mets only offer arbitration to Perez

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 18:44:11 EST

Free-agent pitcher Oliver Perez was offered salary arbitration Monday by the New York Mets, who would receive two compensatory draft picks if the left-hander signs with another team. The Mets did not offer arbitration to their other free agents: Pedro Martinez, Luis Ayala, Damion Easley, Moises Alou, Orlando Hernandez, Tony Armas Jr., Ramon E. Martinez, Trot Nixon, Ricardo Rincon and Matt Wise. Perez has until Sunday to accept the arbitration offer.

Brocail re-signs with Astros

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 18:35:32 EST

The Astros re-signed RHP Doug Brocail to a one-year contract Tuesday.

Evans needs rest for sore quad

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 18:19:09 EST

Nick Evans, playing for Indios de Mayaguez in the Puerto Rican Winter League, he has a right quadriceps strain that will end his winter season and require three to four weeks of therapy in his hometown of Phoenix, according to the N.Y. Post.

Mench leaves for Japan leagues

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 18:13:50 EST

Former Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Mench has signed to play with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan.

A's give RP Cameron minor deal

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 18:02:17 EST

The Oakland Athletics signed relief pitcher Kevin Cameron to a minor league contract Monday.

Yanks decline arbitration on eight

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 17:51:52 EST

The Yankees declined salary arbitration with all eight of their former players who became free agents, a group that includes pitcher Andy Pettitte and right fielder Bobby Abreu. Both made $16 million last season, so the move was not a surprise. By declining arbitration, the Yankees forfeited draft-pick compensation if they sign with other teams. Yankees GM Brian Cashman didn't rule out re-signing the pair. "The determination that we made today was to make sure we control what amount we'd be spending," Cashman said Monday. "We did not want to put ourselves in a position of having that determined by a third party without knowing what that figure would be." Also declined arbitration were first baseman Jason Giambi; pitchers Sidney Ponson, Carl Pavano and Mike Mussina; and catchers Ivan Rodriguez and Chad Moeller. Mussina has announced his retirement.

Mariners make arbitration decisions

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 17:44:19 EST

Raul Ibanez was offered salary arbitration Monday by the Mariners, a move that means Seattle would receive an extra pair of draft picks next year if the free-agent outfielder signs with another team. Seattle did not offer arbitration to its other former players who became free agents: utilitymen Willie Bloomquist and Miguel Cairo. Ibanez has until Sunday to accept the offer. Under a change in baseball's rules that began in 2006, free agents can re-sign with their former clubs at any time. Ibanez said at the end of the season he liked Seattle but wanted to win and was likely to explore offers from other teams.

Brewers offer arbitration to key FAs

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 17:40:44 EST

Free agents CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets and Brian Shouse were offered salary arbitration Monday by the Brewers, ensuring Milwaukee will receive compensatory picks in next year's amateur draft if they sign elsewhere. Sabathia and Sheets are Type A free agents. Milwaukee would receive two draft picks if they sign with another club. Shouse is a Type B free agent. Milwaukee would receive one supplemental draft pick if the left-hander leaves. All three players have until Sunday to accept the offers. Milwaukee declined to offer arbitration to right-hander Eric Gagne, who signed a $10 million, one-year deal before last season.

Royals give Osoria minor deal

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 12:34:47 EST

The Kansas City Royals signed reliever Franquelis Osoria to a minor league contract.

Royals invite two more to spring camp

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 11:53:23 EST

The Kansas City Royals signed LHP Tim Hamulack and 3B Corey Smith to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training.

Braves get Cuevas back from Royals

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 11:47:36 EST

The Braves claimed RHP Jairo Cuevas off waivers from the Kansas City Royals. The Royals had claimed Cuevas off waivers from the Braves and released RHP Kip Wells earlier this October.

Phillies give Koplove minor deal

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 11:40:48 EST

The Philadelphia Phillies signed reliever Mike Koplove to a minor league contract.

Indians give Aquino minor deal

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 11:35:05 EST

The Cleveland Indians signed relief pitcher Greg Aquino to a minor league contract.

Royals sign two to minor deals

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 11:29:19 EST

The Kansas City Royals signed shortstop Luis A. Hernandez and catcher J.R. House to minor league contracts.

Mets give C Rivera minor deal

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 11:22:36 EST

The New York Mets signed catcher Rene Rivera to a minor league contract.