MLB Updates

Here is the latest news from around Major League Baseball:

The Boston Red Sox locked up the 2008 American League MVP, Dustin Pedroia, signing him to a 6 year contract worth $40.5 million. The deal includes a club option for 2015.

The 22 year old Japanese pitcher, Junichi Tawaza will join the Boston Red Sox pending a physical on Thursday. Tawaza and the Red Sox reportedly signed to a 3 year, $3 million deal.

The San Francisco Giants signed relief pitcher Bob Howry to a one year contract. In 11 years, Howry has a career ERA of 3.68. In 70+ innings in 2008, Howry had a high ERA of 5.35 with the Chicago Cubs.

The St. Louis Cardinals signed left handed relief pitcher Trevor Miller to a one year deal. With the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008, Miller appeared in 68 games with a record of 2-0 and a 4.15 ERA.

The Astros welcome back Mike Hampton, who signed a one year, $2 million deal with Houston. Hampton missed a lot of time over the past 2 years due to injuries. The Astros also re-signed Doug Brocail, agreeing to a one year, $2.5 million contract with incentives. Brocail was 7-5 with a 3.93 ERA in 68.2 innings in 2008.

The Atlanta Braves acquired Javier Vazquez from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for 3 prospects. In 11 Major League seasons, Vazquez has a 4.32 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. In my opinion, the White Sox get the better side of this deal, as they add 3 prospects while the Braves add a number 3 type starter at best. The Braves could also be closer to a 5 year deal with A.J Burnett, which would be big.

The Seattle Mariners signed Russell Branyan to a one year deal. The Mariners, along with the Giants and Angels could be considering Pat Burrell.

Speaking of Pat Burrell, he was not offered arbitration by the Phillies along with Jamie Moyer, Tom Gordon, and Rudy Seanez. The Phillies did not want to fork out any money... big shocker there. Because the Phillies failed to offer arbitration, the Phillies will not get an extra first round draft pick if one of the four were to sign with another team. Probably not the best move for the Phillies, especially since they could use a few more first round draft picks with a weaker farm system.

Speaking of money, the Phillies recieved $18 million for their World Championship. Each player getss $351,504.48. The Rays recieved $12 million for winning the American League Pennant.

Ruben Amaro Jr. has spoken to Jayson Werth and Ryan Madson on contract extensions, and it appears the Phillies could be interested in Mark Loretta.

That is the lastest from the hot stove as Opening Day inches closer. 122 days away, but who's counting?