Phils Sign Players to Minor League Deals

The Phillies signed Shigetoshi Yamakita and Naoyo Okamoto to minor league deals. They each spent 2009 with the Shonan Searex, a minor league team of the Yokohama Bay Stars. Both players are left-handed pitchers.

Yamakita, 32, posted a 2.47 ERA in 27 innings. Okamoto, 26, had a 5.28 ERA in 15.1 innings.

In other minor league signings, the Phillies added veteran outfielder Freddy Guzman. Guzman is currently playing in the Caribbean Series and made highlights when he stole home. The switch-hitter spent most of 2009 in different Triple-A affiliates, however he played in ten games with the New York Yankees, and stole four bases.

Bryce Harper Watch! Bryce Harper went 3-for-15 in his junior college tournament. That's a .200 AVG. Even in a limited number of at-bats, that is struggling, especially for the phenom named Bryce Harper.

He went 0-for-8 in a double header. He has 1 home run. He went 2-for-6 in another game .

Again, it's a small sample size.

Former Phillies News

Some players from the former Phillies rosters made the latest baseball headlines:

Matt Stairs signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.

The deal has a major league invitation to spring training. With a weak hitting Padres club, Stairs has a good chance to make the big league roster as a left-handed bat off the bench.

The Padres also signed Jon Garland.

The Washington Nationals reached a one-year agreement with Tyler Walker.

Walker, 33, pitched well in 35.1 innings with the Phillies in 2009. In July, I was surprised a team like the Nationals, who had a weak bullpen, didn’t take a chance on him when he was designated for assignment by the Phillies. Instead, he stayed in the Phillies system and pitched well down the stretch.

The Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays are among teams looking at Chan Ho Park. The Cubs also signed Xavier Nady.

Park was a huge factor in the Phillies bullpen last season, and it’s a shame the Phillies can’t bring him back. Park mentioned that he wants to start again, but he was more effective in the bullpen last season.

The New York Yankees acquired former Phillies prospect Greg Golson.

Golson was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers last week. After being designated for assignment, a team has a certain amount of days to trade the player. The Rangers are trading Golson to the Yankees for Mitch Hilligoss and cash considerations.

The Minnesota Twins and Jim Thome agree to terms. No terms were announced, but the deal is one-year, with incentives.

The Phillies claimed Brian Bocock, a 24-year old, off waivers. Bocock was an infielder on the Blue Jays. Bocock brings the Phillies 40-man roster up to 37.

In other baseball news, the Athletics signed Ben Sheets, and are thinking about Johnny Damon. Sheets will get $10 million in 2010 without even throwing a pitch in 2009.

Lastly, the Cardinals signed Rich Hill.

Phillies Sign Contreras; Other News

Earlier today, it was said that the Phillies backed off on John Smoltz, but were interested in Jose Contreras. ESPN’s Enrique Rojas is reporting that the Phillies have agreed to a one-year deal with Contreras, pending a physical.

Because Smoltz wants to start, the Phillies moved onto Contreras, who will serve as a right-handed reliever. Contreras, 38, went 6-13 with a 4.92 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP with the Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies in 131.2 innings last year.

In other Phillies news, the Phillies apparently offered Cliff Lee a 3-year, $60 million extension before he was traded. It is uncertain whether Lee formally denied the offer.

Yesterday, the Phillies avoided arbitration with Joe Blanton and Shane Victorino by signing them both to a three-year deal. Blanton will get $24 million; Victorino $22. Blanton originally wanted a laughable $10.25 million in arbitration, but the Phillies offered him seven. Nevertheless, the Phillies and Blanton worked out the differences.

MLB News:

The New York Mets acquired Gary Matthews Jr. If you were unaware, thats Sarge's (Phillies broadcaster) son. Matthews spent most of the 2009 season on the bench. He makes $11 million this year.

The Mets recently missed out on Bengie Molina. The Mets offered the catcher a $5 million deal, but he accepted the Giants' $4.5 million offer.

The Kansas City Royals reach an agreement with Rick Ankiel. The Nationals are interested in Mike Jacobs.

The Seattle Mariners signed Felix Hernandez, 23, to a five-year, $78 million deal. Hernandez had a 2.49 ERA in 2009.

Week In Review: January 7th

I apologize for the lack of substance on Swing and a Long Drive this week. I had all intentions of updating, but one thing led to another. Plus, our numbers have been down so it's not like anybody is rushing to see our site. It's the off season, so it's slow.

The good news is that there are 87 days until Opening Day (or bad? It depends how you look at it, if you want baseball tomorrow). Either way, we're going to catch you up on the latest baseball news from the week.

The Phillies signed Danys Baez to a two-year, $5.25 million deal. The Phillies gained a reliever, but they also lose one-- or two.

Clay Condrey has official moved on. The long man has agreed to terms with the Minnesota Twins. Condrey missed most of last year with injuries. He has a career 4.10 ERA. Clay, have fun throwing to that stud behind home plate that they call Joe Mauer.

Reliever Scott Eyre is calling it quits. The 37-year old has decided to retire after 13 major league seasons. During the 2009 season, Eyre pondered the idea of retirement. Eyre had surgery during the off season, and the Phillies offered him a minor league contract for 2010, but Eyre had his mind set or retiring.

In 1997, the lefty broke into the majors at the age of 25 with the Chicago White Sox. In 649.1 career innings, Eyre went 28-30 with a 4.23 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP. Eyre had the most success in Philadelphia, where he went 5-1 with a 1.62 ERA in two seasons.

With Eyre gone, this puts more on J.C Romero, who was suspended and hurt last year. If he can be healthy and as effective as he was in 2008, the Phillies are in good shape as far as a lefty-specialist goes.

Other Phillies News:

The Phillies invited 13 to spring training. Some of the bigger names include Domonic Brown, Joe Savery, B.J Rosenberg, and Phillipe Aumont and Tyson Gillies, who were involved in the Cliff Lee deal.

MLB News:

Andre Dawson was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Dawson had a .279 career average, 438 home runs, and .807 OPS.

The decision by the writer's association wasn't a bad choice at all, but Roberto Alomar, Edgar Martinez and Bert Blyvleven wouldn't be poor choices either.

Speaking of the Hall of Fame and retirement, a future Hall of Famer is retiring. Randy Johnson is hanging up the cleats after 22 seasons. The lefty went 303-166 with a 3.29 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in his career. Johnson, a five-time Cy Young winner, spent most of his career in Seattle and Arizona.

The biggest splash came from the Cardinals, who signed Matt Holliday to a seven-year, $120 million deal. Holliday is a career .318 hitter. He averages 29 home runs and 100 runs batted in per year. Holliday and Albert Pujols make for one of the best 3-4 punches in baseball.

The Boston Red Sox signed third baseman Adrian Beltre. The Red Sox plan to move Mike Lowell, but are having a tough time because he's injured. A thought was a trade to the Mets, where Lowell would play first base, and Luis Castillo would head to Boston. Meanwhile, the Mets are still interested in bringing back Carlos Delgado.

A decision for Cuban Adrolis Chapman could be coming soon. Every team in the majors seems to have interest in the prized pitcher.

The Mariners acquired Casey Kotchman. They also extended Franklin Gutierrez's contract. Gutierrez was signed to a four-year, $20.5 million deal with an option for a fifth year.

The Atlanta Braves signed Eric Hinske and Troy Glaus. Hinske is a career .254 hitter and Glaus has 300 career home runs.

In other news, the Rangers offered Vladimir Guerrero a $7 million deal, the A's agreed to sign Jack Cust, the Twins made an offer to Jarod Washburn, and the Nationals signed Matt Capps to a one-year $3.5 million deal.

Phillies Sign Baez & Bozied

The “mystery reliever” has been revealed. The Phillies are aggressively going after Danys Baez, and have agreed to sign the right-hander.

The 32-year old had a 4.02 ERA in 71.2 innings with the Baltimore Orioles last year.

You're it! The Phillies also signed Tagg Bozied. Bozied spent last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Triple-A club, where he batted .288 in 240 plate appearances. Bozied, 30, is a corner outfielder and first baseman.

Bozied was a big-time power prospect for the San Diego Padres. However, he tore a tendon in his knee while celebrating a walk-off home run in 2004.

In other news, the Chicago Cubs signed former Phillie Marlon Byrd. The deal is believed to be three years, $15 million. Yup, that much money for THAT Marlon Byrd.

Mets Sign Bay; Giants Sign DeRosa

With the holidays, there was a lack of baseball news throughout the week. When Eric Bruntlett signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals, that was the biggest headline in Philadelphia sports. With the new year approaching, a few more moves were made.

The New York Mets signed free agent Jason Bay to a four year, $66 million contract. The Mets were desperately in need of a left fielder. They got one. However, like so many major league contracts, Bay was given too much money.

Bay is a great player, but has been extremely over rated since his departure from Pittsburgh. The money shows.

In addition, Bay was a better fit for Boston. Bay, not known for his defense, will go from a very small left field in Fenway to a very spacious outfield in Citi Field. In addition to potential defensive struggles, Bay's power numbers will go down. Citi Field has taken a damper on home run numbers; just look at David Wright's decrease in home run totals from 2008 to 2009.

In other baseball news, the San Francisco Giants signed Mark DeRosa to a two year, $12 million deal. DeRosa, an extremely versatile player, will likely spend the majority of his playing time at third base, with Pablo Sandoval moving to first. DeRosa may spend time in the outfield as well.

The Giants need a bat badly. DeRosa probably won't be the answer, although he will help a very weak hitting ball club. The Giants have pitching, but if they can improve their hitting, they could be the favorites in the National League West.

There's not much left of the free agent market. Matt Holliday seems to be the only big name remaining. The Cardinals are rumored to have offered him a $100 million contract.

In minor moves, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed Kelly Johnson and the Oakland Athletics signed Justin Duchscherer.

Angels Sign Rodney

The Los Angeles Angels signed Fernando Rodney to a two year, $11 million deal.

The Phillies were another team interested in him. Rodney had a 4.40 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP last season. No thanks. The Phils have enough bullpen issues -- they don't need more walks. Plus, the Phillies front office is saying that they're "in red" as far as money goes. If they were to get him, they'd have a lot of explaining to do; some of that money could have went to Cliff Lee, who everybody would rather have.

Phillies apparently did sign a mystery reliever though, perhaps Danyz Baez. The Phillies were also linked to Mike MacDougal. Either way, it sounds like the Phillies are getting somebody on the cheap side.

In other reliever news, the Nationals are close to signing Matt Capps to a one year deal. Capps was non-tendered by the Pirates after having a rough 2009 when he had a 5.80 ERA. Capps was solid in previous seasons; in 2007 he had a 2.28 ERA. Capps has 67 career saves.

More Winter Meeting Tidbits

Texas was popular today, but here is what else happened during day three of the Winter Meetings.

The Phillies signed Ross Gload to a two-year deal. The first baseman and outfielder will likely spend most of the season off the bench. Gload also received offers from the Marlins and Braves.

The Phillies have been equally aggressive on Fernando Rodney as they have been on Brandon Lyon. However, it's unknown if the Phillies would pay Rodney "closer-type money.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Bobby Crosby. Crosby never lived up to his expectations. After winning Rookie of the Year and receiving a five-year $12.75 extension from the Oakland A's, Crosby fell off the radar. This deal will be worth approximately $1.5 million.

The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels are interested in Hideki Matsui. The White Sox may be closing in on a deal with J.J Putz.

Ben Sheets is seeking a contract around $12 million. Talk about ridiculous. The guy's a great pitcher when healthy, but he didn't even throw a pitch in 2009. I'll be completely shocked if he gets anything close.

The Red Sox have interest in Adrian Beltre. They would trade Mike Lowell first. The Giants, however, do not have interest in Beltre.

More MLB News, in bullet point form:

• The Kansas City Royals offer Jason Kendall a two-year deal.


• The Colorado Rockies are closer to a two-year deal with Yorvit Torrealba.


• The New York Yankees re-signed Andy Pettitte. One year, $11.75 million.


• Multiple teams are eyeing Joel Pinero, Nick Johnson, Derek Lowe.


• The Milwaukee Brewers signed LaTroy Hawkins.


• The New York Mets and Washington Nationals are going after Jason Marquis.
• The Mariners sign Corey Patterson.


• The Tampa Bay Rays are front runners for Rafeal Soriano.


• The Padres are discussing trades for Kevin Kouzmanoff.

Breaking News: Some Halladay rumors are coming out.

The Phillies are "joining the fray" for Halladay, as well as the Red Sox and Yankees. But the Angels are pulling trigger. They made the following offer, according to Jon Heyman of SI:

Joe Saunders, Erick Aybar and Peter Bourjos for Halladay. If the Blue Jays accept, the only question is if Halladay would wave his trade clause. Halladay previously said he would acccept a trade to the Angels.

Update (9:41 PM): Not long ago, the Phillies headlines read "Phillies in the mix for Halladay." Now, the Phillies.com homepage reads: "Phillies not likely to land Halladay."

Texas Headlines Day 3 of Winter Meetings

The Texas Rangers made the most headlines during day three of the Winter Meetings:

Rich Harden is close to a deal with the Rangers, which would be a terrific move. When healthy, Harden can be a great pitcher. The Rangers have a great offense, however their pitching could use a boost, although they have a lot of up and coming talent in Scott Feldman and other starters. Their bullpen was toward the top in ERA (3.95) last season. With their potent offense and improved pitching, the Rangers could finally get over the hump and be in the playoffs.

Speaking of the Rangers and pitching, they traded Kevin Millwood to the Baltimore Orioles for Chris Ray. I'm not sure how much of an upgrade this is. Ray was great in 2005 and 2006. He had Tommy John Surgery in 2007 and hasn't returned to his old form. He had an awful 2009: an ERA over seven. Millwood was one of the Rangers best pitchers in 2009, but he has had a history of injuries. The move serves as a salary dump more than anything. Millwood had a 3.67 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 2009.

The Rangers are done yet. They're also discussing a deal with the Red Sox for Mike Lowell.

Staying in the state of Texas, the Houston Astros acquired Matt Lindstrom from the Florida Marlins. The Marlins will receive Robert Bono and Luis Bryan.

MLB News Bullet Points

The Tigers, D'Backs, and Yankees made a blockbuster deal. Here's some other bullet points of what happened today around MLB.

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Brad Penny to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million, or up to $9 million in incentives. Absolutely ridiculous. Way too much money for a guy who has barely pitched in the last three years, and isn't nearly as good as he was before injuries took a toll.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays are discussing trade options for Ryan Doumit.

The Milwaukee Brewers offered a three-year, $31 million deal to Randy Wolf. It would be smart to accept that puppy, unless he gets offered another deal (the Mets seem to be the only other team with interest). Like the Penny deal, $31 million is a lot of money.

Multiple teams are interested in Kelvim Escobar. The White Sox and Angeles are interested in Hideki Matsui. The Dodgers and Rockies are going after Luis Ayala. The Marlins are hearing offers for Dan Uggla, Matt Lindstrom, and Renyel Pinto. The Giants and Padres are discussing Kevin Kouzmanoff.

The Texas Rangers are hearing offers for Kevin Millwood. The Phillies may also be hearing offers for Joe Blanton. The Phillies may also be interested in Cuban Aroldis Chapman.

The Washington Nationals signed Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez. They are also interested in former Phillie Vicente Padilla.

Speaking of former Phillies, the Chicago Cubs are close to a Milton Bradley- Carlos Silva trade. It's still ideal for the Cubs to trade Bradley to the Tampa Bay Rays for Pat Burrell, who they would flop for prospects or a second baseman.

The Rockies offer backup catcher. Yorvit Torreabla a two-year deal.

Placido Polanco Returns

Placido Polanco returns to Philadelphia! The Phillies new third baseman was give a three-year, $18 million deal.

Instead of waiting to see how the market develops, the Phillies decided to start the market. Personally, I would have preferred Beltre, but Polanco's not a bad option. However, I do think that three years is a bit much. Two years with an option for a third would have been fine.

Polanco "never really wanted to leave" Philadelphia. He had no choice to go with a young Chase Utley in the wings. David Bell manned third base, so the Phillies shipped him for a much needed reliever in Ugueth Urbina, who currently resides in jail.

With the exception of 2009, Polanco only reached double digits in home runs while with the Phillies (2003 & 2004). Polanco is a career .303 hitter with a .348 career on-base percentage. He gets on base and does not strike out much, with a positive for the Phillies.

The Phillies also looked at Chone Figgins this offseason, but chances are he lands in the Mariners. Seattle appears to be "on the verge" of signing the third baseman to a four year, $36 million deal.

Amoung other free agent signings, the Red Sox signed Marco Scutaro.

Surfin', Beltre, Moyer, and MLB News

Looks like Jimmy Rollins found a new hobby. Rollins, who recently attended Shane Victorino's wedding, was caught surfing in Hawaii.

In Phillies related news:

The Phillies are targeting free agent Adrian Beltre. Money could be an issue; Beltre, 30, could be seeking a four-year deal. Additionally, Beltre is represented by Scott Boras.

Mark DeRosa, a personal favorite of Charlie Manuel, is still an option as well as Placido Polanco, Chone Figgins, and Pedro Feliz. A friend of Feliz says that he would like to sign elsewhere, possibly Seattle.

The Phillies signed DeWayne Wise and Wilson Valdez to minor league contracts. Both had a significant amount of major league playing time in 2009, but they will most likely spend most of 2010 in Triple-A.

Wise, an outfielder, is known for saving Mark Buehrle’s perfect game in July. The 32-year old spent most of the season as a defensive replacement. He batted .225 in 142 at-bats with the White Sox in 2009.

Valdez, a utility infielder, batted .256 in 86 at-bats for the New York Mets in 2009.

Jamie Moyer has been hospitalized at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital with recurring symptoms from his September groin surgery. Dr. Michael Ciccotti, the team doctor, said that Moyer is not seriously ill, however the pain in the area where he had surgery has increased since the weekend.

Moyer, 47, is being evaluated. “He’s completely comfortable and fine. We’re just taking appropriate precautions and also wanting to do what we can to make sure he’s on track for spring training,” Ciccotti said.

Around MLB, the Chicago White Sox signed Andruw Jones. Jose Lopez is likely to remain in Seattle. The Minnesota Twins are looking at Rich Harden.

The Red Sox might be making a push for Roy Halladay. They are also interested in Marco Scutaro and Kelvim Escobar.

Call of the Day: Travis Lee hits a walk-off home run in 2001.

"Well hit! Game over! 3-run homerun Travis Lee! Can you believe it? What a
tremendous comeback from the Fightin' Phils! A 10 to 8 win!"

Castro Rumors and MLB News

The Phillies reportedly agreed to a deal with utility infielder Juan Castro, pending a physical. The deal is for one year with a club option for 2011. The deal might not be officially announced until next week.

Castro will fill Eric Bruntlett’s spot on the roster. The 37-year old batted .277 in 112 at-bats with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. Castro was given a minor league contract worth $700,000 in 2009. If the deal is official, it is unlikely to exceed that price

In other MLB news, the Milwaukee Brewers re-sign Chris Capuano. He was signed to a minor league deal, and is recovering from Tommy John Surgery in 2008.

The Chicago White Sox signed Omar Vizquel to a one-year, $1.375 deal. Vizquel, 42, is known for his defense. He played with the Rangers this season and batted .266 in 195 plate appearances. The White Sox are also interested in Coco Crisp.

Manny Signs With Dodgers?

Manny Ramirez is close to a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal is reportedly 2 years, worth $45 million.

Negotiations between the two parties have been on and off with several disagreements. Now, have the two have finally agreed to terms? Perhaps Manny was avoiding spring training?

Ramirez was dealt to L.A in part of a three way deal with the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates.

With the Dodgers last season, Manny batted .396 with 17 home runs in 53 games. He finished fourth in the MVP voting.

UPDATE: MLB Trade Rumors is reporting the deal is done. The deal includes an opt out for the final year and a no trade clause. Reports continue to say the deal is on or off, but this could finally be final.

Diamondbacks Sign Flash

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed former Phillie, Tom "Flash" Gordon to a one year deal worth $500,000 with incentives. Gordon, 41, missed most of last season recovering from ulnar nerve decompression surgery.

After making the All Star team in 2006, in 34 appearances last season, Flash posted an ERA of 5.16 and WHIP of 1.62. In 2007, Gordon made 44 appearance with a 4.73 ERA and 1.33 WHIP.

Gordon's numbers have declined the past few seasons and a lot may have to do with injuries. Either way, its a low risk deal for the Diamondbacks.

The Florida Marlins are interested in not only Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, but Chris Coste as well. The Phillies want to evaluate Ronnie Paulino before they decide to move Coste. Another catching option for the Phillies could include Lou Marson.

Lowe Signs with Braves

Chipper Jones wasn't a happy camper when the Braves didn't do anything about "Smoltzy", letting him sign with the Boston Red Sox. Despite the loss of John Smoltz, Chipper has cooled down a little bit now that the Braves signed Derek Lowe.

Weeks after turning down an offer from the New York Mets, Lowe signed with their division rivals, the Atlanta Braves. The deal is 4 years worth $60 million.

Lowe, 35, spent the last 4 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Last season, Lowe was 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA. Lowe also spent time with the Boston Red Sox, where he won a World Series.

In his career, Lowe, a ground ball pitcher, is 126-107 with a 3.75 ERA and a.27 WHIP. In the postseason, Lowe is 5-5 with a 3.33 ERA in 21 games.

Red Sox Signings; Other Updates

The Boston Red Sox signed outfielder Rocco Baldelli to a one year deal. The deal has a base off $500K and could go up to as much as $5.25 million depending on roster and performance bonuses.

Baldelli, who was misdiagnosed with mitochondrial disorder, grew up a Red Sox fan. Baldelli has suffered through fatigue, was underwent further test which showed he had a treatable channelopathy condition rather than the fatal disorder.

Badelli played just 80 games in 2008 and batted .263 with 4 HR. He is a career .281 hitter with a .769 OPS.

The Red Sox are also close to signing 41 year old, John Smoltz. Smoltz stuck out his 3,000th batter early in the season, but ended up making just 6 starts, missing the rest of the season due to injury.

The deal could start at $5 million, going up to as much as $10 million.

The future Hall of Famer spent his entire career with the Atlanta Braves. He is 210-147 in his career with a 3.26 ERA and 154 saves. Smoltz is an 8 time All Star, and 1996 Cy Young Winner.

The Milwaukee Brewers signed the all time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman. The deal has a base of $6 million, with $1.5 in incentives.

Hoffman has a 2.78 career ERA, 554 saves, 1,055 strikeouts in 998 IP, spending almost his whole career with the San Diego Padres.

The Oakland Athletics signed Jason Giambi to a one year deal worth $4 million. Giambi is 4 HR shy of 500 for his career.

Burrell a Ray; Other Updates

Pat Burrell will be playing at Citizen's Bank Park in 2009. A Ray will have a 2008 World Series Ring.

Burrell signed a 2 year, $16 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Phillies will scrimmage the Rays during the On Deck Series prior to Opening Day. The World Series Ring ceremony isn't until April 8th, but maybe the Phils can have a mini ceremony for Pat a little early.

Burrell's contract was much less than I expected. Less money, less years. Raul Ibanez, who is the better option for left field, will have a larger contract than Burrell.

"First of all, at the end of last year, obviously, I got to know the [Rays]
pretty well," Burrell said. "And coming into free agency, the thing that was
most important to me was to go somewhere where I thought I had as good a chance
or better to repeat and go back to the World Series."

Burrell will be a good fit for the Rays, adding the bat they need. Burrell will get on base and hit 25+ HR, plus get on base. Moving him to the middle of the other, and moving the speedy guys up in the lineup will produce more runs for the Rays. Burrell will DH, so you don't have to worry about taking him out as a defensive replacement.

The Phillies did not offer Burrell arbitration, therefore will not receive a draft pick.

In other news, the Chicago Cubs signed outfielder Milton Bradley. Bradley and the Cubs agreed to a 3 year, $30 million deal.

In 126 games last season, Bradley hit .321 with 22 HR. He also led the American League in OBP, .436. Bradley had a .999 OPS.

QUOTE AND PHOTO SOURCE: MLB.com

Angels Sign Fuentes; Other Updates

The Los Angeles Angels agreed to a 2 year, $17.5 million deal with reliever Brian Fuentes. In 67 games, the lefty had an ERA of 2.73.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Chicago Cubs traded infielder Mark DeRosa to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for 3 Minor Leaguers. The Cubs also acquired infielder Aaron Miles. DeRosa batted .285 with the Cubs in 2008.

The Cubs could also deal Jason Marquis in exchange for reliever Luis Vizcaino. The Cubs could also be close to getting Milton Bradley.

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed right hander Claudio Vargas to a one year deal. Manny Ramirez agent has contacted the Dodgers

The New York Mets have extended their offer to 3 years with Derek Lowe worth a total of $36 million. In his career, Lowe has a career ERA of 3.75.

Hot Stove News

Getting set for the new year, there have been a few moves and rumors surrounding the hot stove.

• The Los Angeles Dodgers could be eyeing outfielders Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu.


• Mark Hendrickson and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a one year deal.


• The Washington Nationals sign Daniel Cabrera to a one year deal.


• The Arizona Diamondbacks extended catcher Chris Snyder's contract to 3 years worth $14.25 million.


• The Tampa Bay Rays signed Joe Nelson to a one year, $1.3 million contract.


• The Boston Red Sox signed Brad Penny to a one year, $5 million deal. Penny has missed time over the last two seasons due to injuries.


• The Cincinnati Reds signed Willy Taveras to a 2 year deal.


• The Florida Marlins are hoping to sign Derrick Turnbow.


• The Toronto Blue Jays sign Michael Barret to a minor league deal.

That is the latest from the hot stove. In addition, get ready for MLB to go 24/7/365 as MLB Network launches on January 1st. It hasn't even launched full time yet and its already my favorite station. Mitch Williams will be working for MLB Network. We'll miss him on Phillies Post Game Live, but we will still have a chance to catch him on MLB Network.