Arbitration, Catchers, and Red Sox

The Hot Stove was buzzin' today. There was a lot of baseball news:

The Phillies signed Brian Schneider to a two year-deal worth just under $3 million. The Phillies might be eyeing John Smoltz. The Phillies also declined arbitration for free agents Chan Ho Park and Scott Eyre.

The Phillies and Mets are basically switching catchers, because the Mets signed Chris Coste. The Mets also re-signed Alex Cora.

The Boston Red Sox are asking Dustin Pedroia to play short stop. The Red Sox are without a shortstop and the free agent market is small. Pedroia has played shortstop in the past, although not at the major league level. The Red Sox may also be looking at Adam Kennedy or Adam Everett. They are also interested in Rich Harden.

Roy Halladay said that he will not accept a trade after Spring Training. The pitcher said he would accept a trade to the Yankees, Phillies, Red Sox and Angels.

Joe Mauer denies any rumors stating that he has set a deadline for a contract extension.

Placido Polanco was not offered arbitration from Detroit. Adrian Beltre was offered arbitration from Seattle. The Angels offered arbitration to John Lackey and Chone Figgins.

The Houston Astros offered Jose Valverde arbitration, but not Miguel Tejada. The Cardinals, Phillies, Rangers, Astros and Giants are all interested in Tejada.

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired Kelly Shoppach from the Cleveland Indians. The Indians have some of the top catching prospects, including Lou Marson or Carlos Santana, both who could start this year.

Last but not least, Derek Jeter was named SI's Sportsman of the Year.

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?

AL MVP

Dustin Pedroia was named the 2008 American League Most Valuable Player. Pedroia joins Cal Ripken Jr. and Ryan Howard to be the only ones who won Rookie of the Year and MVP in back to back years.

The Red Sox's second baseman, Pedroia, totaled 317 points, 16 first place votes, to take home honors and beat out Justin Morneau of the Twins who received 257 total votes, 7 first place votes. Pedroia's teammate, Keven Youkilis, finished third.

Pedroia finished the 2008 season with a .326 AVG. He had a .376 OBP, .493 SLG and .869 OPS. .He hit 17 homeruns and 83 RBI. He also stole 20 bases.

In my opinion, I would have given the award to Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees. A-Rod finished the year with a .965 OPS. He batted .302 with 35 HRs, 103 RBI, and 18 SB. Several other players, including Mauer and Morneau should have finished ahead of Pedroia.

However, Pedroia adds an MVP Award to his throphy case.