NEWS
Kevin Youkilis announced he will retire. He played 10 years in MLB and was a 3 time All-Star. He is best known for the 9 years he spent with the Red Sox where he helped win 2 World Series Championships.
After the World Series was over the Yankees contacted veteran outfielder Raul Ibanez about their hitting coach position.
Alan Trammell is back with the Detroit Tigers as a special assistant to GM Dave Dombrowski. Trammell spent his entire 20 year career with the Tigers and was their manager from 2003-05.
Paul Molitor has been hired by the Minnesota Twins to be their new manager. He signed a 3 year deal.
Twelve free agents have received Qualifying Offers. Max Scherzer (Tigers), Victor Martinez (Tigers), David Robertson (Yankees), Melky Cabrera (Blue Jays), James Shields (Royals), Hanley Ramirez (Dodgers), Pablo Sandoval (Giants), Nelson Cruz (Orioles), Russell Martin (Pirates), Francisco Liriano (Pirates), Michael Cuddyer (Rockies) and Ervin Santana (Braves)
The Indians announced that they agreed to a 2 year extension with manager Terry Francona that will run through the 2018 season.
Alfonso Soriano announced his retirement. He played 16 years in the MLB with the Cubs, Yankees, Rangers and Nationals. He was a 7 time All-Star and won 2 Silver Sluggers.
The Dodgers will name Farhan Zaidi as their new GM. He spent the last 10 years with the Oakland A’s and was promoted to Assistant GM just before last year. Dodgers also talking to former Padres GM Josh Byrnes about a job in the front office as well.
J.J. Putz who pitched for the Diamondbacks for the last 4 season is going to join their Front Office as a special assistant to president and CEO Derrick Hall.
The Rays have announced their list of managerial candidates to replace Joe Maddon. They are Dave Martinez, Charlie Montoyo, Manny Acta, Don Wakamatsu, Craig Counsell, Raul Ibanez, Ron Wotus and Kevin Cash.
TRANSACTIONS
The Red Sox signed Koji Uehara to a 2 year/$18 million extension that runs through the 2016 season.
The Brewers acquired 1B/OF Adam Lind from the Blue Jays. Toronto will receive RHP Marco Estrada.
The Cubs have signed LHP Tsuyoshi Wada to a 1 year $4 million contract.
The Astros acquired C Hank Conger from the Angels for C Carlos Perez and RHP Nick Tropeano.
The Rays and the Angels swapped relievers. Angels got LHP Cesar Ramos and Rays got RHP Mark Sappington. Sappington is currently pitching in the AFL.
The Yankees resigned OF Chris Young to a 1 year $2.5 million contract.
RUMORS
The Angels are likely to trade either 2B Howie Kendrick or 3B David Freese.
The Diamondbacks are willing to listen to trade offers on Miguel Montero.
The White Sox reportedly have a lot of interest in free agent OF Norichika Aoki.
The Blue Jays have had internal discussions about trying to sign free agent C Russell Martin.
The Twins are reportedly interested in bringing back OF Torii Hunter to Minnesota.
The Rockies have told teams they will listen to offers on OF Carlos Gonzalez and SS Troy Tulowitzki.
The White Sox have received a lot trade interest in SS Alexei Ramirez.
The Dodgers are talking to the Rangers about SS Elvis Andrus.
The Mariners are expected to shop OF Michael Saunders at GM Meetings.
The Reds are targeting OF Mike Morse and OF Norichika Aoki.
The White Sox have expressed interest in LHP Jeff Samardzija.
The Dodgers are trying hard to move 1 of their OF’s Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier or Carl Crawford but not Yasiel Puig.