NEWS
Carlos Pena has retired from MLB. He had a 14 year career and was an All-Star in 2009 with the Rays. Pena is joining the MLB Network as a studio analyst.
The Padres have hired former player Mark Kotsay as their hitting coach. He had a 13 year career last playing in 2013 with the Padres.
MLB and the Player’s Union hope to have a new domestic violence policy in place before next season.
Raul Ibanez has withdrawn his name from the Rays manager considerations due to family reasons. The job will now go to Kevin Cash or Dan Wakamatsu.
The Rays have hired Kevin Cash to be their manager. Cash played in the MLB for parts of 8 seasons. He was the Indians bullpen coach for the past 2 seasons.
The Cubs signed Ryan Dempster to a 1 day contract so he can retire a Cub. He will join the Cubs front office as a Special Assistant to President Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer. He had a 16 year career spending 9 with the Cubs.
TRANSACTIONS
The Mariners signed free agent DH/OF Nelson Cruz to a 4 year/$57 million contract. Cruz led all of MLB last year with 40 HR’s.
The Pirates have acquired INF Sean Rodriguez from the Rays. The Rays received a PTBNL and cash considerations.
The Cardinals have signed RHRP Matt Belisle to a 1 year/$3.5 million contract.
The Twins have signed free agent OF Torii Hunter is a 1 year/$10.5 million contract. Hunter was drafted by the Twins in 1993 and played his 1st 11 seasons in Minnesota.
The Dodgers have acquired OF Chris Heisey from the Reds. The Reds will receive RHP Matt Magill.
The Braves signed RHRP Jim Johnson to a 1 year/$1.6 million contract.
The Blue Jays have acquired OF Michael Saunders from the Mariners. The Mariners will receive LHP J.A. Happ.
The Padres have signed INF Clint Barmes to a 1 year deal with an option.
The Braves have signed free agent OF Nick Markakis to a 4 year/$44 million contract.
The Rangers resigned RHP Colby Lewis to a 1 year/$4 million contract.
The Yankees traded for SS Didi Gregorius in a 3 team trade with the Tigers and D-Backs. D-Backs get LHP Robbie Ray and 2B Domingo Leyba. The Tigers get RHP Shane Greene.
The Yankees signed free agent LHRP Andrew Miller to a 4 year/$36 million contract.
RUMORS
The Mets are actively trying to deal some of their starting pitchers.
The Padres have gotten more aggressive in marketing C Yasmani Grandal.
The Mariners are still looking for a RF.
The Pirates are still trying to re-sign LHP Francisco Liriano.
The Marlins have had discussions regarding RHP Jake Peavy.
Ervin Santana is reportedly seeking a 5 year deal.
The Rockies are trying to move C Wilin Rosario.
The Orioles are showing strong interest in OF Michael Morse.
The Blue Jays have had trade discussions with the Astros on OF Dexter Fowler.
The Rangers are now exploring the possibility of pursuing OF Michael Morse.
The Indians and A’s are discussing a trade for OF/1B Brandon Moss.
The Dodgers are showing interest in LHP Jon Lester and could make a late push.
The Mariners have interest in OF Jonny Gomes.
The Giants could be interested in bringing back OF Melky Cabrera.
The Rangers have joined in the Matt Kemp trade talks.
The Mariners are showing increased interest in OF Melky Cabrera.
The Royals have received trade interest in RHP Greg Holland and RHP Wade Davis.
The Orioles have discussed trade with Angels involving LHP Wei-Yin Chen.
The Giants getting more aggressive on 3B Chase Headley.
The Dodgers and D-Backs discussed deal involving OF Andre Ethier and C Miguel Montero. D-Backs ownership nixed the deal.