Ernie BanksNEWS

Long time Chicago Cub Ernie Banks has passed away at the age of 83. He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. He was known as Mr. Cub, he spent all his 19 MLB seasons with the Cubs.

The St. Louis Cardinals announced that the team will wear patches on its jerseys in 2015 to honor Oscar Taveras.

Johan Santana has had a minor setback in his attempt to return to the MLB. He will miss the Venezuelan Winter League final due to shoulder discomfort.

Major League Baseball is considering moving the amateur draft from June to July.

TRANSACTIONS

The Nationals have signed free agent RHP Max Scherzer to a 7 year/$210 million contract. Half the money will be deferred. Scherzer will receive $15 million a year for 14 years.

The Cubs have acquired OF Dexter Fowler from the Astros. The Astros will receive INF Luis Valbuena and RHP Dan Straily.

The Rangers have acquired RHP Yovani Gallardo and $4 million in salary relief from the Brewers. The Brewers will receive INF Luis Sardinas, prospect RHP Corey Knebel and 18 year old RHP Marcos Diplan.

The Astros have signed OF Colby Rasmus to a 1 year/$8 million contract.

The Rangers have acquired C Carlos Corporan from the Astros. The Astros will receive minor league RHP Akeem Bostick.

The Brewers signed LHP Dontrelle Willis to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. Willis was the 2003 NL Rookie of the Year and a 2 time All-Star.

The Braves signed UT Kelly Johnson to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.

The Reds signed RHP Jason Marquis to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. He was an All-Star in 2009 with the Rockies.

The White Sox signed C Geovany Soto to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. Soto was an All-Star and Rookie of the Year with the Cubs in 2008.

The Braves signed free agent OF Jonny Gomes to a 1 year/$4 million contract with a vesting option for 2016.

The Giants resigned RHP Ryan Vogelsong to a 1 year/$4 million contract plus performance bonuses.

The Marlins have signed OF Ichiro Suzuki to a 1 year/$2 million contact. He is only 156 hits away from 3,000 in the MLB.

The Cubs and OF Dexter Fowler agreed to a 1 year/$9.5 million deal to avoid arbitration.

The Braves have claimed OF Eury Perez off of waivers from the Yankees.

The A’s and 2B Eric Sogard agreed to a 1 year/$1.075 million deal to avoid arbitration.

The Twins and LHP Brian Duensing agreed to a 1 year/$2.7 million deal to avoid arbitration.

The Mariners resigned OF Endy Chavez to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.

RUMORS

The Blue Jays are interested in free agent LHP Johan Santana.

The D-Backs are no longer pursuing RHP James Shields.

The Brewers are in serious discussion with the Phillies to acquire RHP Jonathan Papelbon.

The Phillies have a strong interest in RHP Chad Billingsley.

The Red Sox are still taking offers on OF Allen Craig.

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