NEWS
Josh Willingham has announced his retirement from the MLB. He played 11 seasons for 5 teams; Marlins, Nationals, A’s, Twins and Royals. He ended his career with 195 HR’s and 632 RBI’s and won a Silver Slugger in 2012 with the Twins.
The Reds have hired Kevin Towers as their new Special Assistant of Player Personnel.
Third base coach of the Giants Tim Flannery has stepped down.
Daisuke Matsuzaka is considering returning to his native Japan to play in the NPB.
TRANSACTIONS
The Red Sox have signed free agent SS Hanley Ramirez to a 4 year/$88 million contract with a $22 million vesting option for a 5th year. The Red Sox signed Ramirez when he was 16 years old. He made his debut with Boston in 2005 and had 2 at bats.
The Red Sox have also signed free agent 3B Pablo Sandoval to a 5 year/$102 million contract.
The Mariners and 3B Kyle Seager have agreed to a 7 year/$100 million contract extension.
The Dodgers have acquired RHP Juan Nicasio from the Rockies. The Rockies will receive either a PTBNL or cash considerations.
The D-Backs have signed Cuban OF Yasmany Tomas to a 6 year/$68.5 million contract.
The Rays have signed RHP Ernesto Frieri to a 1 year major league deal. He can earn up $3.15 million.
The Royals have resigned RHP Jason Frasor to a 1 year/$1.8 million contract.
The Marlins have acquired RHP Aaron Crow from the Royals. The Royals will receive LHP Brian Flynn and RHP Reid Redman.
The Blue Jays have traded for 3B Josh Donaldson from the A’s. The A’s will receive 3B Brett Lawrie, LHP Sean Nolin, RHP Kendall Graveman and SS Franklin Barreto (Blue Jays #8 prospect).
RUMORS
Matt Kemp of the Dodgers is drawing significant trade interest.
The Giants are now showing interest in LHP Jon Lester.
The Phillies are in good position now to deal LHP Cole Hamels. The Red Sox, Cubs and Dodgers all very interested.
The Orioles are discussing OF Melky Cabrera as a “fallback option” if they can’t resign Nick Markakis.
The Blue Jays are working on adding a left handed bat, one name that keeps coming up for them is OF Jay Bruce.
The Mariners have had trade talks on multiple RH outfielders including Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Yoenis Cespedes.
The Marlins have inquired to the Tigers about the availability of LHP David Price or RHP Rick Porcello, nothing close.
The Cardinals are meeting with LHP Jon Lester next week.
The Indians have expressed interest in DH/1B Kendrys Morales and OF Chris Denforia.
The Marlins are looking to up-grade at 1st base via trade.
The Padres have discussed a trade with the Dodgers for OF Matt Kemp.
The Padres are also among the teams interested in OF Yoenis Cespedes.
The Rays are willing to listen to offers on SS Yunel Escobar.
The Marlins are willing to listen to offers on top prospect RHP Andrew Heaney. They are looking for a LH hitter to bat behind Stanton.
The White Sox have had talks with the A’s about RHP Jeff Samardzija.
The A’s are talking with the Braves about OF Justin Upton and OF/C Evan Gattis.
The Orioles are another team that is working on a trade for OF Matt Kemp.
The Blue Jays are looking at 2B Alberto Callaspo as a low risk signing.