I hope everyone had a great Holiday season and a Merry Christmas. With New Year right around the corner Pitchers and Catchers begin reporting February 18th. Teams still have a lot of work to do with January and February beginning where teams add depth and many important pieces. Here’s to your team adding the player that puts them over the top. Have a safe and Happy New Year.
NEWS
The Pirates won the bidding on Korean SS Jung-Ho Kang and now have 30 days to work out a contract with him.
The D-Backs are still considering the possibility of playing a Spring Training game in Hermosillo, Mexico in 2015.
The Mets prospect 2B L.J. Mazzilli has been suspended 50 games for a second positive test for drug abuse.
Hiroki Kuroda is going back to Japan to play in the NPB. He spent 7 years in the MLB, 4 with the Dodgers and 3 with the Yankees. He went 79-79 with a 3.45 ERA.
Rafael Furcal is trying to make it back to the MLB and his quest took a big step backwards. He suffered a torn hamstring while playing in the Dominican Winter League.
TRANSACTIONS
The Twins and Phil Hughes agreed to a 3 year/$42 million contract extension. He is now under contract through the 2019 season.
The Nationals have signed RHP Heath Bell to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. He is a 3 time All-Star with the Padres in 2009-2011 seasons.
The Padres resigned RHP Josh Johnson to a 1 year/$1 million contract and can earn another $6.25 million based on starts made.
The Cardinals and RHP Jordan Walden agreed to a 2 year/$6.6 million contract to avoid arbitration. The deal includes $5.25 million club option for 2017.
The Twins signed RHP Tim Stauffer to a 1 year/$2.2 million contract.
The Braves have signed RHP Jason Grilli to a 2 year/$8 million contract.
The Orioles have resigned OF Delmon Young to a 1 year/$2.25 million contract.
The Braves signed free agent C A.J. Pierzynski to a 1 year deal, pending physical.
The Nationals signed 2B Dan Uggla to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. He is a 3 time All-Star and has 233 career HR’s.
The Phillies have signed LHP Wandy Rodriguez to a minor league deal.
RUMORS
The Yankees have reportedly checked in on SS Troy Tulowitzki.
The Blue Jays are still looking for a closer, looking at trades 1st then will consider free agents.
The Orioles are talking with the Padres about OF Will Venable and OF Seth Smith.
The Rays may move 2B Ben Zobrist at some point this offseason.
The Cubs are still looking to add a veteran OF this offseason.