NEWS
The BBWAA elected 4 new Hall of Fame members and that is the first time that has happened since 1955. Randy Johnson (97.3), Pedro Martinez (91.1), John Smoltz (82.9) and Craig Biggio (82.7). The next closest were Mike Piazza (69.9), Jeff Bagwell (55.7), Tim Raines (55.0), Curt Schilling (39.2), Roger Clemens (37.5), Barry Bonds (36.8), Lee Smith (30.2), Edgar Martinez (27.0), Alan Trammell (25.1), and Mike Mussina (24.6).
Robinson Cano of the Mariners will play a few games in the Dominican League next week to make sure his broken toe is fully healed.
Jayson Werth of the Nationals had successful shoulder surgery and is expected to take two to three months to recover.
John McDonald announce his retirement for the MLB. He played 16 seasons with 7 different teams.
Dan Haren plans to report to Spring Training with the Miami Marlins.
TRANSACTIONS
The White Sox signed UT Emilio Bonifacio to a 1 year/$4 million contract which includes a club option for 2016.
The Phillies have signed RHP Aaron Harang to a 1 year/$5 million contract plus incentives.
The Red Sox signed RHP Mitchell Boggs to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The Yankees have signed 2B/SS Stephen Drew to a 1 year/$5 million contract. He can earn another $1.5 million in incentives.
The Tigers signed LHP Tom Gorzelanny to a 1 year/$1 million contract.
The Mets and RHP Bobby Parnell agreed on 1 year/$3.7 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The D-Backs signed INF Nick Punto to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The Braves signed LHP Josh Outman to a 1 year/$925K contract, plus another $475K in performance bonuses.
The Orioles signed C/DH J.P. Arencibia to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The Reds claimed RHP Keyvius Sampson off of waivers from the Padres.
The Angels acquired prospect 3B Kyle Kubitza and minor leaguer RHP Nate Hyatt from the Braves. The Braves will receive prospect LHP Ricardo Sanchez.
The A’s have acquired INF/OF Ben Zobrist and SS Yunel Escobar from the Rays. The Rays will receive C John Jaso, A’s top prospect SS Daniel Robertson and prospect Boog Powell.
The Padres signed RHP Jose Valverde to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. He is a 3 time All-Star.
RUMORS
The Rays have had discussions with OF Colby Rasmus.
The Marlins have shown some interest in outfielders Nate Schierholtz and Ichiro Suzuki.
James Shields may already have a 5 year/$110 million contract offer.
The Blue Jays are another team interested in OF Ichiro Suzuki.
The Cardinals may make a big splash for 1 high end starting pitcher. Trade for LHP Cole Hamels or LHP David Price, sign RHP Max Scherzer.
The Pirates and SS Jung-Ho Kang are close to a 4 year deal.
The Giants could look to the Dodgers for an outfielder.
The Rockies have had talks with free agent RHP Ryan Vogelsong.