NEWS
This year’s winner of the 40th Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in baseball broadcasting is Graham McNamee. He called the World Series each year from 1923-34 and the first 4 All-Star games from 1933-36.
MLB has recommended for all 30 teams to install netting out to the dugouts to prevent fans from getting hurt from foul balls.
TRANSACTIONS
The Phillies have signed RHP David Hernandez to a 1 year/$3.9 million contract.
The A’s have signed RHP John Axford to a 2 year/$10 million contract.
The Mariners have acquired 1B Adam Lind from the Brewers. The Brewers will receive 3 minor league RHP’s. Carlos Herrera, Freddy Peralta and Daniel Missaki who had TJ surgery last season.
The Mets have acquired 2B Neil Walker from the Pirates. The Pirates will receive RHP Jonathon Niese.
The Blue Jays have signed 2B Darwin Barney to a 1 year major league deal.
The Braves have signed UT Emilio Bonifacio to a 1 year/$1.25 million contract plus incentives.
The Tigers have acquired LHP Justin Wilson from the Yankees. The Yankees will receive prospect RHP Luis Cessa and minor league RHP Chad Green.
The Astros have acquired RHP Ken Giles from the Phillies. The Phillies will receive RHP Vincent Velasquez, LHP Brett Oberholtzer, prospect OF Derek Fisher and minor league RHP Thomas Eshelman.
The White Sox have acquired 3B Brett Lawrie from the A’s. The A’s will receive RHP J.B. Wendelken and LHP Zack Erwin.
The Mets have signed INF Asdrubal Cabrera to a 2 year/$18.5 million contract plus a team option.
RUMORS
The Phillies are now interested in RHP Doug Fister.
The Indians are looking to add an outfielder and have interest in Rajai Davis.
The Nationals are making a push for RHP Mike Leake.
The Rockies receiving strong interest in OF Carlos Gonzalez.
The Rangers and D-Backs meet to discuss potential pitching trades.
OF Jason Heyward is seeking a 10 year deal.
The Indians and Reds discussing trade of 3B Todd Frazier.
The Brewers interested in 1B Pedro Alvarez to replace Adam Lind.
The Mets are looking to bring back RHP Bartolo Colon.
The Padres have interest in INF Javier Baez.
The Cubs remain in close contact with agents for OF Jason Heyward.
The Astros are trying to bring back LHP Scott Kazmir.
1B Chris Davis is seeking a $200 million deal.
The Rangers are interested in extending 3B Adrian Beltre beyond 2016.
The Cardinals are showing interest in LHP Wei-Yin Chen.