NEWS
They announced this year’s winner of the Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in baseball broadcasting and the winner is Bill King. He was the radio voice for the Oakland A’s for 25 years (1981-2005).
A couple more players have committed to playing in the WBC: Danny Espinosa (Mexico), Eric Hosmer (USA).
TRANSACTIONS
The Cubs have acquired RHP Wade Davis from the Royals. The Royals will receive OF Jorge Soler.
The Rockies have signed INF/OF Ian Desmond to 5 year/$70 million contract with a club option for a 6th year.
The Marlins have signed LHP Jeff Locke to a 1 year/$3 million contract.
The Blue Jays have signed LHP Brett Oberholtzer to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The Marlins have signed C A.J. Ellis to a 1 year/$2.5 million contract.
The Mariners have acquired RHP Chris Heston from the Giants. The Giants will receive a PTBNL.
The Yankees have signed LHP Aroldis Chapman to a 5 year/$86 million contract.
The Nationals have acquired OF Adam Eaton from the White Sox. The White Sox will receive RHP prospect Lucas Giolito, RHP prospect Reynaldo Lopez and RHP prospect Dane Dunning.
RUMORS
The Orioles are showing some interest in 1B Chris Carter.
The White Sox are engaged in serious trade talks about LHP Jose Quintana with several teams.
The Blue Jays have spoken with C Chris Iannetta.
The D-Backs are willing to listen to offers on starting pitchers.
The Royals have talked to a few team about OF Jarrod Dyson.
The Rockies remain in on 1B/OF Mark Trumbo.
The Rangers have remained in touch with 1B Edwin Encarnacion.
The Mets would like to trade OF Jay Bruce.
The Marlins have made an offer to RHP Kenley Jansen almost at the level of Aroldis Chapman’s deal.