NEWS
They announced this year’s winner of the Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in baseball broadcasting and the winner is Bob Costas. Costas called the World Series for NBC in 1997 and 1999, the ALCS in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1998 and 2000, the 1999 NLCS and the 2000 All-Star Game. In 2009 he returned to baseball when he joined the MLB Network, where he calls games and serves as a documentary host.
TRANSACTIONS
The Twins have sign RHP Michael Pineda to a 2 year/$10 million contract plus incentives.
The Rockies have re-signed LHP Jake McGee to a 3 year/$27 million contract with an option for a 4th year.
The Mets have signed RHP Anthony Swarzak to a 2 year/$14 million contract.
The Cardinals have acquired OF Marcell Ozuna from the Marlins. The Marlins will receive 4 prospects: OF Magneuris Sierra (Cards #6 prospect), RHP Sandy Alcantara (Cards #9 prospect), RHP Zac Gallen (Cards #13 prospect) and LHP Daniel Castano.
The Mariners have signed RHP Juan Nicasio to a 2 year/$17 million contract.
The Astros have signed RHP Joe Smith to a 2-year deal.
The Angels have acquired 2B Ian Kinsler from the Tigers. The Tigers will receive 2 prospects: OF Troy Montgomery (Angels #20 prospect) and RHP Wilkel Hernandez (Angels #24 prospect).
The Nationals have re-signed RHP Brandon Kintzler to a 2-year deal.
RUMORS
The Rockies are strong contenders to re-sign 1B Mark Reynolds.
The Cubs and Indians have discussed possible trade for RHP Danny Salazar.
The Blue Jays are looking at OF Carlos Gomez as well as OF Carlos Gonzalez.
The Padres are already drawing interest for 3B Chase Headley.
The Rockies are close to brining back RHP Greg Holland.
The Nationals and OF Bryce Harper have had preliminary contract extension discussions.
The A’s are edging closer to trading for Cardinals OF Stephen Piscotty.
The Giants have OF Jay Bruce atop their free agent wish list.
As many as 10 teams have interest in Todd Frazier at 3B or 1B.
The Reds are looking into rotation options and have some interest in RHP Yovani Gallardo.
Several teams have made trade offers for 3B Manny Machado.
The Angels are close to acquiring a third baseman, player unknown.
The White Sox have made a strong bid for Orioles 3B Manny Machado.