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| The Yankees got back the results of Robinson Cano's physical and are likely to finalize the second baseman's $30 million, four-year contract on Thursday, according to the AP. Cano's contract is potentially worth $57 million over six seasons. |
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| Kelvim Escobar is rehabbing his throwing shoulder in Tempe, Arizona after experiencing discomfort during his preparations for the upcoming season, according to the AP. Escobar underwent an MRI performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum that showed no significant changes in the shoulder. Even so, the Angels are progressing cautiously. Seeing that he's one of the top starters in the American League, this is something that shouldn't be glossed over. Pay close attention to Escobar this spring. |
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| Brandon Lyon, P, Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday 2/6, 8:54 PM CT |
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| Brandon Lyon will replace Jose Valverde, who was traded to Houston after saving a major league-high 47 games last year, as the Diamondbacks' closer, according to the AP. Lyon had 14 saves in 2005 and two in 2007, when he spent most of the season as Valverde's eighth-inning setup man. He went 6-4 with a 2.68 ERA in and a lackluster 4.86 K/9 rate in 73 appearances last year. "It's a different mind-set closing," Arizona manager Bob Melvin said. "Brandon has shown he can do it." Lyon got the nod over Tony Pena and Chad Qualls as Arizona's new closer, and Melvin said he announced the move on Wednesday because he didn't want any uncertainty over roles heading into spring training. Obviously Lyon's fantasy value is increased exponentially as a result of this news. |
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| Willy Aybar, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays | Wednesday 2/6, 5:42 PM CT |
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| Willy Aybar was released from jail in the Dominican Republic Wednesday after his wife dropped a domestic violence complaint against him, the Tampa Tribune reports. According to an ESPN story, the Rays sent a letter of support to the authorities in Bani, saying they would put Aybar in a special program to improve his behavior. “I know that if I focus, I can get to be a great baseball player,” Aybar told ESPN, “but I also want to be a good father, husband and citizen.” Aybar, who was acquired from the Braves last month, expects to compete for playing time at third base with stud prospect Evan Longoria in spring training. |
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| Erik Bedard, P, Seattle Mariners | Wednesday 2/6, 4:32 PM CT |
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| Erik Bedard won't even leave his home in Ottawa to take his physical in Seattle until Thursday, so it looks like it will be Friday or later before the long-rumored trade between the Orioles and Mariners is official, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. If you've been under a rock the last few weeks, the Mariners are set to acquire Bedard for center field prospect Adam Jones, pitcher George Sherrill and three minor league pitchers. |
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| The New York Daily News reports that Brian McNamee has turned over physical evidence to federal investigators linking Roger Clemens to steroids. A source has said that McNamee gave the Justice Department's BALCO investigators vials with traces of steroids and growth hormone, including blood-stained syringes and gauze pads that may contain the Rocket's DNA. Clemens' attorneys did not return calls for comment, but we should hear from the Clemens party once further information is revealed. |
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| Trever Miller agreed to a one-year contract with the Rays on Wednesday, according to the Tampa Tribune. The deal is worth $1.6 million, and it includes a team option for 2009. Miller allowed left-handed hitters to bat just .209 against him last year, and he'll serve as a lefty specialist for Tampa in 2008. |
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| Vinnie Chulk, P, San Francisco Giants | Wednesday 2/6, 2:20 PM CT |
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| Vinny Chulk avoided arbitration with the Giants Wednesday by inking a one-year, $837,500 contract, according to the AP. He can receive an additional $12,500 if he makes 60 appearances as a pitcher this season. Chulk had a fine year in 2007, holding a 3.57 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 57 appearances, but his value in fantasy is low considering he's unlikely to receive any stray save opportunities. |
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| Tony Clark, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday 2/6, 10:53 AM CT |
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| The Padres are interested in veteran free agent Tony Clark, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports. Clark wouldn't get a lot of at-bats behind Adrian Gonzalez, but he did grow up in San Diego and would be a great addition to the clubhouse. The team has also entertained the idea of signing Mike Sweeney. |
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| Takashi Saito is close to signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers and should be under contract by spring training, a team source told the LA Times. The closer is under the team's control. |
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| Russell Martin spent time working out in Arizona over the offseason and has reduced his body fat percentage. "I feel more explosive," Martin said in the LA Times. Martin is arguably the top fantasy catching option this season. He wore down a bit at the end of the year, so perhaps being in a little better shape will help him sustain his success through September. |
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| Victor Zambrano has been given a spring training invite by the Rockies. It was reported back in December that the team was trying to sign him to a minor-league deal, so obviously they were able to work one out. Zambrano, who held a woeful 10.17 ERA in 23 innings for the Blue Jays and Orioles, will try to win a bullpen job, according to the Denver Post. |
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| Freddy Sanchez, who had a minor arthroscopic procedure last September to clean out the acromioclavicular joint in his right rotator cuff, said Tuesday that the shoulder "feels great" and that he expects to be fully ready for spring training. He plans to report with the pitchers and catchers on Feb. 14, five days before position players are required to show, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Sanchez just recently signed a contract extension. |
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| Erik Bedard, P, Seattle Mariners | Wednesday 2/6, 8:21 AM CT |
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| Erik Bedard remained at home in Ontario Tuesday night, an indication his trade to Seattle remains a day or two away from completion. The Orioles had Adam Jones and George Sherrill in for physicals Monday and spent part of yesterday reviewing the results. If they are content with what they saw, it is expected they will then ask Bedard to head to Seattle for an exam, according to the Baltimore Sun. |
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