Bruins Lose Kaberle To Carolina Then Sign Joe Corvo

The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to a three-year, $12.75 million deal with Tomas Kaberle, but the Bruins quickly turned around and signed Joe Corvo to a 1 year deal worth $2.25 million. I really like what the Bruins did here. There is no way Kaberle is worth $4.25 million a year. He was a bust here, and even though the Bruins won the Cup with him, I feel they won in spite of him rather then because of him.

Corvo is a very solid pickup, and I like the short money deal. The Bruins do not need to get locked down in a long term contract for a "puck moving defenseman". Corvo will fit in nicely as he can take Kaberle's spot right away, and can be a nice addition to the power play. He is coming off a career year in which scored 11 goals and had 29 assists for a career-high 40 points. He just can't wear #77 anymore.

Yankees To Sign Kevin Millwood

"After an extended courtship, the Yankees signed Kevin Millwood to a minor league deal, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter). Freddy Garcia or Bartolo Colon will still start the season as the Yankees' No. 5 starter behind C.C. Sabathia, Phil Hughes, A.J. Burnett and, it seems certain, Ivan Nova (MLBTradeRumors)."

Hahahaha, oh my sides hurt I'm laughing so hard. DP and I were talking about Millwood the other day and I said that I thought he was done and he would be the Jermaine Dye of this season. Everyone would wait around for him to sign, and then no one would. Little did I know the Yankees still think it's 1998, and thus are signing every washed up pitcher they can get their hands on.

This guy has had an ERA under 5.00 once in the last 4 season, and last season went 4-16. Sure, he throws strikes, but in Yankee Stadium this guy is going to get lit up like "Way Back" Wasdin at Fenway back in the day. I guess at this point depth is depth and there aren't any better free agents, but I really hope there aren't any Yankee fans that are excited about this signing.

Chargers Sign Bob Sanders

"Former Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders plans to sign a one-year deal with the San Diego Chargers Thursday night, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter (ESPN)."

There was a time when I thought Bob Sanders was one of the biggest difference makers at the safety position in the NFL, but Sanders has played in only 9 regular season games for the Colts in the last 3 years. I don't know what he has left in the tank, or if he can stay on the field. It is a long shot, but for a one year deal I guess you can't argue with it too much. Maybe playing on real grass will help....but I doubt it.

Patriots Sign Marcus Stroud

"Defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, who was recently released by the Buffalo Bills, reached agreement Tuesday on a two-year deal with the New England Patriots, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter (ESPN)."

I remember him from his days with Jacksonville and he was a hell of a player. He is still only 32 years old, so he could come in and have an impact. He has made the Pro Bowl 3 times in his career. In 3 seasons with Buffalo, he had 7 1/2 sacks in 46 games, which isn't all that impressive, but he is another big body for the defensive line, and the Patriots could use that since I see their defensive line as the weakest part of their defense (other then OLB).

Orioles Sign Justin Duchscherer

"Free agent pitcher Justin Duchscherer has reached agreement on a one-year major league contract with the Baltimore Orioles, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick (ESPN)."

Duchscherer when he plays is very good, but much like Eric Bedard just can't seem to find a way to stay on the field. He has suffered from everything from hip problems to depression. Still, it's only a one year deal, and the Orioles have a ton of young pitching talent behind him, so it is kind of a no lose scenario. Duchscherer can be a reliever also, but he has stated that he wants to be in the rotation, and I would think that's where they will put him to start the season.

Peja Stojakovic To Mavericks

"The Mavs are close to a verbal agreement to sign Peja Stojakovic once he clears waivers Monday, two league sources confirmed to CBSSports.com. Only hours after his buyout with Toronto was finalized, the Mavs expressed "strong interest," said the source, who added that Dallas fits Stojakovic's desire to hook up with a Western Conference contender. Stojakovic is expected to sign a one-year deal at the prorated veteran's minimum of $1.4 million on Monday after the 48-hour waiver period expires (CBS Sports)."

Not a bad signing by the Mavericks. They really need a guy who can spread the floor after the loss of Caron Butler. Peja is still a guy that can knock down three, and score around 12-15 points a game. You give him a PG like Kidd I feel he can still be an asset to this team. One way he will not be is an asset is the defensive side of the court, but he really should only be a scoring option off the bench (like Eddie House/Nate Robinson).

Johnny Damon Heading To Rays

"The Rays are nearing a deal with Johnny Damon, according to Yahoo's Tim Brown (on Twitter). There is still work to be done before the sides reach an agreement, however. Agent Scott Boras represents Damon (MLBTradeRumors)."

I like this signing by the Rays. Damon still had a little left in the tank. Last year hit .271/.355/.401 with 69 walks, 36 doubles for the Tigers, yet his power numbers were way down (8) and he doesn't steal many bases (11). I still say I like it, because I think his power numbers can come back and the Rays at this point needed to do something to replace Pena, Crawford, ect. He also could fit in nicely while the Rays try to bring up their young prospects (example: Desmond Jennings).

Yankees Sign Andruw Jones

"Fifteen years after he put on an eye-popping October show in the first game he ever played in Yankee Stadium, outfielder Andruw Jones agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Yankees on Thursday, sources confirmed to ESPN.com.

He also can earn an additional $1.2 million in incentives. Jones will earn $150,000 each for 250 and 275 plate appearances, $200,000 apiece for 300 and 325, and $250,000 each for 350 and 375, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press (ESPN)."

It has been a long time since Andruw Jones has been a great offensive weapon, but he still is a very good defensive player, and can play all three outfield positions. He is a great fit as a utility player, and as long as people don't expect much offensively he should be fine. Also, you could see his power numbers go up a bit, since he is playing at HR happy Yankee Stadium.

I wonder if Cashman sat on the sidelines for this one too?

Mets Sign Chris Young

"The Mets agreed to sign Chris Young to a one-year deal, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. The deal is pending a physical. That could be more than a formality for Young, who missed most of last season with a shoulder strain before pitching in September (MLBTradeRumors)."

I guess this is one of the signing where you just hope for the best, because injuries have limited Young to just 36 starts in the past three seasons. He kind of reminds me of Rich Harden, because they both have big names for really no reason.

Young will join Mike Pelfrey, Jon Niese, R.A. Dickey and Chris Capuano in the team's rotation if the pitchers remain healthy this spring. Johan Santana should join the group midway through the season.

Translation: It's going to be another long year for the Mets.

Twins Resign Jim Thome

"Jim Thome is staying with the Twins. Thome, who hit 25 home runs last year and was key in the Twins' run to the American League Central title, today agreed to a one-year deal to return to the team. MLB.com reported that Thome will make a guaranteed $3 million (CBS Sports)."

I am glad that Thome stayed with the Twins. The team and city really seemed to embrace him, and he is still a good source of power. I am a little surprised that they got him so cheap, since Berkman got $8 million. I just don't see that much of a difference between the two. Anyways, good deal for the Twins.

Tigers Sign Brad Penny

"The Detroit Tigers and free-agent right-hander Brad Penny have agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million, plus $3 million in incentives, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney (ESPN)."

If you take out Penny's time with the Red Sox he has actually been a very solid pitcher in his career. The problem is the Tigers play in the AL and I don't believe he can handle AL lineups. On top of that, Penny is recovering from an upper-back injury that limited him to just 9 starts in 2009.

Still, the signing makes sense. The Tigers have a lot of question marks in their rotation. Verlander and Scherzer are very good, but after that it gets a little dicey. Porcello had a great rookie year, but stumbled last year before finishing strong. Galarraga is likely to lose his job (even after his near perfect game), and Phil Coke is being converted from a reliever to a start. Penny can eat up some innings for them, which is never a bad thing with all the young pitching they have.

Nationals Sign Adam LaRoche

The Nationals have agreed to sign Adam LaRoche to a two-year (with a 3rd year option) deal worth $7MM in 2011 and $8MM in 2012 before the $10MM mutual option.

Good deal for the Nationals. LaRoche has hit at least 20 homers and posted an OPS of .775 or better for six consecutive seasons. He hit exactly 25 homers in each of the past three seasons and has a career .271/.339/.488 stat line. It sounds like they got him for the correct amount of money and Werth, LaRoche, Zimmerman, and Bryce Harper should give them something to build on for years to come.

A's Sign Rich Harden

"The A's have agreed to a major league deal with Rich Harden, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle (MLBTradeRumors)."

I love that people get excited about this guy. He has never done anything, yet is treated like he's friggin' Ace. He has never had more then 11 wins in a season, and that 11 win year was back in 2004. He is constantly hurt, and now the A's have signed him to just be a bullpen guy. Maybe that will be good for him, because he still a good strikeout guy, but then again having this guy pitching every day (or every other day) probably won't work out with his injury history.

Yankees Sign Russell Martin

Well the Yankees finally beat the Red Sox to someone...

"The Yankees have reached an agreement with catcher Russell Martin, reports MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez. With Jorge Posada moving into a designated hitter role next year, Martin should be the Yankees' starting catcher. Since Martin has less than five years of service time, he's under team control for 2012 as an arbitration eligible player (MLBTradeRumors)."

Solid signing from the Yankees. Martin is coming off a fractured hip, but he has shown in the past that he has the talent to be a very good player (19 HRs, 87 RBIs, 21 SBs in 2007). Still, he is a big injury risk, and you have to worry about a guy that used to use his speed coming off of hip surgery. In New York we could see his power numbers go up, so maybe it will work out, but overall this isn't going to calm down angry Yankee fans.

Oh, side note the Cardinals reached an agreement with catcher Gerald Laird. Good defensive guy, but doesn't bring much to the plate.

White Sox Resign Konerko

The White Sox reached an agreement with first baseman Paul Konerko on a three-year deal, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The deal is worth $37.5MM, tweets SI's Jon Heyman. The contract includes deferred money, as outlined by MLB.com's Scott Merkin. The contract has now been officially announced by the White Sox.

Konerko is getting up there in age (35), but I like this deal for the White Sox. Konerko is coming off one of his best seasons with 39 HRs and hit .312. He is also one of Ozzie's guys, so you know that will make him happy. I really think that Konerko can play for the next 3 years, and if Pena is to make $10 million next year, then Konerko making $12.5 seems to make sense.

Cubs Finalize Carlos Pena Signing

Carlos Pena, reported Carrie Muskat of MLB.com, finalized a one-year deal with the Cubs worth about $10 million. Although it is only a one year deal I believe the Cubs really overpaid. Pena's batting average has been in decline for 3 years now, and last year he finished below .200. Obviously Pena's power is his golden ticket, he hit 46 HRs in 2007, 31 in 2008, 39 in 2009, and 28 last year. You would think in the small park that is Wrigley he should put up some good power numbers, but I have to admit I think this is a bad signing, and I would much rather have a guy like Paul Konerko. Then again, it's just a one year deal, so if it doesn't work out at least it doesn't hurt the Cubs long term.

I really thought Pena would land with the Nationals, since it seemed like a logical fit after the loss of Adam Dunn, but after spending so much on Werth I guess it would be too much to throw money at Pena too.

Breaking News: Red Sox Resign Varitek

According to multiple reports, the Red Sox have come to an agreement to re-sign catcher Jason Varitek with the catcher inking a one-year, $2 million deal with $300,000 of incentives. It could be the Red Sox are done with the catcher position and will stick with Varitek and Salty as their guys. I am OK with it only because I don't like any catchers that are left in the free agent market, and at least Tek knows these pitchers well. Still, doesn't make up for not resigning V-Mart and I'm starting to lose faith that they will makeup for it at all this offseason (at least in a way I would like).

Marlins Sign Javier Vazquez

"Vazquez has officially signed a one-year contract worth $7MM with the Marlins. He also receives a full no-trade clause, and the team has agreed not to offer the righty arbitration next offseason (MLBTradeRumors.com)."

I like this signing by the Marlins. They had some extra money after they sent Uggla to the Braves, and last night Javier Vazquez was in the NL East he pitched really well (2.87 ERA and over a strikeout per inning). i think he will bounce back nicely, and is just one of those guys that can't handle pitching in a big market (like Pavano).

It's a good move Vasquez too, as he makes a solid salary this year ($7MM), and if he pitches well could be in line for a much better contract next offseason.

Dolphins Sign Al Harris

Earlier this week the Packers made the surprise move of cutting Al Harris. He tore up his knee pretty bad last year (he tore the anterior cruciate ligament, the lateral collateral ligament, the IT band, the fibular collateral ligament and the lateral hamstring), and the Packers felt he was no longer a valuable asset. So, he finally cleared waivers and the Dolphins stepped in and signed the free agent.

It is unclear how much Al Harris will be able to play, and I am not completely sold that he will pass the physical to be able to join the team. Back in the day he was one of the better cover corners in the NFL, so I guess it is always worth a shot even if he can only play limited snaps.

Theo Says Ortiz Is "Happy" With One Year Deal

In the weeks leading up to the Red Sox picking up Ortiz's 1 year option (for $12.5 million) Ortiz made it clear he wanted a more then a one year deal. After picking up his option Theo released this statement...

"David is a player who is very important to our ownership and to our fans," said Epstein. "And given these feelings, the fact that he’s still very productive and that there was a one-year solution built in the contract, this seemed like not only the most likely outcome but the one that balanced all the various factors in the most appropriate manner. David did express an interest in multi-year deal to us as well as publicly, and we explored that. But we couldn't find anything that made as much sense as a one-year commitment. At the end David understands this outcome, is very much OK with it and is committed to the 2011 Red Sox."

"I think in the end he realizes that we weren't the position to give him what he was looking for," said Epstein of Ortiz, who has hit 291 home runs in his eight seasons with the Red Sox. "He's happy now, we made sure of that before we reached our final decision. Both sides are moving forward and committed to the 2011 Red Sox winning as many games as we possibly can."

Do I believe Ortiz is "happy"? No, but here is what I think really happened...

Ortiz was brought in and Theo gave him two options. The Red Sox could pick up his one year deal for the vastly overpaid $12.5 million, or they would let him try free agency. We all know there is no way Ortiz would get more then a two year deal on the open market, and there is no way he would make even close to $12.5 million next year (my guess would be something like $14-16 million and that might be generous with the way DH's have been getting paid). I think Ortiz sat back looked at his options and realized this was by far the best idea for him. If be plays well again this season maybe the Sox give him a 2 year deal, but at the end of the day he is getting paid more then 5 million more then any other DH and he is under contract.

I know a lot of people think they "owe it to Ortiz", but I think the Sox are trying to learn from their mistakes with Mike Lowell, and they don't want to get in uncomfortable situation like they had to deal with this year, which is a very good possibility if the Sox gave him a 3 year deal.

Happy to have you back Papi.