| Player: |
Tim Redding SP, Free Agent 01/08/09, Time: 6:37 pm |
| News: |
According to MLB.com, the Mets have made a contract offer to Redding. |
| Analysis: |
Redding would battle for a spot as the fifth starter with the Mets. (SportsBuff.com) |
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Vance Wilson C, Kansas City Royals 01/08/09, Time: 6:36 pm |
| News: |
According to the Kansas City Star, the Royals signed Wilson to a minor league contract. |
| Analysis: |
Wilson will battle for a spot as the backup catcher in Kansas City. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Logan Kensing RP, Florida Marlins 01/08/09, Time: 6:34 pm |
| News: |
The Marlins re-signed Kensing to a one-year, $660,000 contract. |
| Analysis: |
Kensing was 3-1 with a 4.23 ERA in 48 appearances with the Marlins last season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Andy Pettitte SP, Free Agent 01/08/09, Time: 6:32 pm |
| News: |
The Newark Star-Ledger reports that Pettitte could end up signing back in Houston since the Yankees will not increase their offer of one-year for $10 million. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Derek Lowe SP, Free Agent 01/08/09, Time: 6:30 pm |
| News: |
Lowe is expected to meet with the Braves, according to the Boston Globe. |
| Analysis: |
The Braves jump into the mix as a serious threat to the Mets in signing Lowe and will certainly drive up the salary demands. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Trevor Hoffman RP, Milwaukee Brewers 01/08/09, Time: 6:28 pm |
| News: |
MLB.com reports that the Brewers have agreed to a one-year, $6 million contract with Hoffman on Thursday. |
| Analysis: |
Hoffman had 30 saves last season with the Padres and is likely to start the season as the Brewers' closer. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Yhency Brazoban RP, L.A. Dodgers Dodgers 01/08/09, Time: 6:24 pm |
| News: |
Brazoban signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers on Thursday, according to MLB.com |
| Analysis: |
Brazoban will have to earn a roster spot in Spring Training after battling back from Tommy John surgery. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
John Smoltz SP, Boston Red Sox 01/08/09, Time: 6:21 pm |
| News: |
The Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox signed Smoltz to a one-year, $5.5 million contract on Thursday. |
| Analysis: |
Smoltz is still recovering from shoulder surgery and is not expected to be ready to pitch until June. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Rocco Baldelli OF, Boston Red Sox 01/08/09, Time: 6:19 pm |
| News: |
According to the Boston Globe, Baldelli has signed a one-year contract with the Red Sox on Thursday. |
| Analysis: |
Baldelli hit .263 with four homers and 13 RBI in 28 games with the Rays last season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Jerry Hairston 2B, Cincinnati Reds 01/07/09, Time: 7:36 pm |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
Hairston stayed with the Reds, agreeing Wednesday to a $2 million, one-year contract, according to the Associated Press.
The 32-year-old utilityman played six positions in 80 games for the Reds last season, hitting .326. (SportsBuff.com)
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| Player: |
Trevor Hoffman RP, Free Agent 01/07/09, Time: 7:34 pm |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney the Dodgers have offered a one-year deal to Hoffman, 41, who has earned all but two of his 554 career saves for the Padres over 16 seasons. The offer also includes a club option for 2010. |
| Analysis: |
If Hoffman is signed and does show he has some gas left in the tank, it will dramatically decrease the draft-day value of Jonathan Broxton. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Jason Giambi 1B, Oakland Athletics 01/07/09, Time: 7:32 pm |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
Giambi and the A's finalized a $5.25 million, one-year contract with an option Wednesday, bringing the free-agent designated hitter and first baseman back to the place he began his big league career, according to the Associated Press. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Manny Ramirez LF, Free Agent 01/06/09, Time: 8:55 pm |
| News: |
Ramirez is still seeking at least a four-year, $100 million contract, according to Fox Sports. |
| Analysis: |
Ramirez seems most likely to return to the Dodgers but only if the Dodgers' increase their original offer of two-years and $45 million. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Randy Wolf SP, Free Agent 01/06/09, Time: 8:51 pm |
| News: |
According to MLB.com, the Nationals have shown interest in signing Wolf to improve their starting rotation. |
| Analysis: |
The Nationals will be competing with their N.L. East rivals the Mets for Wolf's services. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
J.C. Romero RP, Philadelphia Phillies 01/06/09, Time: 8:48 pm |
| Status: |
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Cold |
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| News: |
MLB.com reports that Romero will be suspended for the first 50 games of the 2009 regular season after testing positive for an over-the-counter substance. (SportsBuff.com) |
| Analysis: |
Romero will not be available to rejoin the Phillies until June. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Carl Pavano SP, Cleveland Indians 01/06/09, Time: 8:46 pm |
| News: |
The Indians signed Pavano to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million on Tuesday, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. |
| Analysis: |
Pavano was 4-2 with a 5.77 ERA in 34 1/3 innings with the Yankees last season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Ken Griffey OF, Free Agent 01/05/09, Time: 9:31 pm |
| News: |
According to MLB.com, Tampa Bay and Seattle are two teams that are interested in signing Griffey. |
| Analysis: |
With Pat Burrell now on the roster, the Rays may be less inclined to go after Griffey. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Jason Isringhausen RP, Free Agent 01/05/09, Time: 9:28 pm |
| News: |
MLB.com reports that the Tigers have shown a lot of interest in signing Isringhausen. |
| Analysis: |
Isringhausen was 1-5 with 12 saves and a 5.70 ERA with the Cardinals last season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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Royce Ring RP, St. Louis Cardinals 01/05/09, Time: 9:25 pm |
| News: |
Ring signed a one-year contract with St. Louis on Monday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. |
| Analysis: |
Ring was 2-1 with a 8.46 ERA with the Braves last season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Reggie Abercrombie OF, Houston Astros 01/05/09, Time: 9:24 pm |
| News: |
The Astros signed Abercrombie to a minor league contract. |
| Analysis: |
Abercrombie will be invited to Spring Training but isn't likely to hold any fantasy value this season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Milton Bradley OF, Chi. Cubs Cubs 01/05/09, Time: 9:22 pm |
| News: |
Bradley signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Cubs on Monday. |
| Analysis: |
Bradley is likely to play right field for the Cubs. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Pat Burrell DH, Tampa Bay Rays 01/05/09, Time: 5:43 pm |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
Tampa Bay has signed Burrell to a two-year contract. ESPN.com cited a source familiar with the negotiations, who claimed the deal is worth $16 million.
The news was first reported by Foxsports.com.
Burrell is expected to serve primarily as the Rays' everyday designated hitter. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Milton Bradley OF, Free Agent 01/02/09, Time: 8:11 pm |
| News: |
The Nationals have shown a lot of interest in signing Bradley, according to MLB.com. |
| Analysis: |
Bradley hit .321 with 22 home runs and 77 RBI last season with the Rangers. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Derrick Turnbow RP, Texas Rangers 01/02/09, Time: 8:09 pm |
| News: |
MLB.com reports that Turnbow has signed a one-year, minor league contract with the Rangers. |
| Analysis: |
Turnbow will fight for a roster spot in Spring Training and is unlikely to hold any fantasy value this season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Manny Ramirez LF, Free Agent 01/02/09, Time: 8:07 pm |
| News: |
MLB.com reports that the Giants are interested in signing Ramirez. |
| Analysis: |
The Giants lack a legitimate cleanup hitter and Ramirez would certainly fill that void. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Andruw Jones CF, L.A. Dodgers Dodgers 01/02/09, Time: 8:01 pm |
| News: |
MLB.com reports that the Dodgers are trying to restructure Jones' contract.
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| Analysis: |
Jones has one year and $22.1 million left on his contract and if they can restructure it, it will allow them to spend more on Manny Ramirez. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Joe Mauer C, Minnesota Twins 01/02/09, Time: 7:59 pm |
| News: |
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Mauer underwent surgery to remove a kidney obstruction. |
| Analysis: |
Mauer is not expected to miss any time and will be ready for the start of Spring Training. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Tony Clark 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks 01/02/09, Time: 7:55 pm |
| News: |
According to ESPN, the Diamondbacks re-signed Clark to a one-year, $800,000 contract. |
| Analysis: |
Clark hit .225 with three home runs and 24 RBI's last season with Diamondbacks. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Scott Proctor RP, Florida Marlins 01/02/09, Time: 7:46 pm |
| News: |
According to the Miami Herald, Proctor signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Marlins. |
| Analysis: |
Proctor was 2-0 record with a 6.05 ERA in 41 games with the Dodgers last season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Aaron Miles 2B, Chi. Cubs Cubs 12/31/08, Time: 4:58 pm |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
The Cubs and Miles have agreed to a two-year contract, according to the Associated Press.
The switch-hitting Miles batted .317 with four homers and 31 RBIs in 134 games for the St. Louis Cardinals last season. |
| Analysis: |
Miles always seems to be a solid pickup for a couple days if your team is dealing with an injury or in need of a batting average boost. Now with Mark DeRosa in Cleveland, Miles will surely get more at-bats and he could develop into a deep, deep sleeper over the course of a full season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Mark DeRosa 3B, Cleveland Indians 12/31/08, Time: 4:55 pm |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
DeRosa has been traded to the Cleveland Indians for minor league pitchers Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub. DeRosa will likely slide into Cleveland's opening at third base, according to ESPN.com news services.
With the Cubs close to finalizing another trade -- right-hander Jason Marquis to the Colorado Rockies for right-handed reliever Luis Vizcaino -- the deals are seen as a precursor to the Cubs negotiating a free-agent deal with outfielder Milton Bradley, according to the report. (SportBuff.com)
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| Player: |
Brian Fuentes RP, L.A. Angels Angels 12/31/08, Time: 4:54 pm |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
Fuentes and the Los Angeles Angels reached agreement on a $17.5 million, two-year contract Wednesday, according to ESPN.com news services.
Fuentes will earn $8.5 million for 2009 and $9 million for 2010. The contract includes a $9 million vesting option for 2011, based on games finished, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
The 33-year-old Fuentes was a three-time National League All-Star. The lefty was 1-5 with 30 saves in 34 chances and a 2.73 ERA for Colorado this season and then became a free agent. He struck out 82 in 62 2/3 innings.
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| Analysis: |
The good news: Fuentes will likely take over for the departed Francisco Rodriguez and notch plenty of saves on a winning team; the bad news: We were all robbed of enjoying the sleeper of all sleepers (Jose Arredondo) because of this deal. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Chris Snyder C, Arizona Diamondbacks 12/31/08, Time: 5:39 am |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
The Diamondbacks have reached agreement on a three-year, $14.25 million guaranteed contract extension with Snyder, according to ESPN.com.
The deal includes a fourth-year club option that could bring the overall value to more than $20 million. It follows Arizona's multiyear contracts with players such as center fielder Chris Young and pitcher Dan Haren, infielder Chad Tracy and outfielder Eric Byrnes, according to the report. (SportsBuff.com)
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| Player: |
Adam Dunn 1B, Free Agent 12/31/08, Time: 5:36 am |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
The Dodgers contacted Dunn's agent, Greg Genske, over the holidays, according to a report that cited an executive of a team interested in Dunn.
Dunn has also drawn interest from the Cubs, Nationals, Mariners and Orioles, accoring to the report. But adding the Dodgers to that mix gives him another contender to consider. The Cubs were believed to be his top choice before the Dodgers entered the mix. |
| Analysis: |
In an odd turn of events, Dunn may end up dictating Manny Ramirez's potential future with the Dodgers or another club. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Joe Nelson RP, Tampa Bay Rays 12/31/08, Time: 5:34 am |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
Nelson signed a $1.3 million, one-year contract with the Rays on Tuesday.
Nelson, who agreed to terms last week, was 3-1 with one save in 59 appearances for the Florida Marlins last season. His 2.00 ERA was third-best among NL relievers behind Hong-Chih Kuo's 1.69 and Brad Lidge's 1.95. (SportsBuff.com)
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| Player: |
Derek Lowe SP, Free Agent 12/31/08, Time: 5:32 am |
| Status: |
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Steady |
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| News: |
The New York Times reported on Tuesday that the team has offered free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe a three-year contract for about $36 million.
Agent Scott Boras would not confirm that the Mets' offer, according to the report.
"Obviously, we've taken offers from a number of teams," he said, according to the newspaper. (SportsBuff.com)
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| Player: |
Derrick Turnbow RP, Free Agent 12/30/08, Time: 7:43 pm |
| News: |
MLB.com reports that the Marlins are one of three finalists for Turnbow. |
| Analysis: |
The other finalists include the Pirates and Brewers. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Manny Ramirez LF, Free Agent 12/30/08, Time: 7:37 pm |
| News: |
According to the LA Times, Ramirez remains the Dodgers' first choice. |
| Analysis: |
The Dodgers would really like to re-sign Manny but he is taking his time. If that keeps up, the Dodgers may pass and sign Adam Dunn. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Garret Anderson OF, Free Agent 12/30/08, Time: 7:34 pm |
| News: |
According to MLB.com, Anderson could end up signing with the Rays. |
| Analysis: |
Anderson would fill in nicely as the DH for the Rays. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Jason Marquis SP, Chi. Cubs Cubs 12/30/08, Time: 7:33 pm |
| News: |
ESPN reports that the Rockies are close to acquiring Jason Marquis from the Cubs in exchange for right-handed reliever Luis Vizcaino. |
| Analysis: |
Marquis was 11-9 with a 4.53 ERA with the Cubs last season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Derek Lowe SP, Free Agent 12/29/08, Time: 11:45 pm |
| News: |
According to the Boston Globe, the Mets are the front-runners to sign Lowe. |
| Analysis: |
The Mets seem to have the edge over the Phillies and Red Sox in the Lowe sweepstakes. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Andy Pettitte SP, Free Agent 12/29/08, Time: 11:34 pm |
| News: |
According to the Boston Globe, the Texas Rangers are interested in Pettitte. |
| Analysis: |
The Yankees still remain an option for Pettitte but with their three big free agent signings, they may have turned the page on a return to the Bronx. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Mark Kotsay OF, Free Agent 12/29/08, Time: 11:19 pm |
| News: |
Mark Kotsay may return to the Red Sox, according to the Boston Globe. |
| Analysis: |
Kotsay hit .276 with six homers and 49 RBI last season with the Red Sox and Braves. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Brad Penny SP, Boston Red Sox 12/29/08, Time: 11:09 pm |
| News: |
The Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox signed Penny to a one-year, $5 million contract.
|
| Analysis: |
Penny was 6-9 with a 6.27 ERA with the Dodgers last season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Josh Bard C, Boston Red Sox 12/29/08, Time: 11:07 pm |
| News: |
According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox signed Bard to a contract. |
| Analysis: |
Bard hit .202 with one home run and 16 RBI in 57 games with the Padres last season. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Kenshin Kawakami SP, Free Agent 12/29/08, Time: 11:02 pm |
| News: |
According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are interested in Kawakami. |
| Analysis: |
The Orioles are looking to add multiple pitchers to their starting rotation via free agency. (SportsBuff.com)
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| Player: |
Mark Hendrickson SP, Baltimore Orioles 12/29/08, Time: 10:52 pm |
| News: |
The Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles have officially signed Hendrickson to a contract. |
| Analysis: |
Hendrickson will add depth at the end of the Orioles' starting rotation. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Joe Beimel RP, Free Agent 12/29/08, Time: 10:50 pm |
| News: |
MLB.com reports that Beimel remains unsigned.
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| Analysis: |
The Mets could use Beimel, a very effective left-handed reliever, in their bullpen but only if he would lower his asking price. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Adam Dunn OF, Free Agent 12/29/08, Time: 10:47 pm |
| News: |
ESPN reports that the Dodgers are interested in signing Dunn.
|
| Analysis: |
The Dodgers are very serious about Dunn and have reached out to his agent. (SportsBuff.com) |
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| Player: |
Michael Barrett C, Toronto Blue Jays 12/29/08, Time: 10:42 pm |
| News: |
According to ESPN, the Blue Jays signed Barrett to a minor league contract. |
| Analysis: |
Barrett will help replace Gregg Zaun who is expected to leave via free agency. (SportsBuff.com) |
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