The Traders Arena Blog

I was busy all of yesterday so here is a huge MLB update for today; tons of rumors and signings that went down!

• It has been reported that Oliver Perez was given a 3 year offer for 30 MM. This is in response to the Derek Lowe signing. Some have stated that the offer did not happen, although if it did, I am sure Perez would take that, as well he should. That would give the Mets a rotation of Johan Santana, Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey, Jon Maine, and Tim Redding. Not awful, but not incredible either.
• The Dodgers will be releasing OF Andruw Jones on Thursday. Jones has interest in returning to the Braves.
• The Angels avoided arbitration with Chone Figgins, who signed a 1 year deal worth 5.7 MM.
• The Dodgers signed RP Guillermo Mota to a 1 year deal worth 2.35 MM with 750k in performance bonuses.
• The Padres are interested in signing Omar Visquel to play SS. They traded their starter in Khalil Greene, so they are looking for his successor, and the gold glove winner could be a perfect fit.
• The Angels are not interested in OF Jermaine Dye. There were talks but after resigning Juan Rivera, they have no use for him. Kenny Williams, GM of the White Sox says that the rumors are false about trading Dye all around.
• Jason Varitek is stuck. Boras wants to get him “Posada Money” but it is more likely for him to get a 1 year deal. The problem is, to sign him, teams need to give up their 1st round pick, so they are staying away for the wily vet. The Red Sox are his likely destination, although probably for under 7 MM in 1 year. Also, the Red Sox are talking about trading for Miguel Montero of the Diamondbacks, but that deal has lost its steam.
• Kris Benson is being looked at by 4 teams. Benson is coming off arm surgery. The Dodgers, Cardinals, Rangers, and DBacks are in the mix for his services.
• Paul Byrd, who was going to retire, has decided to sit out the first half, and possibly join up with a contender mid way through. 
• No one seems to be interested in Michael Young, despite the trade request. The Rangers GM says it is a 90% chance that he is on the team when opening day hits.
• The Orioles have signed C Gregg Vaun to a 1 year deal. He will be the starter until #1 prospect Matt Wieters is ready to go, which should be sometime this year. 
• Freddy Garcia is likely to be signed during this week. His suitors include the Mets, Yankees, Rangers, and White Sox. Garcia had some arm surgery, but has shown improvement and no structural damage in his throwing shoulder.
• The Tigers signed their closer, Fernando Rodney, to a 1 year deal, worth nearly 3 MM. The move was to avoid an arbitration hearing.
• The Indians were interested in P Pedro Martinez, but signed Carl Pavano instead. The DBacks are still interested, as he would replace their veteran they lost in Randy Johnson.
• The Giants are close to a deal with 3B Joe Crede, likely a 1 year deal. Crede would join Edgar Renteria on the left side of the infield.
• The Mets have signed Alex Cora, backup infielder, to a 1 year 2MM deal. He will backup Luis Castillo / Jose Reyes.
• The White Sox signed Bartolo Colon to a 1 year deal to become their 5th starter. If he doesn’t pitch well, #1 propsect Aaron Poreda could get the call.
• Jack Cust avoided arbitration by signing a 1 year deal worth nearly 3 MM. Cust, DH extrodinare, hits for tons of power, but either hits a HR or strikes out.

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