Gonzalez officially joins Marlins

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports, the Florida Marlins have officially added veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez to their roster.

Just how bad did they want him? So much so that owner Jeffrey Loria placed a personal phone call to Gonzalez.

The team finalized a 1-year $2M deal with Gonzalez on Friday.

Atlanta Braves express interest in young Padres' prospect Matt Bush

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, Kevin Towers has said the Atlanta Braves have expressed interest in Single-A prospect Matt Bush.

Matt Bush has been the one draft pick the Padres wish they could have back. Scouts had advised the Padres to select Stephen Drew, who was eventually drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks and helped them win the NL West in 2007.

Yankees way over budget on new stadium

In an article from Karen Matthews of the AP, the Yankees have gone over budget on the construction of the new Yankee Stadium.

The estimated cost was originally $1B, but the total cost is now at $1.3B. Yankees Chief Operating Officer Lonn Trost told media members during a tour of the new ballpark the cost overruns included $150 million in such enhancements as the giant video screen, $138 million in food and beverage costs not included in the original estimate and $50 million from delays due to a lawsuit by community groups that sought to halt construction of the stadium.

Looking Forward to 2008: Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers will report to spring training with a new look and a very different attitude towards the 2008 season.

Just when it looked like the team would stand pat with the players they had, they shocked the baseball world. During the Winter Meetings, the Detroit Tigers made a blockbuster trade with the Florida Marlins for left-hander Dontrelle Willis and 3rd baseman Miguel Cabrera. Not only that, but they also brought in SS Edgar Renteria and OF Jacque Jones.

Arrivals:

3B Miguel Cabrera

RHP Francisco Cruceta

OF Jacque Jones

LHP Dontrelle Willis

Departures:

1B Sean Casey

RHP Chad Durbin

OF Cameron Maybin

RHP Jair Jurrjens

LHP Andrew Miller

Though Willis is coming off a season that wasn't among his best, being in Detroit with a team that is going to put up runs for him, it should give him a lot more confidence to take the ball every 5th day and trust his stuff. Cabrera brings power to an already potent lineup with guys like Ivan Rodriguez, Edgar Renteria, Gary Sheffield, and Magglio Ordonez.

A team that has a front 3 that consists of Justin Verlander, Kenny Rogers and Jeremy Bonderman and you still have to face Willis and Nate Robertson is a rotation that is going to be among the best in the American League and will give a good challenge to defending AL Central Champion Cleveland Indians.

Prediction Time:

The one thing that could keep the Tigers from winning the AL Central is the health of guys like Sheffield and the effectiveness of Dontrelle Willis and Kenny Rogers. The Indians are a good ball club, but with Detroit adding the players they have, it's going to be a fun race to watch.

Tigers - 86-76

Sanchez not expected back in rotation until All-Star break

In an article from Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, the Florida Marlins may not get young right-hander Anibal Sanchez back into the rotation until, possibly, the All-Star break.

Sanchez underwent surgery in June of 2007 to repair a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder. He's expected to see Dr. James Andrews on Monday to see if he can increase his training regimen. He's been throwing from 90 ft. on an every other day basis, but is taking his rehab slow and steady.

Foulke ends his retirement, signs with A's

Keith Foulke, who everyone thought had retired, apparently isn't ready to call it quits just yet.

The former Red Sox closer signed a 1-year $700,000 deal with the Oakland A's on Friday. "I decided I was not ready to leave baseball," Foulke said. "I started throwing again last November. It didn't take long to figure out I needed to give my knees a year. It was December before I could throw pain-free with my mechanics."

Foulke also received offers from the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres and New York Mets.

Bedard to Mariners finally done

Erik Bedard is officially on his way to Seattle to become the newest member of the Seattle Mariners.

After a lengthy delay, the deal was finally done early Friday morning. Baltimore received outfielder Adam Jones, reliever George Sherrill and pitchers Chris Tillman, Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio.

Bedard will be a heck of a 1-2 punch behind ace Felix Hernandez and in front of former Angel Jarrod Washburn and Miguel Batista.

Schilling, Sox argue over surgery

Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox don't seem to agree on the course of action for pitcher's ailing right shoulder.

In an article from Rob Bradford of the Boston Herald, the Red Sox even went as far as to threaten to void Schilling's contract if he didn't agree to a program of rest and rehabilitation.

A statement released by the team last night said, “Curt Schilling was examined by Red Sox doctors in January after he reported feeling right shoulder discomfort. Curt has started a program of rest, rehabilitation and shoulder strengthening in an attempt to return to pitching.”

Schilling, as he always seems to do, fired back on his website 38pitches.com saying "I knew in my heart of hearts that the extra time I was giving my arm to rest this winter would in fact be the cure for what I went through the entire 2007 season. I had a strong desire to not have to go through multiple cortisone injections in my shoulder for another year."

Schilling went on to say "There have been disagreements these past few weeks in an effort to provide me with a solution that would allow me to pitch as much as possible during the 2008 season. At no time did I ever consider taking a course of action against the clubs wishes. In the end, regardless of who agreed with whom, I have chosen the clubs course of action and will vigorously pursue any and every option I can to be able to help this team to another World Series title in 2008."

Padres interested in Finley?

According to a report on XX Sports Radio in San Diego, while Steve Finley and his wife were holding a function at their home for California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Finley received a phone call from Padres' GM Kevin Towers.

It's not known what the actual conversation was about, but maybe the Padres are interested in bringing him in on a minor league deal? They don't exactly have left and right fields determined yet.

Prior to be ready sooner than expected?

According to GM Kevin Towers, Mark Prior is coming along faster than previously thought.

The Padres didn't expect to have Mark Prior until possibly June, but he's now throwing off a mound which means he could be ready as early as May.

Towers spoke at a luncheon at the San Diego Hall of Champions, and when he was asked about Prior's progress he responded: "Todd Hutcheson told me that if he keeps along with the progress that he is having now, that he could be ready for a Minor League rehab assignment when we start our season."

That's good news for the Padres. If Prior is ready to make his rehab assignment at the start of the 2008 season, it could help the team that is typically a slow starter the first month.

Pedro Martinez on video at cockfight?

First Michael Vick now Pedro Martinez? According to a story in the AP, Pedro Martinez is shown, in a video, at a cockfight in his native Dominican Republic.

In the Dominican, cockfighting is legal and popular, though it is banned in the United States. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) sent a letter to both Pedro Martinez and Hall of Famer Juan Marichal, who invited Martinez, asking them to publicly applogize.

In a statement released through the Mets, Pedro Martinez responded: "I understand that people are upset, but this is part of our Dominican culture and is legal in the Dominican Republic. I was invited by my idol, Juan Marichal, to attend the event as a spectator, not as a participant."

Padres, Clark close to a deal?

2.7.08 2:51pm PST

According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the San Diego Padres are deep in contract negotiations with Clark.

2.6.08 2:52pm PST

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the San Diego Padres are in talks with former DBack Tony Clark.

Clark grew up in San Diego County and would be a great addition to the Padre clubhouse, not to mention that right-hander Chris Young wouldn't have to face Clark again. He's 4-9 against Young, all 4 hits were HR's.

Will Roberts follow Bedard, Tejada out the door?

With Erik Bedard, seemingly, a Seattle Mariner pending him taking a physical in Seattle and with Tejada now in Houston as an Astro, will Brian Roberts be the next one to go?

According to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles should try to get the best deal possible for the 2nd baseman. Only one problem, owner Peter Angelos has been reluctant to approve any deal involving Roberts. There was a rumored deal, last month, that was vetoed by Angelos that would have sent both Roberts and Erik Bedard to the Chicago Cubs.

Ken Rosenthal had a tid-bit about a Roberts deal yesterday afternoon, saying the Cubs and Orioles have had talks, though infrequently, over the last month but that the Orioles are asking for Felix Pie who the Cubs will not entertain moving.

Yankees Showing Interest in Kevin Mench.

The Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that the New York Yankees have interest in signing Kevin Mench to a minor league contract. Mench has spent the past season and a half in Milwaukee after getting traded by the Texas Rangers as part of the package for Carlos Lee.

Mench would serve as the 5th outfielder for the Yankees and give them a right-handed bat with pop in an outfield filled with lefties Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Bobby Abreu and switch hitter Melky Cabrera.

If signed, Mench will give new manager Joe Girardi another bench option with the newly signed Morgan Ensberg and Jason Lane. Previous Manager Joe Torre was notorious for playing favorites and refusing to use bench players in certain situations. With Girardi at the helm Cashman is giving the new skipper more options and a more diverse bench to use throughout the season.

Interview with Ray Rotto

Ray Rotto covers the Giants for the San Francisco Chronicle, he stopped by to answer a few questions on the Giants and their upcoming season.


Baseball-Rumors: A lot of people seem to think that Aaron Rowand's numbers in 2007 were "ballpark created" and won't translate in a pitcher's park like AT&T Park. Do you buy into that at all?

Ray Rotto: That isn't knowable until he's played out the year. The Giants play in a park with huge gaps and only one really friendly corridor for power, and that's down the left field line.

Bonds skewed the way the park played in a number of ways, but I can't say whether Rowand will find a way to benefit or be punished by it.


Baseball-Rumors: There had been rumors floating around that the Giants had been considering a trade that would have sent Tim Lincecum to Toronto for Alex Rios. Was that deal ever close to getting done?

Ray Rotto: No, the Giants balked at the mention of Lincecum throughout, according to my sources.


Baseball-Rumors: The bullpen seemed to be a big problem for the Giants last season, is that something the Giants will address internally or could they possibly make a trade during Spring Training?

Ray Rotto: They have so little to trade, I think they'll have to troll the free agent pond and develop what they already have.


Baseball-Rumors: With Zito, Cain, Lowry and Lincecum occupying the first 4 spots in the rotation, who will be battling for the 5th spot?

Ray Rotto: Kevin Correia is the leader in the clubhouse at the moment, with Jonathan Sanchez and Pat Misch the best alternatives.


Baseball-Rumors: The negotiations with Pedro Feliz, it was rumored that the Giants had actually offered more money than the Phillies. What was the breaking point in the negotiations and who do you expect the 3rd baseman to be when 2008 opens?

Ray Rotto: I think Feliz just wanted to go, and the Giants made no real effort to stop him. He was a symbol, albeit a small one, of the old failed strategies, and bringing him back suggested a status quo nobody seemed very interested in perpetuating.

Phillies have high interest in Benson

The Philadelphia Phillies may have more interest in right-hander Kris Benson than they're saying.

According to the Philadelphia Enquirer, Benson has thrown twice in the last week for Phillies scout Chuck LaMar. Benson's agent, Greg Clifton said "Kris worked out for the Phillies, and initial reports are they were pleased. He'd love to continue discussions with them, and he'd love the chance to be part of that staff in '08. He really likes that team."

MLB Notes: Los Angeles Dodgers

Matt Kemp: Kemp is apparently very happy that the Dodgers did not trade him the past offseason. He said the rumored rift in the clubhouse that could lead to his departure was a result of "frustration" and "miscommunication."

When asked about the his thoughts about the possibility of him being traded this past offseason, he said "It's a little bit flattering, but I don't want to be on any team other than this one. This is the team that drafted me. This is the team that had faith in me to get here and this is where I want to be for the rest of my career."


Takashi Saito: The Dodgers' closer is close to signing a 1-year deal with the team and should be under contract by the time pitchers and catchers report next week.


Russell Martin: GM Ned Colletti claimed that the agent for catcher Russell Martin (Bob Garber) declined to discuss a multi-year extension with the Dodgers. When asked, Martin responded "It's not up to me and Bob, it's up to the team. If the team wants to offer something legitimate, it'd be idiotic not to look at it."


source: LA Times

Padres in talks with Tony Clark

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the San Diego Padres are in talks with former DBack Tony Clark.

Clark grew up in San Diego County and would be a great addition to the Padre clubhouse, not to mention that right-hander Chris Young wouldn't have to face Clark again. He's 4-9 against Young, all 4 hits were HR's.

David Cone to join YES Network

Former Yankee right-hander, and 4 time World Series Champion, David Cone will join the Yankees YES Network as an analyst in the final season at Yankee Stadium.

Not only will he be in the broadcast booth, but Cone will also host the "Yankees on Deck" series as well as participating in weekly chats on YESnetwork.com.

Nolan Ryan named Team President of Texas Rangers

According to a report in the AP, Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan has agreed to become the Texas Rangers' Team President.

An official announcement from the Rangers has yet to be made. Until that announcement is made, it's unclear at this point how much control Ryan is going to have in personell decisions, though Ryan told a local tv station in Houston that he would have control "over all of the Rangers baseball operations."

Brewers avoid arbitration with RHP Bush

The Milwaukee Brewers came to an agreement with right-hander Dave Bush on a 1-year $2.55M contract, avoiding arbitration.

The signing of Bush leaves just one more arbitration eligible player left, SS J.J. Hardy.

Looking Forward to 2008: Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies will report to camp as the defending National League Champions for the first time in their history. The more impressive thing you ask? They've made just 1 change defensively, that was at 2nd base, signing former San Diego Padre and Atlanta Brave Marcus Giles, but he's not a lock for the job, he'll have to contend with young prospect Jayson Nix.

The one thing that the Rockies won't do next season is sneak up on anyone. They were the surprise of baseball down the stretch in 2007, making a run that noone saw coming. To say they could possibly be just as good as last season isn't much of a stretch. Though, they will have to deal with a division that is, arguably, one of the best in the bigs.

The rotation still has a potent 1-2 punch with Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis along with Jason Hirsch and Ubaldo Jimenez who will round out the front four. The 5th spot will be an interesting battle between Kip Wells, Josh Towers, Mark Redman and possibly Franklin Morales, but don't count out young right-hander Taylor Buchholz as well. Not a bad problem to have if you ask me.

The bullpen was addressed as well, adding right handers Jose Capellan and Luis Vizcaino. With those two guys in the mix, the Rockies bullpen should be just as strong as 2007, especially having a guy like Manny Corpas in the 9th inning.

Arrivals:

RHP Jose Capellan (trade with Tigers)

RHP Jose Vizcaino (free agent from Yankees)

RHP Kip Wells (free agent from Cardinals)

Departures:

RHP Denny Bautista (traded to Tigers)

INF Jamey Carroll (traded to Indians for a player to be named)

RHP LaTroy Hawkins (signed with Yankees)

2B Kazuo Matsui (signed with Astros)

Offensively, the Rockies will be able to put up runs and keep themselves in a lot of games. Led by veteran and lifetime Rockie Todd Helton, MVP Matt Holliday, SS Troy Tulowitzki (fresh off signing a 6-year extension), and returning free agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba who was very close to joining the NY Mets back in December.

The Rockies have shown that you don't have to sign high priced free agents to be successful, you can build within and still be the National League Champions.

Prediction Time:

The Rockies are going to be in the hunt for the NL West title all year, no question about it. As long as Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis can pitch the way they did in 2007 and the offense keeps clicking, this is going to be a scary team to deal with.

Rockies - 93 - 69

Rockies ink Podsednik, Zambrano

The Colorado Rockies are close to finalizing their list of Spring Training invitees, their last 2 coming today as they signed both outfielder Scott Podsednik and pitcher Victor Zambrano to minor league deals.

Podsednik had 40 or more steals every year from 2003 - 2006, but injuries limited him to just 62 games in 2007, finishing with a .243 batting average and a .299 OBP. He will make $700,000 if he makes the club and $13,000 a month in Triple-A.

Zambrano came into 2007 just 2 seasons removed from Tommy John surgery, finishing 0-3 with a 10.17 ERA in 13 games including 4 starts, with the Blue Jays and Orioles. He also pitched in the minors with the Jays and Pirates as well.

Orioles have interest in Josh Fogg

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports, the Baltimore Orioles have interest in free agent right-hander Josh Fogg, especially since a void will be left if or when left-hander Erik Bedard is dealt to Seattle.

The other team that has interest in Fogg is the Minnesota Twins, especially since they dealt Johan Santana to the NY Mets.

Padres claim Nationals' Gonzalez off waivers

The San Diego Padres continue to add depth to their pitching staff with just 9 days until pitchers and catchers report to camp on February 14th.

The Padres claimed right-hander Enrique Gonzalez off waivers from the Washington Nationals. The Nationals had claimed Gonzalez off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks back in September. Gonzalez finished the 2007 season in Triple-A Tucson with an 8-10 record and a 5.14 ERA in 27 starts.

Jason Bay: "I'm not saying we're terrible"

According to a story in the Chicago Tribune, Jason Bay is less than thrilled at the lack of moves made by 1st year GM Neal Huntington, especially when the team finished the 2007 season with a 68-94 record.

When asked about it, Bay said "It's pretty obvious that this group of guys is not going to get it done. "Some people think if we get to .500, that would be great, and that would be a nice pat on the back. I'm not saying we're terrible, but it's going to take a lot of things going right to do some things."

Nothing says confidence like "I'm not saying we're terrible, but."

Jays avoid arbitration with OF Rios

The Toronto Blue Jays avoided salary arbitration by signing OF Alex Rios to a 1-year $4.835M contract on Tuesday.

Rios finished the 2007 season with career highs in HR's (24) and RBI's (85), finishing with a .297 batting average.

Pirates, Sanchez agree to 2-year deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates and infielder Freddy Sanchez came to an agreement on a 2-year $11M deal, on Tuesday, with an option for 2010 that could bring the deal up to $19M total.

Sanchez got off to a very slow start in 2007 due to a knee injury that kept him out almost the entire exhibition schedule. He finished the first month batting only .224, but finished the season strong, hitting .304 with 11 HR's and 81 RBI's.

Looking Forward to 2008: Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians are coming off a 2007 season that saw them tie the Boston Red Sox for the best record in the majors, knocking off the New York Yankees in the ALDS before losing to the eventual World Series Champion Red Sox in 7 games.

Will the 2008 season be much different? On paper, the Indians don't look that much different with the exception to the departures of outfielders Kenny Lofton and Trot Nixon as well as infielder Chris Gomez and the additions of Japanese pitcher Masahide Kobayashi and infielder Jamey Carroll.

Arrivals:
RHP Masahide Kobayashi
IF Jamey Carroll

Departures:
LF Kenny Lofton
RF Trot Nixon
IF Chris Gomez

With exception to that, not much has changed. The rotation still has ace and 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia, right-handers Fausto Carmona and Jake Westbrook as well as veteran Paul Byrd occupying the front 4 with Cliff Lee, Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey battling for the 5th spot in the rotation.

Offensively, not much has changed either. Victor Martinez, Casey Blake, Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner, Jhonny Peralta and Ryan Garko are all familiar names in the Indians' batting order. There's no question that this team has definite pop, but is also very good defensively, one of the reasons they had the kind of season they had in 2007.

The Indians will definetely face a big challenge in the AL Central from the Detroit Tigers who made some big moves in their roster, adding left-hander Dontrelle Willis and 3rd baseman Miguel Cabrera who they obtained in a trade with the Florida Marlins. It should make the race for the AL Central title an interesting one between these 2 teams.

Prediction Time:

The one thing I question is, will the Indians' pitching staff make the same impact that they made in 2007, enough to keep them in front of the Detroit Tigers. Answer, yes.

Indians - 94-64

Dodgers re-sign Seanez

The Los Angeles Dodgers have re-signed right-handed reliever Rudy Seanez to a 1-year $550,000 guaranteed as well as $750,000 in possible bonuses.

This deal surpasses the $1.2M he made in 2007, which turned out to be a good deal for the Dodgers. Seanez appeared in 73 games, going 6-3 with a 3.79 ERA.

Target date set for Bedard trade

2.4.08 8:37pm PST

According to Spencer Fordin of MLB.com, the target date for the completion of this deal is midweek. Apparently, Erik Bedard has not yet flown to Seattle to complete his physical but is expected to do so later this week.

2.4.08 12:04pm PST

ESPN.com is reporting Adam Jones, the 22 year old outfield prospect from Seattle is in Baltimore to take a physical.

Jones is the centerpeice of the Mariners offer to Baltimore for Erik Bedard. If he passes, it could bring an end to the soap-opera sorrounding the trade of the lefty ace to the Seattle Mariners for Jones, reliever George Sherrill and pitching prospects Chris Tillman, Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio.

If all goes well with the physical, a trade could be completed within the next 24 hours.

The return of Juan-Gone.

Juan Gonzalez signs minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. The two time American league MVP will earn a base salary of less than 1 million dollars should he earn a job on the big club.

According to Joe Strauss of STLtoday.com, All-Star Albert Pujols, Catcher Yadier Molina and others recommended that Gonzalez be given a look.
The 1996 and 1998 AL MVP has been out of the Majors since 2005 when he took 1 at-bat with the Cleveland Indians. Recently he had played with the Long Island Ducks of the Independent Atlantic League in 2006.

Links to steroids have also followed Gonzalez. Jose Canseco stated in his book, "Juiced" that he introduced Gonzalez to steroids when they were both teammates with the Texas Rangers. The recently released Mitchell report also mentioned a bag linked to Gonzalez contained steroids.

Will the Indians need to "get creative" to keep Sabathia?

With the recent contracts signed by Barry Zito (7-years, $126M) and Johan Santana (6-years, $137.5M), the Cleveland Indians may need to get creative to be able to keep 2007 AL Cy Young Award Winner C.C. Sabathia.

The Indians already have a 4-year extension on the table that could be worth, on average, between $17M - $18M a year but Sabathia's agents at Legacy Sports have sat on the offer since it was made in December.

Phillies interested in Perez?

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, 30-year-old righthander Odalis Perez worked out for the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday in the Dominican Republic.

However, Phillies' assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said their interest in only "lukewarm" and does not have a time table for their decision.

Tigers lock up Granderson long term

According to a story from the AP, the Detroit Tigers have signed outfielder Curtis Granderson to a 5-year $30.25M contract that includes a club option for 2013.

Granderson receives $1 million for 2008, $3.5 million in 2009, $5.5 million in 2010, $8.25 million in 2011 and $10 million in 2012. The team also holds a $13 million option for 2013 with a $2 million buyout.

Granderson had a career season in 2007 hitting .302 with 23 homers and 74 RBIs along with 38 doubles, 23 triples and 26 stolen bases. His 23 triples was the majors highest since Ty Cobb in 1917.

New Member of Baseball Rumors

Wanted to put a quick post out there and welcome a new addition to Baseball Rumors. Steve Erickson joins as a contributor and comes into this with a huge amount of baseball knowledge, so I know those who read the site will enjoy what he brings to the table.

Bedard trade nearing conclusion

ESPN.com is reporting Adam Jones, the 22 year old outfield prospect from Seattle is in Baltimore to take a physical.

Jones is the centerpeice of the Mariners offer to Baltimore for Erik Bedard. If he passes, it could bring an end to the soap-opera sorrounding the trade of the lefty ace to the Seattle Mariners for Jones, reliever George Sherrill and pitching prospects Chris Tillman, Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio.

If all goes well with the physical, a trade could be completed within the next 24 hours.

Looking Forward to 2008: Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds come into 2008 wanting to end their streak of 7 straight losing seasons after finishing at 72-90 in 2007.

General Manager Wayne Krivsky wanted to make some changes during the offseason, the first of which was doing something the Reds' organization usually doesn't do....hire a manager who didn't come from within the organization. The man they hired came as a surprise to some, but a guy who may be able to instill change in this young team...that man was Dusty Baker.

Baker has a reputation of helping teams go from worst in the division to division contender in his first year. When he was hired as the Giants' manager in 1993, the team was coming off a 72-90 season, the following year, the Giants won 103 games. In 2002, the Chicago Cubs won just 67 games, Baker was hired in 2003 and led the Cubs to an 88 win season and the NL Central crown.

One thing the Reds needed to do was bulster their bullpen, their relievers posted a 23-31 record in 2007 with a league-high 5.13 ERA while converting 34 of 61 saves. So, they went out and signed former Ranger and Brewers closer Francisco Cordero to a 4-year $46M contract with a $12M option for a 5th year.

The Reds also needed to address their starting rotation. Their only consistant starter, again, was right-hander Aaron Harang who won 16 games. Bronson Arroyo surpassed 200 innings pitched, but didn't have near the year he had in 2006. The Reds traded young outfielder, and fan favorite, Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers in exchange for highly touted pitcher Edison Volquez. Along with Harang, Arroyo and Volquez in the rotation, Matt Belisle and Homer Bailey may also have a good shot at a starting spot.

The Reds were rumored to be looking into a deal for Orioles' left-hander Erik Bedard but the Reds were unwilling to part with their top prospect Jay Bruce.

Total list of arrivals and departures:

Arrivals:

RHP Cordero

RHP Volquez

RHP Sergio Valenzuela (Rule 5 pick)

manager Baker

Departures:

OF Josh Hamilton

RHP Kirk Saarloos

OF Jason Ellison

OF Buck Coats

LHP Eddie Guardado

LHP Eric Milton

1B Jorge Cantu

Offensively, this team won't look much different from last season. Ken Griffey Jr, Ryan Freel and Adam Dunn will probably make up the Reds' outfield while David Ross, Edwin Encarnacion, Brandon Phillips (if the team can come to a contract agreement) and Alex Gonzalez will return to the infield.

Prediction Time:

Though Dusty Baker has a reputation of leading teams to better years than before he arrived, I just don't see that reputation holding up this season. I just don't think the Reds have the pitching or the offense to overtake the Chicago Cubs in the division.

Reds - 76-86

Padres nearing deal with Greene

The San Diego Padres are getting close to a 2-year $11M deal with SS Khalil Greene according to the AP.

If the 2 sides agree to the deal, it would keep them from going to an arbitration hearing.