Lieber lands with Cubs

Carrie Muskat reports that Jon Lieber has returned to the Cubs rotation, signing a 1-year $3.5M deal that also includes incentives based on games started and innings pitched.

Lieber last pitched for the Cubs from 1999-2002 and was the last Cubs pitcher to win 20 games.

Mets interested in Lieber?

According to New York Daily News, the Mets have apparently shown interest in veteran free agent right-hander Jon Lieber.

Lieber's agent, Rex Gary, confirmed that the Mets have contacted him about the right-hander but added "As we sit here today it'd be wrong to suggest something is imminent. There has been a lot of interest in him from other teams. ... But he has absolutely no problem with the idea of pitching in New York. He liked pitching in New York with the Yankees and he likes to win."

Rowand returning to Phillies?

With Aaron Rowand asking for a 5-year deal, there aren't a lot of teams that are willing to give that many years to a 30-year old.

The Phillies could be willing to overpay for a 3-year deal for the free agent center fielder. The other teams interested are the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, but both teams have said they are unwilling to go more than 3 years.

In the same article, Paul Hagen says the Phillies have no interest in bringing back Jon Lieber, but they are having discussions with Kyle Lohse who's asking for 5-years $50M.