Blue Jays claim pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers

Also add pitcher Preston Guilmet from Pirates

The Canadian Press Posted: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed left-handed pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers from the Texas Rangers and right-hander Preston Guilmet off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Barnes was 0-1 with a 5.20 earned-run average and a save over 22 appearances with the Rangers last season.

Guilmet was 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA over 10 games with the Pirates.

The Blue Jays now have 40 players on their 40-man roster.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

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Padres strike again, get Justin Upton from Braves: reports

The San Diego Padres have agreed to acquire slugger Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports.

The Padres also reportedly agreed to obtain third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Hanigan was obtained earlier from Tampa Bay in an 11-player, three-team deal that also brought outfielder Wil Myers, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, to San Diego.

The Associated Press reported that the Braves will receive a group of prospects. Among the players discussed were left-hander Max Fried, shortstop Jace Peterson and third baseman Dustin Peterson.

The Padres already made two huge trades in recent days, acquiring slugger Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers and former AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

San Diego has landed another of baseball's top power hitters in Upton, who is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $14.5 million. He had 29 homers and 102 RBIs last season.

The Braves have been rebuilding their roster after failing to make the playoffs last season, with an eye toward the opening of their new suburban stadium in 2017. The Padres are looking for an immediate payoff, having taken huge steps to pump up the major leagues' worst offense.

The trade for Upton came less than 24 hours after the Padres finalized a five-player trade with the Dodgers. The biggest name in the deal was Kemp, a two-time All-Star whose 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.

San Diego also was finalizing an 11-player, three-team trade that will bring Myers from the Rays. He would likely play center field, flanked by Upton and Kemp, to suddenly give the Padres one of the most dynamic outfielders in the major leagues.

In addition, they still have their three outfielders who got the bulk of the playing time in 2014: Cameron Maybin, Seth Smith and Will Venable. The best option for a deal would appear to be Smith, who hit .266 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs.

The trade of Upton had been expected since the Braves signed outfielder Nick Markakis to a $44 million, four-year deal. Atlanta had already dealt outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals, the team clearly entering a rebuilding stage. Evan Gattis is expected to move from catcher to left field to replace Upton, though Gattis has also been mentioned in trade talks.

Both Upton and Heyward were heading into the final year of their contracts.

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Padres strike again, get Justin Upton from Braves: reports

The San Diego Padres have agreed to acquire slugger Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports.

The Padres also reportedly agreed to obtain third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Hanigan was obtained earlier from Tampa Bay in an 11-player, three-team deal that also brought outfielder Wil Myers, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, to San Diego.

The Associated Press reported that the Braves will receive a group of prospects. Among the players discussed were left-hander Max Fried, shortstop Jace Peterson and third baseman Dustin Peterson.

The Padres already made two huge trades in recent days, acquiring slugger Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers and former AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

San Diego has landed another of baseball's top power hitters in Upton, who is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $14.5 million. He had 29 homers and 102 RBIs last season.

The Braves have been rebuilding their roster after failing to make the playoffs last season, with an eye toward the opening of their new suburban stadium in 2017. The Padres are looking for an immediate payoff, having taken huge steps to pump up the major leagues' worst offense.

The trade for Upton came less than 24 hours after the Padres finalized a five-player trade with the Dodgers. The biggest name in the deal was Kemp, a two-time All-Star whose 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.

San Diego also was finalizing an 11-player, three-team trade that will bring Myers from the Rays. He would likely play center field, flanked by Upton and Kemp, to suddenly give the Padres one of the most dynamic outfielders in the major leagues.

In addition, they still have their three outfielders who got the bulk of the playing time in 2014: Cameron Maybin, Seth Smith and Will Venable. The best option for a deal would appear to be Smith, who hit .266 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs.

The trade of Upton had been expected since the Braves signed outfielder Nick Markakis to a $44 million, four-year deal. Atlanta had already dealt outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals, the team clearly entering a rebuilding stage. Evan Gattis is expected to move from catcher to left field to replace Upton, though Gattis has also been mentioned in trade talks.

Both Upton and Heyward were heading into the final year of their contracts.

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Blue Jays claim pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers

Also add pitcher Preston Guilmet from Pirates

The Canadian Press Posted: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed left-handed pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers from the Texas Rangers and right-hander Preston Guilmet off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Barnes was 0-1 with a 5.20 earned-run average and a save over 22 appearances with the Rangers last season.

Guilmet was 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA over 10 games with the Pirates.

The Blue Jays now have 40 players on their 40-man roster.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Padres strike again, get Justin Upton from Braves: reports

The San Diego Padres have agreed to acquire slugger Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports.

The Padres also reportedly agreed to obtain third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Hanigan was obtained earlier from Tampa Bay in an 11-player, three-team deal that also brought outfielder Wil Myers, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, to San Diego.

The Associated Press reported that the Braves will receive a group of prospects. Among the players discussed were left-hander Max Fried, shortstop Jace Peterson and third baseman Dustin Peterson.

The Padres already made two huge trades in recent days, acquiring slugger Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers and former AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

San Diego has landed another of baseball's top power hitters in Upton, who is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $14.5 million. He had 29 homers and 102 RBIs last season.

The Braves have been rebuilding their roster after failing to make the playoffs last season, with an eye toward the opening of their new suburban stadium in 2017. The Padres are looking for an immediate payoff, having taken huge steps to pump up the major leagues' worst offense.

The trade for Upton came less than 24 hours after the Padres finalized a five-player trade with the Dodgers. The biggest name in the deal was Kemp, a two-time All-Star whose 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.

San Diego also was finalizing an 11-player, three-team trade that will bring Myers from the Rays. He would likely play center field, flanked by Upton and Kemp, to suddenly give the Padres one of the most dynamic outfielders in the major leagues.

In addition, they still have their three outfielders who got the bulk of the playing time in 2014: Cameron Maybin, Seth Smith and Will Venable. The best option for a deal would appear to be Smith, who hit .266 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs.

The trade of Upton had been expected since the Braves signed outfielder Nick Markakis to a $44 million, four-year deal. Atlanta had already dealt outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals, the team clearly entering a rebuilding stage. Evan Gattis is expected to move from catcher to left field to replace Upton, though Gattis has also been mentioned in trade talks.

Both Upton and Heyward were heading into the final year of their contracts.

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Blue Jays claim pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers

Also add pitcher Preston Guilmet from Pirates

The Canadian Press Posted: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed left-handed pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers from the Texas Rangers and right-hander Preston Guilmet off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Barnes was 0-1 with a 5.20 earned-run average and a save over 22 appearances with the Rangers last season.

Guilmet was 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA over 10 games with the Pirates.

The Blue Jays now have 40 players on their 40-man roster.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Padres strike again, get Justin Upton from Braves: reports

The San Diego Padres have agreed to acquire slugger Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports.

The Padres also reportedly agreed to obtain third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Hanigan was obtained earlier from Tampa Bay in an 11-player, three-team deal that also brought outfielder Wil Myers, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, to San Diego.

The Associated Press reported that the Braves will receive a group of prospects. Among the players discussed were left-hander Max Fried, shortstop Jace Peterson and third baseman Dustin Peterson.

The Padres already made two huge trades in recent days, acquiring slugger Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers and former AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

San Diego has landed another of baseball's top power hitters in Upton, who is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $14.5 million. He had 29 homers and 102 RBIs last season.

The Braves have been rebuilding their roster after failing to make the playoffs last season, with an eye toward the opening of their new suburban stadium in 2017. The Padres are looking for an immediate payoff, having taken huge steps to pump up the major leagues' worst offense.

The trade for Upton came less than 24 hours after the Padres finalized a five-player trade with the Dodgers. The biggest name in the deal was Kemp, a two-time All-Star whose 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.

San Diego also was finalizing an 11-player, three-team trade that will bring Myers from the Rays. He would likely play center field, flanked by Upton and Kemp, to suddenly give the Padres one of the most dynamic outfielders in the major leagues.

In addition, they still have their three outfielders who got the bulk of the playing time in 2014: Cameron Maybin, Seth Smith and Will Venable. The best option for a deal would appear to be Smith, who hit .266 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs.

The trade of Upton had been expected since the Braves signed outfielder Nick Markakis to a $44 million, four-year deal. Atlanta had already dealt outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals, the team clearly entering a rebuilding stage. Evan Gattis is expected to move from catcher to left field to replace Upton, though Gattis has also been mentioned in trade talks.

Both Upton and Heyward were heading into the final year of their contracts.

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Blue Jays claim pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers

Also add pitcher Preston Guilmet from Pirates

The Canadian Press Posted: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed left-handed pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers from the Texas Rangers and right-hander Preston Guilmet off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Barnes was 0-1 with a 5.20 earned-run average and a save over 22 appearances with the Rangers last season.

Guilmet was 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA over 10 games with the Pirates.

The Blue Jays now have 40 players on their 40-man roster.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Padres strike again, get Justin Upton from Braves: reports

The San Diego Padres have agreed to acquire slugger Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports.

The Padres also reportedly agreed to obtain third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Hanigan was obtained earlier from Tampa Bay in an 11-player, three-team deal that also brought outfielder Wil Myers, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, to San Diego.

The Associated Press reported that the Braves will receive a group of prospects. Among the players discussed were left-hander Max Fried, shortstop Jace Peterson and third baseman Dustin Peterson.

The Padres already made two huge trades in recent days, acquiring slugger Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers and former AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

San Diego has landed another of baseball's top power hitters in Upton, who is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $14.5 million. He had 29 homers and 102 RBIs last season.

The Braves have been rebuilding their roster after failing to make the playoffs last season, with an eye toward the opening of their new suburban stadium in 2017. The Padres are looking for an immediate payoff, having taken huge steps to pump up the major leagues' worst offense.

The trade for Upton came less than 24 hours after the Padres finalized a five-player trade with the Dodgers. The biggest name in the deal was Kemp, a two-time All-Star whose 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.

San Diego also was finalizing an 11-player, three-team trade that will bring Myers from the Rays. He would likely play center field, flanked by Upton and Kemp, to suddenly give the Padres one of the most dynamic outfielders in the major leagues.

In addition, they still have their three outfielders who got the bulk of the playing time in 2014: Cameron Maybin, Seth Smith and Will Venable. The best option for a deal would appear to be Smith, who hit .266 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs.

The trade of Upton had been expected since the Braves signed outfielder Nick Markakis to a $44 million, four-year deal. Atlanta had already dealt outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals, the team clearly entering a rebuilding stage. Evan Gattis is expected to move from catcher to left field to replace Upton, though Gattis has also been mentioned in trade talks.

Both Upton and Heyward were heading into the final year of their contracts.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays claim pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers

Also add pitcher Preston Guilmet from Pirates

The Canadian Press Posted: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed left-handed pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers from the Texas Rangers and right-hander Preston Guilmet off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Barnes was 0-1 with a 5.20 earned-run average and a save over 22 appearances with the Rangers last season.

Guilmet was 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA over 10 games with the Pirates.

The Blue Jays now have 40 players on their 40-man roster.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Padres strike again, get Justin Upton from Braves: reports

The San Diego Padres have agreed to acquire slugger Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports.

The Padres also reportedly agreed to obtain third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Hanigan was obtained earlier from Tampa Bay in an 11-player, three-team deal that also brought outfielder Wil Myers, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, to San Diego.

The Associated Press reported that the Braves will receive a group of prospects. Among the players discussed were left-hander Max Fried, shortstop Jace Peterson and third baseman Dustin Peterson.

The Padres already made two huge trades in recent days, acquiring slugger Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers and former AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

San Diego has landed another of baseball's top power hitters in Upton, who is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $14.5 million. He had 29 homers and 102 RBIs last season.

The Braves have been rebuilding their roster after failing to make the playoffs last season, with an eye toward the opening of their new suburban stadium in 2017. The Padres are looking for an immediate payoff, having taken huge steps to pump up the major leagues' worst offense.

The trade for Upton came less than 24 hours after the Padres finalized a five-player trade with the Dodgers. The biggest name in the deal was Kemp, a two-time All-Star whose 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.

San Diego also was finalizing an 11-player, three-team trade that will bring Myers from the Rays. He would likely play center field, flanked by Upton and Kemp, to suddenly give the Padres one of the most dynamic outfielders in the major leagues.

In addition, they still have their three outfielders who got the bulk of the playing time in 2014: Cameron Maybin, Seth Smith and Will Venable. The best option for a deal would appear to be Smith, who hit .266 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs.

The trade of Upton had been expected since the Braves signed outfielder Nick Markakis to a $44 million, four-year deal. Atlanta had already dealt outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals, the team clearly entering a rebuilding stage. Evan Gattis is expected to move from catcher to left field to replace Upton, though Gattis has also been mentioned in trade talks.

Both Upton and Heyward were heading into the final year of their contracts.

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Blue Jays claim pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers

Also add pitcher Preston Guilmet from Pirates

The Canadian Press Posted: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 23, 2014 6:28 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed left-handed pitcher Scott Barnes off waivers from the Texas Rangers and right-hander Preston Guilmet off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Barnes was 0-1 with a 5.20 earned-run average and a save over 22 appearances with the Rangers last season.

Guilmet was 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA over 10 games with the Pirates.

The Blue Jays now have 40 players on their 40-man roster.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Padres strike again, get Justin Upton from Braves: reports

The San Diego Padres have agreed to acquire slugger Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports.

The Padres also reportedly agreed to obtain third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Hanigan was obtained earlier from Tampa Bay in an 11-player, three-team deal that also brought outfielder Wil Myers, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, to San Diego.

The Associated Press reported that the Braves will receive a group of prospects. Among the players discussed were left-hander Max Fried, shortstop Jace Peterson and third baseman Dustin Peterson.

The Padres already made two huge trades in recent days, acquiring slugger Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers and former AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

San Diego has landed another of baseball's top power hitters in Upton, who is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $14.5 million. He had 29 homers and 102 RBIs last season.

The Braves have been rebuilding their roster after failing to make the playoffs last season, with an eye toward the opening of their new suburban stadium in 2017. The Padres are looking for an immediate payoff, having taken huge steps to pump up the major leagues' worst offense.

The trade for Upton came less than 24 hours after the Padres finalized a five-player trade with the Dodgers. The biggest name in the deal was Kemp, a two-time All-Star whose 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.

San Diego also was finalizing an 11-player, three-team trade that will bring Myers from the Rays. He would likely play center field, flanked by Upton and Kemp, to suddenly give the Padres one of the most dynamic outfielders in the major leagues.

In addition, they still have their three outfielders who got the bulk of the playing time in 2014: Cameron Maybin, Seth Smith and Will Venable. The best option for a deal would appear to be Smith, who hit .266 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs.

The trade of Upton had been expected since the Braves signed outfielder Nick Markakis to a $44 million, four-year deal. Atlanta had already dealt outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals, the team clearly entering a rebuilding stage. Evan Gattis is expected to move from catcher to left field to replace Upton, though Gattis has also been mentioned in trade talks.

Both Upton and Heyward were heading into the final year of their contracts.

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Wil Myers traded to Padres as part of 11-player deal

The Rays, Padres and Nationals finalized an 11-player trade Friday that sent 2013 AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from Tampa Bay to San Diego and outfielder Steven Souza Jr. from Washington to the Rays.

The deal was announced two days after the Rays agreed to part with Myers in a move that president of baseball operations Matt Silverman said will make Tampa Bay "more competitive for 2015 and beyond."

Tampa Bay acquired five players. Catcher Rene Rivera, pitcher Burch Smith and minor league first baseman Jake Bauers come over from the Padres, and Souza and minor league pitcher Travis Ott from the Nationals.

Myers, catcher Ryan Hanigan and minor league pitchers Jose Castillo and Gerardo Reyes were dealt to San Diego. Washington received minor league pitcher Joe Ross and a player to be named from the Padres. Hanigan was then shipped to Boston for Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks.

"Trading Wil Myers was not an easy decision, but we are very excited about the talent coming back our way, and this deal has potential to improve our team on both sides of the ball," Silverman said.

Myers, then Kansas City's top prospect, was acquired by Tampa Bay in a trade that sent pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to the Royals two years ago. He hit .293 with 13 homers and 53 RBIs in 88 games on the way to being selecting AL Rookie of the Year, then struggled in 2014 when a broken right wrist limited him to playing 87 games and batting .222 with six homers and 35 RBIs.

Silverman said during last week's winter meetings that he expected Myers to rebound with a big season. On Friday, he rejected the notion the Rays appeared to have given up on the 24-year-old slugger.

Myers talent allowed Rays to make team better

"This isn't about giving up on Wil Myers. This is about a trade to make this team better," the executive said, adding that Myers' vast talent enabled the Rays to make a deal that can help the team both offensively and defensively.

To clear room on the 40-man roster for Rivera, Smith and Souza, the Rays designated right-hander Brandon Gomes for assignment.

Souza spent most of last season at Triple-A Syracuse, where he hit .350 with 18 homers, 75 RBI's and 26 stolen bases.

The 25-year-old was a September call-up for the Nationals, best known for a sprinting, diving catch in left field for the final out of Jordan Zimmermann's no-hitter in the NL East champs' regular-season finale.

Souza to be a mainstay

Souza did not make the team's post-season roster, however, he was expected to compete for a spot on the bench behind starters Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth and Denard Span next season.

Silverman said the Rays have not decided where they'll play Souza, who has experience at all three outfield positions and third base.

"He's an outfielder with tremendous talent," Silverman said. "We expect him to be a mainstay in our lineup for years to come."

Rivera, 31, batted .252 with 11 homers and 44 RBI's while making a career-high 85 starts at catcher for the Padres in 2014.

Smith is a 24-year-old right-hander who was 15-11 with a 3.71 ERA in 48 appearances over parts of four minor league seasons. He spent 2014 with Triple-A El Paso, where he made two April starts before missing the remainder of the years with a forearm injury.

Bauers, a 19-year-old prospect, hit .296 with eight homers and 64 RBI's in his first full pro season with Class-A Fort Wayne.

Ott, also 19, split time between Class-A Auburn and Hagerstown last season, going 1-4 with a 3.993 ERA over 13 starts.

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Padres strike again, get Justin Upton from Braves: reports

The San Diego Padres have agreed to acquire slugger Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports.

The Padres also reportedly agreed to obtain third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Hanigan was obtained earlier from Tampa Bay in an 11-player, three-team deal that also brought outfielder Wil Myers, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, to San Diego.

The Associated Press reported that the Braves will receive a group of prospects. Among the players discussed were left-hander Max Fried, shortstop Jace Peterson and third baseman Dustin Peterson.

The Padres already made two huge trades in recent days, acquiring slugger Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers and former AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

San Diego has landed another of baseball's top power hitters in Upton, who is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $14.5 million. He had 29 homers and 102 RBIs last season.

The Braves have been rebuilding their roster after failing to make the playoffs last season, with an eye toward the opening of their new suburban stadium in 2017. The Padres are looking for an immediate payoff, having taken huge steps to pump up the major leagues' worst offense.

The trade for Upton came less than 24 hours after the Padres finalized a five-player trade with the Dodgers. The biggest name in the deal was Kemp, a two-time All-Star whose 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.

San Diego also was finalizing an 11-player, three-team trade that will bring Myers from the Rays. He would likely play center field, flanked by Upton and Kemp, to suddenly give the Padres one of the most dynamic outfielders in the major leagues.

In addition, they still have their three outfielders who got the bulk of the playing time in 2014: Cameron Maybin, Seth Smith and Will Venable. The best option for a deal would appear to be Smith, who hit .266 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs.

The trade of Upton had been expected since the Braves signed outfielder Nick Markakis to a $44 million, four-year deal. Atlanta had already dealt outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals, the team clearly entering a rebuilding stage. Evan Gattis is expected to move from catcher to left field to replace Upton, though Gattis has also been mentioned in trade talks.

Both Upton and Heyward were heading into the final year of their contracts.

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Wil Myers traded to Padres as part of 11-player deal

The Rays, Padres and Nationals finalized an 11-player trade Friday that sent 2013 AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from Tampa Bay to San Diego and outfielder Steven Souza Jr. from Washington to the Rays.

The deal was announced two days after the Rays agreed to part with Myers in a move that president of baseball operations Matt Silverman said will make Tampa Bay "more competitive for 2015 and beyond."

Tampa Bay acquired five players. Catcher Rene Rivera, pitcher Burch Smith and minor league first baseman Jake Bauers come over from the Padres, and Souza and minor league pitcher Travis Ott from the Nationals.

Myers, catcher Ryan Hanigan and minor league pitchers Jose Castillo and Gerardo Reyes were dealt to San Diego. Washington received minor league pitcher Joe Ross and a player to be named from the Padres. Hanigan was then shipped to Boston for Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks.

"Trading Wil Myers was not an easy decision, but we are very excited about the talent coming back our way, and this deal has potential to improve our team on both sides of the ball," Silverman said.

Myers, then Kansas City's top prospect, was acquired by Tampa Bay in a trade that sent pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to the Royals two years ago. He hit .293 with 13 homers and 53 RBIs in 88 games on the way to being selecting AL Rookie of the Year, then struggled in 2014 when a broken right wrist limited him to playing 87 games and batting .222 with six homers and 35 RBIs.

Silverman said during last week's winter meetings that he expected Myers to rebound with a big season. On Friday, he rejected the notion the Rays appeared to have given up on the 24-year-old slugger.

Myers talent allowed Rays to make team better

"This isn't about giving up on Wil Myers. This is about a trade to make this team better," the executive said, adding that Myers' vast talent enabled the Rays to make a deal that can help the team both offensively and defensively.

To clear room on the 40-man roster for Rivera, Smith and Souza, the Rays designated right-hander Brandon Gomes for assignment.

Souza spent most of last season at Triple-A Syracuse, where he hit .350 with 18 homers, 75 RBI's and 26 stolen bases.

The 25-year-old was a September call-up for the Nationals, best known for a sprinting, diving catch in left field for the final out of Jordan Zimmermann's no-hitter in the NL East champs' regular-season finale.

Souza to be a mainstay

Souza did not make the team's post-season roster, however, he was expected to compete for a spot on the bench behind starters Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth and Denard Span next season.

Silverman said the Rays have not decided where they'll play Souza, who has experience at all three outfield positions and third base.

"He's an outfielder with tremendous talent," Silverman said. "We expect him to be a mainstay in our lineup for years to come."

Rivera, 31, batted .252 with 11 homers and 44 RBI's while making a career-high 85 starts at catcher for the Padres in 2014.

Smith is a 24-year-old right-hander who was 15-11 with a 3.71 ERA in 48 appearances over parts of four minor league seasons. He spent 2014 with Triple-A El Paso, where he made two April starts before missing the remainder of the years with a forearm injury.

Bauers, a 19-year-old prospect, hit .296 with eight homers and 64 RBI's in his first full pro season with Class-A Fort Wayne.

Ott, also 19, split time between Class-A Auburn and Hagerstown last season, going 1-4 with a 3.993 ERA over 13 starts.

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Wil Myers traded to Padres as part of 11-player deal

The Rays, Padres and Nationals finalized an 11-player trade Friday that sent 2013 AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from Tampa Bay to San Diego and outfielder Steven Souza Jr. from Washington to the Rays.

The deal was announced two days after the Rays agreed to part with Myers in a move that president of baseball operations Matt Silverman said will make Tampa Bay "more competitive for 2015 and beyond."

Tampa Bay acquired five players. Catcher Rene Rivera, pitcher Burch Smith and minor league first baseman Jake Bauers come over from the Padres, and Souza and minor league pitcher Travis Ott from the Nationals.

Myers, catcher Ryan Hanigan and minor league pitchers Jose Castillo and Gerardo Reyes were dealt to San Diego. Washington received minor league pitcher Joe Ross and a player to be named from the Padres. Hanigan was then shipped to Boston for Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks.

"Trading Wil Myers was not an easy decision, but we are very excited about the talent coming back our way, and this deal has potential to improve our team on both sides of the ball," Silverman said.

Myers, then Kansas City's top prospect, was acquired by Tampa Bay in a trade that sent pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to the Royals two years ago. He hit .293 with 13 homers and 53 RBIs in 88 games on the way to being selecting AL Rookie of the Year, then struggled in 2014 when a broken right wrist limited him to playing 87 games and batting .222 with six homers and 35 RBIs.

Silverman said during last week's winter meetings that he expected Myers to rebound with a big season. On Friday, he rejected the notion the Rays appeared to have given up on the 24-year-old slugger.

Myers talent allowed Rays to make team better

"This isn't about giving up on Wil Myers. This is about a trade to make this team better," the executive said, adding that Myers' vast talent enabled the Rays to make a deal that can help the team both offensively and defensively.

To clear room on the 40-man roster for Rivera, Smith and Souza, the Rays designated right-hander Brandon Gomes for assignment.

Souza spent most of last season at Triple-A Syracuse, where he hit .350 with 18 homers, 75 RBI's and 26 stolen bases.

The 25-year-old was a September call-up for the Nationals, best known for a sprinting, diving catch in left field for the final out of Jordan Zimmermann's no-hitter in the NL East champs' regular-season finale.

Souza to be a mainstay

Souza did not make the team's post-season roster, however, he was expected to compete for a spot on the bench behind starters Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth and Denard Span next season.

Silverman said the Rays have not decided where they'll play Souza, who has experience at all three outfield positions and third base.

"He's an outfielder with tremendous talent," Silverman said. "We expect him to be a mainstay in our lineup for years to come."

Rivera, 31, batted .252 with 11 homers and 44 RBI's while making a career-high 85 starts at catcher for the Padres in 2014.

Smith is a 24-year-old right-hander who was 15-11 with a 3.71 ERA in 48 appearances over parts of four minor league seasons. He spent 2014 with Triple-A El Paso, where he made two April starts before missing the remainder of the years with a forearm injury.

Bauers, a 19-year-old prospect, hit .296 with eight homers and 64 RBI's in his first full pro season with Class-A Fort Wayne.

Ott, also 19, split time between Class-A Auburn and Hagerstown last season, going 1-4 with a 3.993 ERA over 13 starts.

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Padres strike again, get Justin Upton from Braves: reports

The San Diego Padres have agreed to acquire slugger Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports.

The Padres also reportedly agreed to obtain third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Hanigan was obtained earlier from Tampa Bay in an 11-player, three-team deal that also brought outfielder Wil Myers, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, to San Diego.

The Associated Press reported that the Braves will receive a group of prospects. Among the players discussed were left-hander Max Fried, shortstop Jace Peterson and third baseman Dustin Peterson.

The Padres already made two huge trades in recent days, acquiring slugger Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers and former AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

San Diego has landed another of baseball's top power hitters in Upton, who is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $14.5 million. He had 29 homers and 102 RBIs last season.

The Braves have been rebuilding their roster after failing to make the playoffs last season, with an eye toward the opening of their new suburban stadium in 2017. The Padres are looking for an immediate payoff, having taken huge steps to pump up the major leagues' worst offense.

The trade for Upton came less than 24 hours after the Padres finalized a five-player trade with the Dodgers. The biggest name in the deal was Kemp, a two-time All-Star whose 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.

San Diego also was finalizing an 11-player, three-team trade that will bring Myers from the Rays. He would likely play center field, flanked by Upton and Kemp, to suddenly give the Padres one of the most dynamic outfielders in the major leagues.

In addition, they still have their three outfielders who got the bulk of the playing time in 2014: Cameron Maybin, Seth Smith and Will Venable. The best option for a deal would appear to be Smith, who hit .266 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs.

The trade of Upton had been expected since the Braves signed outfielder Nick Markakis to a $44 million, four-year deal. Atlanta had already dealt outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals, the team clearly entering a rebuilding stage. Evan Gattis is expected to move from catcher to left field to replace Upton, though Gattis has also been mentioned in trade talks.

Both Upton and Heyward were heading into the final year of their contracts.

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Cuba, U.S. diplomacy could impact Major League Baseball

Fred Claire can see the day when Major League Baseball teams open academies for prospects in Cuba.

"It's absolutely a natural, just as the Dominican was and Venezuela. You go to where the talent is," the former Los Angeles Dodgers general manager said Wednesday. "The high talent level for Cuban players is still there."

That talent has faced obstacles getting to the U.S. since 1961, when the United States terminated diplomatic relations with Cuba. President Barack Obama said Wednesday that the two nations were re-establishing relations.

The path to the major leagues for Cuban players has often involved smugglers who bring them out of the island nation for a price. It's hard to foresee exactly how that will change in the short-term, or whether MLB teams will be allowed to invest resources in the communist country.

"While there are not sufficient details to make a realistic evaluation, we will continue to track this significant issue, and we will keep our clubs informed if this different direction may impact the manner in which they conduct business on issues related to Cuba," MLB said in a statement.

Twenty-five Cuban-born players appeared in the major leagues this year, a group that includes outfielders Yasiel Puig and Yoenis Cespedes, and hard-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman. There have been 59 since 1995, according to STATS.

Many have received large contracts, topped by a $72.5 million US, seven-year agreement in August between outfielder Rusney Castillo and the Boston Red Sox. Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu was voted AL Rookie of the Year this season after agreeing to a $68 million, six-year deal with the Chicago White Sox. Yasmany Tomas, an outfielder who may be shifted to third base, signed $68.5 million, six-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks this month.

Because of the American trade embargo, a player who defects from Cuba has to obtain a license from the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control to "unblock" him before he can sign with a major league organization. It would take congressional action to lift the embargo.

"We remain hopeful that today's announcement will lead to further positive developments," the Major League Baseball Players Association said in a statement.

The Cuban government has approved a policy allowing athletes to sign in foreign leagues and pay tax on their earnings, but the U.S. embargo prevents American teams from employing Cuban residents. Well regarded outfielder Alfredo Despaigne agreed this year to a contract with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan's Pacific League.

Defecting players have established residency outside the U.S. in order to become free agents and not be subject to MLB's amateur draft. But free-agent riches could come to an end in 2017, when MLB teams hope to start an international draft.

Under MLB's collective bargaining agreement with the players' association that runs until December 2016, Cubans and others who reside outside the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico are included in each MLB team's international signing pool unless they are 23 or older and have played as a professional in a professional league for at least five seasons.

Teams are penalized for exceeding their signing bonus pools. The New York Yankees, Boston and Tampa Bay have forfeited their rights to give any international player a bonus over $300,000 in the next two signing years, which start each July 2.

MLB and the union instituted similar signing pools in 2012 for players covered by the amateur draft each June. But Cuban defectors remain exempt from those limits for now.

"Frankly, American players, many of them have a lesser standard than what's offered international players," said agent Scott Boras, who has criticized restraints on contracts for players in American high schools and colleges. "We've really got to review what we're doing with our draft and our international players to really say what we do with the Cubans. Maybe it will prompt a broader discussion to revamp the entirety of the system."

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Padres, Dodgers finalize trade of Matt Kemp to San Diego

Slugger Matt Kemp has joined the Padres after San Diego and the Los Angeles Dodgers finalized a five-player trade Thursday night.

The teams agreed to the trade last week during the winter meetings in San Diego. It was the first of three big deals by new Padres general manager A.J. Preller, who also has added outfielder Wil Myers, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, from Tampa Bay and All-Star catcher Derek Norris from Oakland.

The Padres, desperate to pump up the worst offence in the majors, also get $32 million from the Dodgers to help offset the $107 million remaining on Kemp's contract. The Padres' obligation of $75 million to Kemp over five years becomes the biggest deal in club history.

Kemp twice made the All-Star team during his time in L.A., as well as winning two Gold Glove and two Silver Slugger awards. His 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.

San Diego also gets catcher Tim Federowicz. The Dodgers receive catcher Yasmani Grandal and right-handers Joe Wieland and Zach Eflin.

Padres President Mike Dee declined to comment on reports that the team was concerned with certain aspects of Kemp's physical.

"It was a process that played out in a way that was, I think, consistent with what we thought going into it," Dee told The Associated Press. "We had a player that had some prior injures and we wanted to make sure we did a full exam. A.J. and his team did their due diligence, conferred with our medical team and ultimately were comfortable moving forward."

Kemp has had shoulder and ankle operations in recent years. Last May, he was groomed to play left field because the Dodgers weren't confident he could handle the defensive demands of playing center field after undergoing ankle surgery the previous offseason.

The Padres had a historically awful offense in the first half of 2014 before pulling out of it to finish third in the NL West. Still, they were at the bottom of the majors with a .226 average, .292 on-base percentage and 535 runs. Their 109 homers were the second-fewest in the bigs.

The 30-year-old Kemp had a strong second half in 2014 for the NL West champion Dodgers. He finished the season with a .287 average, 25 home runs and 89 RBIs.

Grandal, 26, led the Padres with 15 homers last season while hitting .225.

Grandal was suspended for the first 50 games of 2013 after testing positive for testosterone and then tore up his right knee in a collision at the plate that July. He's also played first base.

An 11-player, three-team trade that will bring Myers to the Padres is expected to be finalized Friday morning.

On Thursday night, Preller made a deal with Oakland to obtain Norris and minor league right-hander Seth Streich for righties Jesse Hahn and R.J. Alvarez along with an international signing bonus slot.

Norris, 25, batted .270 with 10 home runs and 55 RBIs in 127 games for the A's, who lost the wild-card game at Kansas City.

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Canadian pitcher Andrew Albers to sign with Blue Jays: reports

Andrew Albers of North Battleford, Sask., had a 2-5 record and 4.05 earned-run average in 10 starts with the Twins in 2013. (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images/File)

The Toronto Blue Jays may be adding another Canadian to its roster. 

There are multiple reports that Saskatchewan-born pitcher Andrew Albers has been signed by the Jays. 

The 29-year-old recorded 10 starts with the Minnesota Twins in 2013 where he had a 2-5 record and 4.05 earned-run average.

Albers and the Twins parted ways at the end of the season. The left-handed pitcher from North Battleford, Sask., spent the 2014 season playing for the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball Organization. 

The Eagles declined Albers' option for 2015, making him a free agent. While with the Eagles the 29-year-old posted a 5.89 ERA and a 6-13 record. 

The agency that represents Albers would not confirm the signing. 

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Cuba, U.S. diplomacy could impact Major League Baseball

Fred Claire can see the day when Major League Baseball teams open academies for prospects in Cuba.

"It's absolutely a natural, just as the Dominican was and Venezuela. You go to where the talent is," the former Los Angeles Dodgers general manager said Wednesday. "The high talent level for Cuban players is still there."

That talent has faced obstacles getting to the U.S. since 1961, when the United States terminated diplomatic relations with Cuba. President Barack Obama said Wednesday that the two nations were re-establishing relations.

The path to the major leagues for Cuban players has often involved smugglers who bring them out of the island nation for a price. It's hard to foresee exactly how that will change in the short-term, or whether MLB teams will be allowed to invest resources in the communist country.

"While there are not sufficient details to make a realistic evaluation, we will continue to track this significant issue, and we will keep our clubs informed if this different direction may impact the manner in which they conduct business on issues related to Cuba," MLB said in a statement.

Twenty-five Cuban-born players appeared in the major leagues this year, a group that includes outfielders Yasiel Puig and Yoenis Cespedes, and hard-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman. There have been 59 since 1995, according to STATS.

Many have received large contracts, topped by a $72.5 million US, seven-year agreement in August between outfielder Rusney Castillo and the Boston Red Sox. Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu was voted AL Rookie of the Year this season after agreeing to a $68 million, six-year deal with the Chicago White Sox. Yasmany Tomas, an outfielder who may be shifted to third base, signed $68.5 million, six-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks this month.

Because of the American trade embargo, a player who defects from Cuba has to obtain a license from the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control to "unblock" him before he can sign with a major league organization. It would take congressional action to lift the embargo.

"We remain hopeful that today's announcement will lead to further positive developments," the Major League Baseball Players Association said in a statement.

The Cuban government has approved a policy allowing athletes to sign in foreign leagues and pay tax on their earnings, but the U.S. embargo prevents American teams from employing Cuban residents. Well regarded outfielder Alfredo Despaigne agreed this year to a contract with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan's Pacific League.

Defecting players have established residency outside the U.S. in order to become free agents and not be subject to MLB's amateur draft. But free-agent riches could come to an end in 2017, when MLB teams hope to start an international draft.

Under MLB's collective bargaining agreement with the players' association that runs until December 2016, Cubans and others who reside outside the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico are included in each MLB team's international signing pool unless they are 23 or older and have played as a professional in a professional league for at least five seasons.

Teams are penalized for exceeding their signing bonus pools. The New York Yankees, Boston and Tampa Bay have forfeited their rights to give any international player a bonus over $300,000 in the next two signing years, which start each July 2.

MLB and the union instituted similar signing pools in 2012 for players covered by the amateur draft each June. But Cuban defectors remain exempt from those limits for now.

"Frankly, American players, many of them have a lesser standard than what's offered international players," said agent Scott Boras, who has criticized restraints on contracts for players in American high schools and colleges. "We've really got to review what we're doing with our draft and our international players to really say what we do with the Cubans. Maybe it will prompt a broader discussion to revamp the entirety of the system."

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Melky Cabrera 3-year deal with White Sox confirmed

Announce deal at news conference Tuesday

The Associated Press Posted: Dec 16, 2014 1:34 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 16, 2014 1:34 PM ET

The White Sox have announced a $42 million US, three-year contract with free-agent outfielder Melky Cabrera.

Cabrera will make $13 million US in next year, $14 million US in 2016 and $15 million US in the final season of the deal. The agreement also includes limited no-trade provision for the 30-year-old Cabrera, who hit .301 with 16 homers and 73 RBIs in 139 games with Toronto last season.

The busy White Sox already had a news conference scheduled for Tuesday to introduce off-season acquisitions Jeff Samardzija and David Robertson, and the team said Cabrera will be available, as well.

White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton welcomed Cabrera in a tweet on Saturday night, and then Cabrera retweeted the message — signalling a deal was imminent. WSCR-AM 670 was the first to report the agreement.

Cabrera has spent the last two seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays after winning the World Series with the San Francisco Giants in 2012. He made his major league debut in 2005 with the New York Yankees and is a .286 career hitter with 88 homers and 520 RBIs in 1,211 games. 

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

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Canadian pitcher Andrew Albers to sign with Blue Jays: reports

Andrew Albers of North Battleford, Sask., had a 2-5 record and 4.05 earned-run average in 10 starts with the Twins in 2013. (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images/File)

The Toronto Blue Jays may be adding another Canadian to its roster. 

There are multiple reports that Saskatchewan-born pitcher Andrew Albers has been signed by the Jays. 

The 29-year-old recorded 10 starts with the Minnesota Twins in 2013 where he had a 2-5 record and 4.05 earned-run average.

Albers and the Twins parted ways at the end of the season. The left-handed pitcher from North Battleford, Sask., spent the 2014 season playing for the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball Organization. 

The Eagles declined Albers' option for 2015, making him a free agent. While with the Eagles the 29-year-old posted a 5.89 ERA and a 6-13 record. 

The agency that represents Albers would not confirm the signing. 

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Alex Rios agrees to deal with Royals: report

Outfielder Alex Rios and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to an $11 million, one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said Monday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was subject to Rios passing a physical.

Rios would take over in right field from Nori Aoki, who became a free agent after helping the Royals win their first AL pennant since 1985.

Rios, who turns 34 in February, had been with Texas since August 2013 and hit .280 this year with four homers and 54 RBIs. He set career highs with the Chicago White Sox in 2012 with 25 homers and 91 RBIs.

Selected by Toronto with the 19th overall pick in the 1999 amateur draft, Rios has .278 average in 11 big league seasons with 165 homers.

His agreement was first reported by CBS.

Rios is the second bat added by the Royals this month following a $17 million, two-year agreement with designated hitter Kendrys Morales that has not been announced. Morales would replace Billy Butler.

Kansas City still may seek a starting pitcher to join a starting rotation projected to have Jordano Ventura, Jason Vargas, Jeremy Guthrie and Danny Duffy following the loss of James Shields, who became a free agent. Possible fifth starters include left-hander Brandon Finnegan, who pitched in relief in the post-season, and Luke Hochevar, who missed the 2014 season following elbow ligament-replacement surgery.

Also Monday, the Royals agreed to a contract with former Twins right-hander Yohan Pino and designated reliever Casey Coleman for assignment. The 30-year-old Pino went 2-5 with a 5.07 ERA in 11 starts for Minnesota last season. He made his debut June 19 against the White Sox and earned his first win against Seattle on July 10.

Pino, who also has pitched for the Indians, Blue Jays and Reds organizations, spent most of last season at Triple-A Rochester. He went 10-2 with a 2.47 ERA for the Red Wings.

Coleman went 1-0 with a 5.25 ERA in 10 appearances for the Royals last season. He was 5-1 with a 2.15 ERA for their Triple-A affiliate in Omaha.

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Melky Cabrera signs 3-year deal with White Sox: reports

News conference scheduled for Tuesday

The Associated Press Posted: Dec 14, 2014 10:12 AM ET Last Updated: Dec 15, 2014 8:23 PM ET

Multiple reports say the Chicago White Sox have finalized a $42 million US, three-year contract with free-agent outfielder Melky Cabrera.

The busy White Sox scheduled a news conference for Tuesday to introduce off-season acquisitions Jeff Samardzija and David Robertson, and the team could announce Cabrera's deal at the same time.

White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton welcomed Cabrera in a tweet on Saturday night, and then Cabrera retweeted the message — signalling a deal was imminent. WSCR-AM 670 was the first to report the agreement.

The 30-year-old Cabrera has spent the last two seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays after winning the World Series with the San Francisco Giants in 2012. The leftfielder had a .301 average, swatting 16 home runs and 73 RBIs last season for the Jays.

With files from CBCSports.ca

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Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

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Red Sox send Cespedes to Tigers for Porcello

The Boston Red Sox have traded outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to the Detroit Tigers for pitcher Rick Porcello.

Pitchers Alex Wilson and Gabe Speier also went to Detroit as part of the trade, which the Tigers announced Thursday.

Tigers add Simon

TheTigers also obtained pitcher Alfredo Simon from the Cincinnati Reds for a pair of young players — right-hander Johnathon Crawford and infielder Eugenio Suarez.

Simon, a 33-year-old right-hander, was 15-10 with a 3.44 ERA last season.

The Red Sox acquired Cespedes in July in the deal that sent Jon Lester to Oakland. Cespedes finished the year with a .260 average, 22 home runs and 100 RBIs.

The 29-year-old Cespedes gives Detroit another power-hitting presence in the middle of its lineup, along with Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, but the Cuban slugger came at a significant price. Porcello does not turn 26 until later this month, and he is coming off a season in which he set career bests with 15 wins, a 3.43 ERA and 204 2-3 innings pitched.

Cespedes and Porcello could both be free agents after this season. Cespedes will make $10.5 million in 2015. Porcello is arbitration eligible after making $8.5 million this year.

Detroit already made one addition to its outfield this off-season, acquiring speedy centre fielder Anthony Gose from Toronto. Cespedes joins a group of outfielders that also includes J.D. Martinez and Rajai Davis. If J.D. Martinez can repeat his 23-homer performance of 2014, the Tigers should have plenty of power threats.

The Red Sox were in the market for pitching after they were unable to bring Lester back as a free agent, and Porcello brings plenty of experience. He made his debut with Detroit in 2009 as a 20-year-old, and he's been a mainstay in the Tigers' rotation ever since.

Porcello has held hitters to a 53 per cent groundball rate, a skill that may be more useful at Fenway Park than in Detroit.

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Melky Cabrera headed to White Sox: Reports

Chicago is expected to sign Cabrera to 3-year deal

By Matt Ingram, CBC Sports Posted: Dec 14, 2014 10:12 AM ET Last Updated: Dec 14, 2014 11:18 AM ET

Melky Cabrera and the Chicago White Sox have reportedly agreed to a three-year contract.

A report by Chicago sports reporter Bruce Levine indicates that the deal will pay Cabrera approximately $45 million US and is pending a physical.

The report was echoed by Yahoo Sports MLB columnist Jeff Passan who says the agreement is for $43.5 million US and another MLB reporter, Jesse Sanchez, who estimates the contract to be worth between $42 million US and $43.5 million US.

The 30-year-old Cabrera has spent the last two seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays after winning the World Series with the San Francisco Giants in 2012. The leftfielder had a .301 average, swatting 16 home runs and 73 RBIs last season for the Jays.

The agreement has not been confirmed by the White Sox or Cabrera although the leftfielder retweeted a message from White Sox centerfielder Adam Eaton welcoming him to the team.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

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Red Sox send Cespedes to Tigers for Porcello

The Boston Red Sox have traded outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to the Detroit Tigers for pitcher Rick Porcello.

Pitchers Alex Wilson and Gabe Speier also went to Detroit as part of the trade, which the Tigers announced Thursday.

Tigers add Simon

TheTigers also obtained pitcher Alfredo Simon from the Cincinnati Reds for a pair of young players — right-hander Johnathon Crawford and infielder Eugenio Suarez.

Simon, a 33-year-old right-hander, was 15-10 with a 3.44 ERA last season.

The Red Sox acquired Cespedes in July in the deal that sent Jon Lester to Oakland. Cespedes finished the year with a .260 average, 22 home runs and 100 RBIs.

The 29-year-old Cespedes gives Detroit another power-hitting presence in the middle of its lineup, along with Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, but the Cuban slugger came at a significant price. Porcello does not turn 26 until later this month, and he is coming off a season in which he set career bests with 15 wins, a 3.43 ERA and 204 2-3 innings pitched.

Cespedes and Porcello could both be free agents after this season. Cespedes will make $10.5 million in 2015. Porcello is arbitration eligible after making $8.5 million this year.

Detroit already made one addition to its outfield this off-season, acquiring speedy centre fielder Anthony Gose from Toronto. Cespedes joins a group of outfielders that also includes J.D. Martinez and Rajai Davis. If J.D. Martinez can repeat his 23-homer performance of 2014, the Tigers should have plenty of power threats.

The Red Sox were in the market for pitching after they were unable to bring Lester back as a free agent, and Porcello brings plenty of experience. He made his debut with Detroit in 2009 as a 20-year-old, and he's been a mainstay in the Tigers' rotation ever since.

Porcello has held hitters to a 53 per cent groundball rate, a skill that may be more useful at Fenway Park than in Detroit.

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Melky Cabrera headed to White Sox: Reports

Chicago is expected to sign Cabrera to 3-year deal

By Matt Ingram, CBC Sports Posted: Dec 14, 2014 10:12 AM ET Last Updated: Dec 14, 2014 10:12 AM ET

Melky Cabrera and the Chicago White Sox have reportedly agreed to a three-year contract.

A report by Chicago sports reporter Bruce Levine indicates that the deal will pay Cabrera approximately $45 million US and is pending a physical.

The report was echoed by Yahoo Sports MLB columnist Jeff Passan who says the agreement is for $43.5 million US and another MLB reporter, Jesse Sanchez, who estimates the contract to be worth between $42 million US and $43.5 million US.

The 30-year-old Cabrera has spent the last two seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays after winning the World Series with the San Francisco Giants in 2012. The left-fielder had a .301 average, swatting 16 home runs and 73 RBIs last season for the Jays.

The agreement has not been confirmed by the White Sox or Cabrera.

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Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

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Dodgers agree to deal Matt Kemp to Padres

The San Diego Padres, desperate for a power bat to punch up the worst offence in the majors, have a deal in place to acquire outfielder Matt Kemp and catcher Tim Federowicz from the division rival Los Angeles Dodgers for catcher Yasmani Grandal and two pitchers, two people familiar with the trade said Thursday.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced by either team.

The deal is pending physical exams and the commissioner's office approving the Dodgers sending $32 million US to the Padres to help offset the $107 million still remaining on Kemp's deal.

The Padres' obligation of $75 million to Kemp over five years becomes the biggest deal in club history.

The Dodgers had a surplus of outfielders and the Padres had catching to move.

The 30-year-old Kemp had a strong second half in 2014 for the NL West champion Dodgers. He finished the season with a .287 average, 25 home runs and 89 RBIs.

His best season was 2011, when he hit .324 with 39 homers and 126 RBIs. He finished second in MVP voting and made the first of two straight All-Star teams.

Grandal, 26, led the Padres with 15 homers last year while hitting .225.

Grandal was suspended for the first 50 games of 2013 after testing positive for testosterone and then tore up his right knee in a collision at the plate that July. He's also played first base.

The Padres had a historically awful offence in the first half of 2014 before pulling out of it to finish third in the NL West. Still, they were at the bottom of the majors with a .226 average, .292 on-base percentage and 535 runs. Their 109 homers were the second-fewest in the bigs.

San Diego failed to land free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who signed with Boston, and Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas, who signed with NL West rival Arizona.

The Dodgers also get right-hander Joe Wieland and minor league pitcher Zach Eflin.

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Red Sox send Cespedes to Tigers for Porcello

The Boston Red Sox have traded outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to the Detroit Tigers for pitcher Rick Porcello.

Pitchers Alex Wilson and Gabe Speier also went to Detroit as part of the trade, which the Tigers announced Thursday.

Tigers add Simon

TheTigers also obtained pitcher Alfredo Simon from the Cincinnati Reds for a pair of young players — right-hander Johnathon Crawford and infielder Eugenio Suarez.

Simon, a 33-year-old right-hander, was 15-10 with a 3.44 ERA last season.

The Red Sox acquired Cespedes in July in the deal that sent Jon Lester to Oakland. Cespedes finished the year with a .260 average, 22 home runs and 100 RBIs.

The 29-year-old Cespedes gives Detroit another power-hitting presence in the middle of its lineup, along with Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, but the Cuban slugger came at a significant price. Porcello does not turn 26 until later this month, and he is coming off a season in which he set career bests with 15 wins, a 3.43 ERA and 204 2-3 innings pitched.

Cespedes and Porcello could both be free agents after this season. Cespedes will make $10.5 million in 2015. Porcello is arbitration eligible after making $8.5 million this year.

Detroit already made one addition to its outfield this off-season, acquiring speedy centre fielder Anthony Gose from Toronto. Cespedes joins a group of outfielders that also includes J.D. Martinez and Rajai Davis. If J.D. Martinez can repeat his 23-homer performance of 2014, the Tigers should have plenty of power threats.

The Red Sox were in the market for pitching after they were unable to bring Lester back as a free agent, and Porcello brings plenty of experience. He made his debut with Detroit in 2009 as a 20-year-old, and he's been a mainstay in the Tigers' rotation ever since.

Porcello has held hitters to a 53 per cent groundball rate, a skill that may be more useful at Fenway Park than in Detroit.

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Dodgers agree to deal Matt Kemp to Padres

The San Diego Padres, desperate for a power bat to punch up the worst offence in the majors, have a deal in place to acquire outfielder Matt Kemp and catcher Tim Federowicz from the division rival Los Angeles Dodgers for catcher Yasmani Grandal and two pitchers, two people familiar with the trade said Thursday.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced by either team.

The deal is pending physical exams and the commissioner's office approving the Dodgers sending $32 million US to the Padres to help offset the $107 million still remaining on Kemp's deal.

The Padres' obligation of $75 million to Kemp over five years becomes the biggest deal in club history.

The Dodgers had a surplus of outfielders and the Padres had catching to move.

The 30-year-old Kemp had a strong second half in 2014 for the NL West champion Dodgers. He finished the season with a .287 average, 25 home runs and 89 RBIs.

His best season was 2011, when he hit .324 with 39 homers and 126 RBIs. He finished second in MVP voting and made the first of two straight All-Star teams.

Grandal, 26, led the Padres with 15 homers last year while hitting .225.

Grandal was suspended for the first 50 games of 2013 after testing positive for testosterone and then tore up his right knee in a collision at the plate that July. He's also played first base.

The Padres had a historically awful offence in the first half of 2014 before pulling out of it to finish third in the NL West. Still, they were at the bottom of the majors with a .226 average, .292 on-base percentage and 535 runs. Their 109 homers were the second-fewest in the bigs.

San Diego failed to land free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who signed with Boston, and Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas, who signed with NL West rival Arizona.

The Dodgers also get right-hander Joe Wieland and minor league pitcher Zach Eflin.

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Red Sox send Cespedes to Tigers for Porcello

The Boston Red Sox have traded outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to the Detroit Tigers for pitcher Rick Porcello.

Pitchers Alex Wilson and Gabe Speier also went to Detroit as part of the trade, which the Tigers announced Thursday.

Tigers add Simon

TheTigers also obtained pitcher Alfredo Simon from the Cincinnati Reds for a pair of young players — right-hander Johnathon Crawford and infielder Eugenio Suarez.

Simon, a 33-year-old right-hander, was 15-10 with a 3.44 ERA last season.

The Red Sox acquired Cespedes in July in the deal that sent Jon Lester to Oakland. Cespedes finished the year with a .260 average, 22 home runs and 100 RBIs.

The 29-year-old Cespedes gives Detroit another power-hitting presence in the middle of its lineup, along with Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, but the Cuban slugger came at a significant price. Porcello does not turn 26 until later this month, and he is coming off a season in which he set career bests with 15 wins, a 3.43 ERA and 204 2-3 innings pitched.

Cespedes and Porcello could both be free agents after this season. Cespedes will make $10.5 million in 2015. Porcello is arbitration eligible after making $8.5 million this year.

Detroit already made one addition to its outfield this off-season, acquiring speedy centre fielder Anthony Gose from Toronto. Cespedes joins a group of outfielders that also includes J.D. Martinez and Rajai Davis. If J.D. Martinez can repeat his 23-homer performance of 2014, the Tigers should have plenty of power threats.

The Red Sox were in the market for pitching after they were unable to bring Lester back as a free agent, and Porcello brings plenty of experience. He made his debut with Detroit in 2009 as a 20-year-old, and he's been a mainstay in the Tigers' rotation ever since.

Porcello has held hitters to a 53 per cent groundball rate, a skill that may be more useful at Fenway Park than in Detroit.

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Tampa Bay Rays should move to Montreal: Scott Boras

Given the struggles of the Tampa Bay Rays to draw fans in Florida, agent Scott Boras says he thinks the franchise should move to Canada.

"Everyone always wonders why they're not playing in Montreal," Boras said Wednesday at the winter meetings. "We have a generation of families that grew up with Major League Baseball that are now wage earners, so I think it has a chance to be far more successful than some of the other cities that we have baseball in now."

The Expos joined the National League ahead of 1969 season, remained in the big leagues through 2004 and then moved to Washington and became the Nationals.

Montreal failed to draw 1 million spectators to Olympic Stadium in any of its final seven seasons. A total of 96,350 fans attended a pair of exhibition games there in March between the New York Mets and Blue Jays, and Toronto and Cincinnati are scheduled to play a pair of spring training games in Montreal on April 3-4.

"I've always felt that Montreal was a tremendous major league city, and I think it's a town that if you put a ballpark there, particularly with the communications, broadcasting rights and such that are there, that it would be a tremendous success and a very valued point for baseball," Boras said. "The value of the media rights in Montreal would be completely different because you have the ability to sell nationally baseball to Canada."

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MLB Winter Meetings: Dodgers get Kendrick, eye Rollins

Some things to know as Major League Baseball's winter meetings head into the final day on Thursday:

Dealing Dodgers

The Dodgers acquired second baseman Howie Kendrick from the Los Angeles Angels and were working to obtain shortstop Jimmy Rollins from the Philadelphia Phillies in a remake of their middle infield.

In a flurry of moves late Wednesday, the Dodgers dealt All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon, right-hander Dan Haren, infielder Miguel Rojas and a player to be named or cash to the Miami Marlins as part of a seven-player trade for left-hander Andrew Heaney, right-hander Chris Hatcher, infielder Kike Hernandez and catcher Austin Barnes. The Dodgers then sent Heaney, considered one of baseball's top pitching prospects, to the Angels for Kendrick.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman wouldn't say how close he was to finalizing a trade for Rollins or a $48-million US, four-year contract with free-agent pitcher with Brandon McCarthy. The Dodgers also have been talking about dealing outfielder Matt Kemp to San Diego.

Bigger bucks

Max Scherzer could be seeking the largest deal ever for a pitcher.

The Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw won the NL Cy Young Award — his third in four years — last month and became the first NL pitcher since Bob Gibson in 1968 to win the MVP, all after the first season of a $215-million, seven-year contract. Scherzer turned down an offer from Detroit last March that would have paid $144 million from 2015-20. Kershaw has the largest contract for a pitcher in total dollars and has the sport's highest average salary at $30.7 million.

"I'm not sure Kershaw is relevant," agent Scott Boras said Wednesday at the winter meetings, "because he's not a free agent. ... The prominent pitchers that have signed, [Justin] Verlander or [Felix] Hernandez or Kershaw, were not free-agent players. And certainly if you put a performance like Kershaw into a free-agent market, you're going to get a much, much different calibration of value."

Scherzer's negotiations figure to stretch on for weeks or even into next year.

Texas relief

The Houston Astros have bolstered their bullpen by agreeing to an $18.5-million, three-year contract with Luke Gregerson and a $12.5-million, two-year deal with Pat Neshek, said people familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deals with the right-handers were subject to physicals.

Houston had shown interest in David Robertson, who agreed to a $46-million, four-year contract with the Chicago White Sox.

Wine, not whine

Cubs manager Joe Maddon was at dinner on Tuesday night in a restaurant near the winter meetings hotel, enjoying a 2011 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and pork chops, when he got word Lester had agreed to a deal with Chicago.

As he left Wednesday night and headed back to the Windy City, he was still excited about the acquisition. Lester helped the Red Sox win World Series in 2007 and `13.

"I want to believe that he could forsee the same thing here," Maddon said.

Committees rule

Major League Baseball's rules committee gathered Wednesday for what Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre said was a meeting that went well over its allotted time — that for a session designed to speed the pace of games. As he was hustling through the crowded lobby to a side entrance, Torre said all of the issues raised were still being explored.

An MLB spokesman said the committee discussed pace of game and possible tweaks to Rule 7.13, which covers home plate collisions. Any changes for 2015 must be agreed to by the players' association.

Most managers agree they don't like all the time wasted walking out to the umpires before making a replay challenge. A couple, though, enjoyed their conversations last season with the men in blue.

"Some of those umpires were pretty interesting guys," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

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Dan Duquette, Kenny Williams not focused on becoming Jays' president

Baltimore's Dan Duquette and Kenny Williams of the Chicago White Sox say they aren't focused on overtures from the Toronto Blue Jays, who appear to be seeking to replace Paul Beeston as team president.

Duquette is president of baseball operations for the Orioles and Williams is an executive vice president with the White Sox. The Blue Jays would need to permission from their current clubs to speak with them.

"Permission was neither denied nor granted. At this given time, it's just not the time as we're trying to put the White Sox together in the best possible way," Williams said Monday at baseball's winter meetings. "It's been going on for a little while. They're obviously in a transitional phase in Toronto now. Otherwise they wouldn't be doing it. So whatever their plan is, it includes reaching out to people."

Duquette avoided direct answers to questions about Toronto's intentions.

"We're here to put together the strongest Oriole team that we can for 2015. That's my focus," Duquette said. "I'm here with the Orioles, and my focus is with the Orioles and helping the Orioles put together the strongest team that they can have in 2015."

Duquette was hired as Baltimore's top baseball executive in November 2011. Duquette, who held similar positions in Montreal and Boston, at first was given a three-year contract but currently is signed through 2018.

Since he was hired, the Orioles have twice reached the postseason and this year won their first AL East title since 1997.

"We are very pleased with his performance, and we expect him to satisfy his contract," Orioles owner Peter Angelos told The Sun in Baltimore. "We don't want him to go away, and we don't expect him to go away. And he's given no indication he wants to go away."

The first employee hired by the Blue Jays in May 1976, Beeston became vice president of business operations in 1977, executive vice president of business in 1984 and president and chief operating officer in 1989. He was promoted to chief executive officer in 1991 and held that position until 1997, when he quit to become the COO of Major League Baseball, a role he held until 2002. He returned to the Blue Jays in October 2008 as interim CEO, and Toronto took off the interim tag a year later.

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Cubs sign pitcher Jon Lester for $155 million

Jon Lester agreed Tuesday night to a six-year, $155-million US contract with the Cubs, the first big deal of the off-season involving a top-level starting pitcher and one Chicago hopes will help end more than a century of frustration at Wrigley Field's Friendly Confines.

Lester's contract, agreed to on the second day of baseball's winter meetings, contains an option for 2021 that, if it becomes guaranteed, would make the deal worth $170 million over seven seasons. The average annual value of $25.8 million is the second-highest for a pitcher behind Clayton Kershaw's $30.7 million as part of a $215 million, seven-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers that began this year.

"It's not often you get to win the lottery, and we won the baseball lottery this year," new Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "Now it's up to us to put it into effect."

A three-time All-Star who turns 31 next month, Lester won two World Series titles with Boston. The left-hander joins a long-suffering team with a promising core of young players and a top-tier manager, Maddon, who left Tampa Bay and signed a $25 million, five-year contract with the Cubs.

Now, Chicago has an ace to lead the rotation as it tries to end a run of five straight losing seasons and a championship drought that dates to 1908.

Lester was dealt by the Red Sox to Oakland at the trade deadline in July and helped the A's reach the playoffs for the third straight year before a 9-8, 12-inning loss to Kansas City in the AL wild-card game. He went 16-11 with a career-best 2.46 ERA and 220 strikeouts last season and is 116-67 with a 3.58 ERA in nine big league seasons.

He also had been sought by the Red Sox, World Series champion San Francisco and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Lester is headed to a team that hasn't made the playoffs since 2008, but he knows Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer from their time together in Boston.

Maddon had been used to small payrolls in Tampa Bay.

"I've not been on this side since my days with the Angels, when I got an email in Italy that we had signed Vladimir Guerrero," said Maddon, who was a coach in Anaheim before switching to Tampa Bay. "I think that definitely sends that message how Theo and the group feel about this particular group. But understand, we have a lot of young players that have to grow up as quickly as possible. But having Jon there adds to the flavor and the possibility."

The Cubs' management is making over the team in a big way.

Chicago has a pending $20 million, two-year deal with right-hander Jason Hammel, traded by the Cubs to Oakland last summer. Earlier Tuesday, the Cubs acquired All-Star catcher Miguel Montero from Arizona for minor league right-handers Jeferson Mejia and Zack Godley — a deal that added $40 million in payroll over the next three years.

Chicago's rotation is likely to also include Jake Arrieta, Travis Wood, and Kyle Hendricks.

The Cubs also have a pair of All-Stars in the batting order in first baseman Anthony Rizzo and shortstop Starlin Castro and expect improved performances from young sluggers Javier Baez and Jorge Soler. Ahead is another wave of prospects that includes third baseman Kris Bryant and shortstop Addison Russell.

Maddon hopes an addition such as Lester helps change the mindset in the clubhouse when spring training starts in February.

"It definitely makes it more believable to everybody else in that room," he said. "I'll stand up and make the same speech regardless, but when you have it backed up by that particular kind of presence, it adds to it."

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Blue Jays claim Chris Colabello off waivers

1st baseman/outfielder played for Twins last season

The Canadian Press Posted: Dec 08, 2014 3:27 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 08, 2014 3:34 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired first baseman and outfielder Chris Colabello off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.

The 31-year-old Colabello posted a .229 average with 13 doubles, six home runs and 39 runs batted in over 59 games with Minnesota last season.

The Framingham, Mass., native signed with the Twins as a free agent in 2012.

He was the most valuable player of the triple-A International League in 2013 with the Rochester Red Wings.

Colabello has 29 extra base hits, including 13 home runs, in 114 career major-league games.

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Dan Duquette, Kenny Williams not focused on becoming Jays' president

Baltimore's Dan Duquette and Kenny Williams of the Chicago White Sox say they aren't focused on overtures from the Toronto Blue Jays, who appear to be seeking to replace Paul Beeston as team president.

Duquette is president of baseball operations for the Orioles and Williams is an executive vice president with the White Sox. The Blue Jays would need to permission from their current clubs to speak with them.

"Permission was neither denied nor granted. At this given time, it's just not the time as we're trying to put the White Sox together in the best possible way," Williams said Monday at baseball's winter meetings. "It's been going on for a little while. They're obviously in a transitional phase in Toronto now. Otherwise they wouldn't be doing it. So whatever their plan is, it includes reaching out to people."

Duquette avoided direct answers to questions about Toronto's intentions.

"We're here to put together the strongest Oriole team that we can for 2015. That's my focus," Duquette said. "I'm here with the Orioles, and my focus is with the Orioles and helping the Orioles put together the strongest team that they can have in 2015."

Duquette was hired as Baltimore's top baseball executive in November 2011. Duquette, who held similar positions in Montreal and Boston, at first was given a three-year contract but currently is signed through 2018.

Since he was hired, the Orioles have twice reached the postseason and this year won their first AL East title since 1997.

"We are very pleased with his performance, and we expect him to satisfy his contract," Orioles owner Peter Angelos told The Sun in Baltimore. "We don't want him to go away, and we don't expect him to go away. And he's given no indication he wants to go away."

The first employee hired by the Blue Jays in May 1976, Beeston became vice president of business operations in 1977, executive vice president of business in 1984 and president and chief operating officer in 1989. He was promoted to chief executive officer in 1991 and held that position until 1997, when he quit to become the COO of Major League Baseball, a role he held until 2002. He returned to the Blue Jays in October 2008 as interim CEO, and Toronto took off the interim tag a year later.

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Blue Jays searching for CEO Beeston’s replacement: reports

The Toronto Blue Jays are looking for a new president and chief executive officer to replace longtime boss Paul Beeston, according to several media reports.

The Jays have identified Baltimore Orioles executive vice-president Dan Duquette and Chicago White Sox executive vice-president Ken Williams as candidates, ESPN's Buster Olney reports.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports says Duquette is interested in taking the Blue Jays' position but he's being blocked by Orioles owner Peter Angelos.

Duquette, who has been the team's GM for the last three seasons, is under contract with the Orioles through the 2018 season. Baltimore won the American League East Division this past season before being swept by the Kansas City Royals in the AL Championship Series. Duquette has also been the general manager for the Boston Red Sox and Montreal Expos.

In addition, the Jays have discussed Williams as a possible replacement, according to ESPN, while the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan is being considered by Toronto.

The 69-year-old Beeston, who was part of the Blue Jays' organization during the franchise's inception in 1977, became president and CEO in 1989. He left to the team for the commissioner's office in 1997 but returned to the Jays in 2009.

According to ESPN, the Jays' ownership "was not pleased with some of Beeston's action's during the search for a replacement for commissioner Bud Selig."

ESPN also reports that Beeston is pondering retirement.

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Yankees finally make moves with signing, trade

Grab free agent Andrew Miller, trade for shortstop Didi Gregorius

The Associated Press Posted: Dec 05, 2014 5:45 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 05, 2014 5:45 PM ET

The Yankees have made their first big moves to reshape for 2015, agreeing to a $36 million, four-year contract with reliever Andrew Miller and obtaining shortstop Didi Gregorius from Arizona as part of a three-team trade that sent right-hander Shane Greene to Detroit.

Miller's acquisition Friday gives the Yankees a bit of insurance in case they don't re-sign closer David Robertson, who is a free agent. A 29-year-old left-hander, Miller held opponents to a .153 average this year while going 5-5 with a 2.02 ERA for Boston and Baltimore. He joins a bullpen that has hard-throwing right-hander Dellin Betances, who finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

Gregorius, a 24-year-old left-handed hitter, becomes the favourite to take over at shortstop following the retirement of Yankees captain Derek Jeter. He hit .226 with six homers and 27 RBIs in 80 games last season.

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Canadian pitcher Dempster retires as a Cub, joins front office

B.C. native was a 2-time all-star, World Series winner

The Associated Press Posted: Dec 05, 2014 3:39 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 05, 2014 3:39 PM ET

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Former pitcher Ryan Dempster, a native of Gibsons, B.C., is retiring with the Chicago Cubs and joining their front office.

The Cubs announced the move on Friday.

Dempster, who played 16 years in the majors, will serve as a special assistant to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer. He will spend time with the Cubs in spring training, visit their minor league affiliates during the season, evaluate amateur players leading up to the draft and perform professional scouting assignments.

Dempster, an All-Star with the Miami Marlins and Cubs, played in Chicago from 2004 to 2012. He also won a World Series with Boston in 2013.

He was 132-133 with 87 saves and a 4.35 ERA in 579 appearances, including 351 starts, with the Marlins, Cincinnati, Chicago, Texas and Boston. 

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Yankees finally make moves with signing, trade

Grab free agent Andrew Miller, trade for shortstop Didi Gregorius

The Associated Press Posted: Dec 05, 2014 5:45 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 05, 2014 5:45 PM ET

The Yankees have made their first big moves to reshape for 2015, agreeing to a $36 million, four-year contract with reliever Andrew Miller and obtaining shortstop Didi Gregorius from Arizona as part of a three-team trade that sent right-hander Shane Greene to Detroit.

Miller's acquisition Friday gives the Yankees a bit of insurance in case they don't re-sign closer David Robertson, who is a free agent. A 29-year-old left-hander, Miller held opponents to a .153 average this year while going 5-5 with a 2.02 ERA for Boston and Baltimore. He joins a bullpen that has hard-throwing right-hander Dellin Betances, who finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

Gregorius, a 24-year-old left-handed hitter, becomes the favourite to take over at shortstop following the retirement of Yankees captain Derek Jeter. He hit .226 with six homers and 27 RBIs in 80 games last season.

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