Yankees Release Juan Rivera

Finally, something goes right!

The Yankees released first baseman/outfielder Juan Rivera, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports...

The Yankees added Vernon Wells and Lyle Overbay this week.  Wells, Overbay, and Ben Francisco are making the team, Rivera was told, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch and others.

Brewers Sign Yuniesky Betancourt

The Brewers signed infielder Yuniesky Betancourt to a Major League deal, according to a press release from his agency.  He’d been the team’s starting shortstop in 2011.

Betancourt, 31, hit .228/.256/.400 in 228 plate appearances for the Royals last year, playing mostly second base.

Brewers To Sign Kyle Lohse

The long wait is over: the Brewers will sign Kyle Lohse, tweets [wait for it… - TDA] Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.   Lohse will receive a three-year, $33MM contract, tweets Bob Nightengale of USA Today, and ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick notes a possible $1MM in performance bonuses… Lohse is represented by [wait for it… - TDA] the Boras Corporation.  The Brewers will forfeit the 17th overall pick and the accompanying slot money in the June draft, while the Cardinals will gain the 28th overall pick.

Lohse, 34, seemed en route to a large contract after posting a 2.86 ERA, 6.1 K/9, 1.6 BB/9, 0.81 HR/9, and 40.5% groundball rate in 211 regular season innings for the Cardinals in 2012, and pitching well the year prior.  Turning down the Cardinals’ one-year, $13.3MM qualifying offer seemed the right call in November for a player I considered the 10th best free agent available.  However, partially because of the draft pick compensation issue, Lohse languished on the market nearly until Opening Day.  Agent Scott Boras, whose contract demands were the other major factor in Lohse’s wait, told ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick in January, “It doesn’t really matter what time dinner is when you’re the steak.”  Lohse had been throwing simulated games in Arizona, but it’s unclear when he’ll be Major League-ready.

Steak #1 = Jeff Suppan, Steak #2 = Randy Wolf…

The long wait is over: the Brewers will sign Kyle Lohse, tweets [wait for it… - TDA] Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.   Lohse will receive a three-year, $33MM contract, tweets Bob Nightengale of USA Today, and ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick notes a possible $1MM in performance bonuses… Lohse is represented by [wait for it… - TDA] the Boras Corporation.  The Brewers will forfeit the 17th overall pick and the accompanying slot money in the June draft, while the Cardinals will gain the 28th overall pick.

Lohse, 34, seemed en route to a large contract after posting a 2.86 ERA, 6.1 K/9, 1.6 BB/9, 0.81 HR/9, and 40.5% groundball rate in 211 regular season innings for the Cardinals in 2012, and pitching well the year prior.  Turning down the Cardinals’ one-year, $13.3MM qualifying offer seemed the right call in November for a player I considered the 10th best free agent available.  However, partially because of the draft pick compensation issue, Lohse languished on the market nearly until Opening Day.  Agent Scott Boras, whose contract demands were the other major factor in Lohse’s wait, told ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick in January, “It doesn’t really matter what time dinner is when you’re the steak.”  Lohse had been throwing simulated games in Arizona, but it’s unclear when he’ll be Major League-ready.

Hardball Talk: Indians release Daisuke Matsuzaka

When you’re more washed up than Scott Kazmir…

Former Red Sox star pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka has been released from the Cleveland Indians, per the team’s official Twitter...

Since a brilliant 2008 in which the right-hander posted an 18-3 record with a 2.90 ERA, he has posted a 5.53 ERA. The Indians signed him to a Minor League deal on February 10. Despite posting a 2.25 ERA in ten spring innings, the Indians are choosing between Carlos Carrasco and Scott Kazmir for the fifth spot in the starting rotation.

Diamondbacks Acquire Tony Campana

The Cubs announced that they have traded outfielder Tony Campana to the Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league right-handed pitchers Erick Leal and Jesus Castillo…

Campana, 26, finished 2012 with a slash line of .264/.308/.299 in 192 plate appearances.  The speedster also racked up 30 stolen bases last season, good for ninth in the National League.  The Diamondbacks are already more than set in the outfield, so its not clear what kind of role they have in mind for Campana.

The Cubs announced that they have traded outfielder Tony Campana to the Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league right-handed pitchers Erick Leal and Jesus Castillo…

Campana, 26, finished 2012 with a slash line of .264/.308/.299 in 192 plate appearances.  The speedster also racked up 30 stolen bases last season, good for ninth in the National League.  The Diamondbacks are already more than set in the outfield, so its not clear what kind of role they have in mind for Campana.

Indians to Sign Daisuke Matsuzaka

Double-swish mechanics?

The Indians have reached agreement with Daisuke Matsuzaka on a minor league deal, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (on Twitter).  Matsuzaka, who is represented by Scott Boras, can earn up to $4MM on the deal (Twitter link)...

Matsuzaka has made just 18 big league starts over the last two seasons thanks to Tommy John surgery.  For his six years in Boston, the Japanese import owns a 4.52 ERA with 8.2 K/9 and 4.3 BB/9.

Gleeman: Micah Owings switches from pitcher to first baseman, signs with Nationals

And what better day for it than the Babe’s birthday…

Micah Owings is no longer the best-hitting pitcher in baseball. Now he’s just another minor league first baseman trying to make it to the majors, as the 30-year-old has officially switched from pitching to hitting and signed with the Nationals...

he’s far from guaranteed to be a productive everyday hitter, particularly at an offense-driven position like first base.

As a first baseman/pitcher, however, Owings could be awfully interesting even if he were just mediocre at both roles and for a minor-league deal the price is certainly right for the Nationals.

Pirates Sign Jonathan Sanchez

Seems like a perfect match.

The Pirates announced that they signed left-hander Jonathan Sanchez to a minor league contract…

Sanchez spent the 2012 season with the Rockies and Royals, struggling with both teams. He posted a 8.07 ERA with more walks (53) than strikeouts (45) and a 39.7% ground ball rate in 64 2/3 total innings pitched. He also spent time on the disabled list with biceps tendinitis this past season.

However, the 30-year-old is not so far removed from the 2010 season that saw him post a 3.07 ERA with 205 strikeouts in 193 1/3 innings for the Giants.

MLBTR: Athletics acquire Jed Lowrie in five-player deal

At this moment, there are still no reports that this trade has somehow injured Jed Lowrie.

The Astros announced that they sent shortstop Jed Lowrie to the Athletics in a five-player trade. The Astros acquire first baseman Chris Carter, starting pitcher Brad Peacock and catching prospect Max Stassi from the A’s in the deal, which sends right-handed reliever Fernando Rodriguez to Oakland along with Lowrie.

Nyjer Morgan going to Japan; Shaun Marcum signs with Mets

Tony “Takitani” Plush?

A pair of players who played for the Brewers the past two seasons have found new homes for the 2013 season.

Outfielder Nyjer Morgan has agreed to a $1.6 million contract with the Yokohoma BayStars of Japan’s Central League, and right-hander Shaun Marcum reportedly has signed a one-year deal with the New York Mets.

Morgan, 32, had a big year for the Brewers in 2011, batting .304 over 119 games. Morgan also delivered one of the biggest hits in franchise history when he delivered a game-winning single in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the NLDS against Arizona, putting the Brewers in the NLCS against St. Louis. But he fell off badly in 2012, batting only .239 over 122 games and eventually losing playing time to Carlos Gomez in center field…

Marcum missed two months of the 2012 season with an ailing elbow and was limited to 21 starts, going 7-4 with a 3.70 ERA. The Brewers were concerned about his health going forward and opted not to offer him a contract for 2013, allowing him to go on the free agent market.

Marcum’s deal with the Mets is contingent upon passing a physical and was first reported by CBS Sports.com and FOX Sports.com.

Bowman: Braves get Justin Upton

Kevin Towers gave up more talent to acquire Didi Gregorius than he received in return for Justin Upton.

Source: Braves get Justin Upton and Chris Johnson from D-backs for Prado, Delgado, Ahmed and Spruill.

Mets Sign Pedro Feliciano

The Mets announced that they have signed Pedro Feliciano to a minor league deal.  The deal includes an invite to major league spring training.

Feliciano, 36, is coming off a two-year, $8MM deal he signed with the Yankees.  Unfortunately, injury problems kept him from throwing a single big league inning for the Bombers during that time.  Yankees GM Brian Cashman said in 2011 that the Mets “abused” Feliciano by relying on him to pitch constantly.

Bradford: Red Sox, Mike Napoli (finally) reach agreement

Story of extremely mild intrigue ends in mildly intriguing fashion.

According to a major league source, the Red Sox and Mike Napoli have reached an agreement on what is believed to be a one-year deal. The two sides had been renegotiating an agreed upon three-year, $39 million contract since concerns arose regarding the free agent first baseman’s hip after a team-administered physical on Dec. 10. The original deal was agreed upon on Dec. 3.

Passan: Rafael Soriano agrees to two-year, $28M deal with Nationals

Source: Rafael Soriano agrees to two-year, $28M deal with Nationals. Deal contains vesting option for third year.

Rafael Soriano’s $14 million option will vest with 120 games finished over the next two seasons.

Soriano gets the same contract he had guaranteed for 2013 plus another year at the same rate, and a non-worthless vesting option.

Rangers To Sign Lance Berkman

The AL is Mickey Mouse and the National League is real baseball.  I hate the DH, even though it might prolong my career.

The Rangers finalizing an agreement with Lance Berkman, a source tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter).  The deal is believed to be for one year with a vesting option for the Moye Sports Associates client…

Berkman, who turns 37 in February, played in just 32 games for the Cardinals last season thanks to a torn meniscus in his right knee.  In his one season and change in St. Louis, Berkman posted a .295/.408/.533 slash line with 33 homers in 177 games.

Hardball Talk: Cubs sign left-hander Dontrelle Willis to a minor league contract

El (as in 14-30 since 2006) Train…

CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that Dontrelle Willis has agreed to a minor league contract with the Cubs, who originally drafted him back in 2000. The deal includes an invite to minor league camp, but he could get a chance in major league spring training if he’s throwing well.

Willis announced his retirement last July after posting an 8.53 ERA in four appearances with the Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate, but he has had a change of heart.

Indians To Sign Brett Myers

He better not Sockalexis.

The Indians are set to sign Brett Myers to a one-year deal with a club option, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (on Twitter)...

Myers, 32, pitched to a 3.31 ERA with 5.6 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 in 70 relief appearances last season for the Astros and White Sox.  However, he has been vocal about his desire to be a starting pitcher once again in 2013.  The Tribe will plug Myers into the starting five, according to Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer (on Twitter).

Myers’ deal is worth $7MM, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).

Speier: Sox land Hanrahan from Pirates

Ben Cherington trades major-league ready, pre-arbitration talent for a relief pitcher.  Because one of these times, it’s got to work out.

According to a major league source, as first reported by Jim Bowden of ESPN (via twitter), the Red Sox and Pirates have reached an agreement on a deal that would bring All-Star closer Joel Hanrahan to Boston. The deal, however, is not yet final. The source confirmed Bowden’s report that the Sox will send outfielder/first baseman Jerry Sands and right-hander Stolmy Pimentel to Pittsburgh, while adding that there are more players involved in the deal than just those three.

Robothal: Blue Jays, Mets have agreement in principle on Dickey trade

Your AL East preseason favorites, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Sources: #Mets, #BlueJays have agreement in principle on Dickey trade. Window open for Jays to extend Dickey, which would complete deal.

Heyman: Yankees have deal with Suzuki

Even though I knew it was going to happen, this is all still very weird to me.

yankees have deal with ichiro. 2 yrs, likely $13M

MLBTR: Reds acquire Shin-Soo Choo in three-team deal

Gregorius… yeah… Sipp, Anderson, hey I remember Anderson… WHUHUH??

The Diamondbacks announced that they have acquired shortstop Didi Gregorius, left-handed pitcher Tony Sipp, and first baseman Lars Anderson from the Indians in exchange for right-handed pitchers Trevor Bauer, Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw.  The Reds are receiving Shin-Soo Choo and Jason Donald in the swap.

Dodgers Sign Hyun-Jin Ryu

Transporting this many pitchers might violate the Byron Mann Act!

The Dodgers have signed Korean left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Terms of the deal… are not yet known.

The Dodgers expect Ryu to be part of their starting rotation next season, reports the Los Angeles Times’ Dylan Hernandez...

Ryu, represented by Scott Boras, was posted by the Hanwha Eagles last month and the Dodgers won his negotiating rights with a bid worth a bit more than $25.7MM. The 25-year-old has been one of the Korea Baseball Organization’s most dominant pitchers over the last several years, helping Korea win Olympic gold in 2008 and finish second in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Ryu went 9-9 with a 2.66 ERA last season for last place Hanwha with 210 strikeouts in 182 2/3 innings. He has a 2.80 ERA over his seven-year career in Korea.

Dodgers to sign Zack Greinke

He’ll be closer to Brangelina…

The Dodgers have agreed to sign Zack Greinke to a six-year contract worth $147MM according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (Twitter links). The deal, which is still pending a physical, is the largest contract for a right-handed pitcher in baseball history.

Winter Meetings Day 4 CHATTER

Last call in Nashville!

WINTER MEETINGS DAY 3 CHATTER

Will the Mystery Team be revealed?
Will Greinke finally sign?
Will there be a trade that busts a block?
Will the Opryland be revealed to actually be a TARDIS?

Only time will tell…