During the off-season, I will use this thread to keep up with all the latest news in baseball.
I'll update the thread as more news comes in.
Here's my entry for today.
Baltimore: The Orioles have exercised the 2013 contract option on relief pitcher Luis Ayala. Ayala finished with a 2.64 ERA in 75 innings this season.
Minnesota: Scott Baker is set to become a free agent after the Twins declined the 2013 option on him. The Twins are still interested in signing him, but not at the price his option was worth. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
PJ Walters is also not in the Twins plans and now a free agent, he's merely a fifth starter at best.
Philadelphia: Carlos Ruiz did a lot to impress fans last year and the owners have noticed, as they're bringing him back for another year. The Phillies are not bringing back Ty Wigginton or Jose Contreras, as both are set to become free agents. Wigginton is a good utility man and Contreras can be effective pitching out the bullpen, expect both to catch on somewhere. Placido Polanco's 2013 option was declined as well, he will be a free agent.
New York (AL): As expected, the Bronx Bombers have exercised Robinson Cano's 2013 contract option and Curtis Granderson's option as well (each will earn $15 million next year). The team also decided to bring back David Aardsma, who should be much more healthy after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Oakland: Grant Balfour will be back with club after Oakland exercised his 2013 contract option, he will earn $4.5 million in 2013. Stephen Drew's time with A's could be finished, as they declined his 2013 contract option.
Los Angeles (NL): The Dodgers declined the 2013 contract options for Todd Coffey, Juan Rivera and Matt Treanor. All are set to become to free agents.
Los Angeles (AL): The Angels are exploring the possibility of trading Dan Haren and Ervin Santana.
Toronto: The Blue Jays managerial search is believed to be down to a few candidates, I'll let Shi Davidi fill you in on that one:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/201...al_candidates/
Several players, including Michael Bourn, Zack Greinke and Josh Hamilton are officially free agents.
Full list here, courtesy MLBTR.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/0...ee-agents.html
