Los Angeles (NL): Despite signing him to a five-year, $85 million contract extension, the Dodgers are willing to trade slugger Andre Ethier. For a guy that can drive in nearly 100 runs or more when healthy and a reasonable contract for a player of his caliber, expect a lot of teams to be interested. He's also a terrific defensive right fielder.
Cleveland: The Indians are the first team to dip into the Japanese market, signing 18-year-old outfielder Takuya Tsuchida. Financial terms still are not confirmed. Cleveland is also scouting Shohei Otani, who will land a big contract somewhere based on his skills and potential.
Atlanta: Cody Ross remains a priority for the Braves, as Brian McCann is expected to miss the beginning of the 2013 season and Ross is regarded as one of the best backup catchers in baseball. Atlanta officially exercised the contract options of Tim Hudson, Paul Maholm and Brian McCann.
Houston: Things won't get any easier for the Astros, as they will be moving to the American League West division with the Mariners, Angels, Athletics and Rangers. They are expected to do some shopping in the off-season, mostly for pitching and a designated hitter. Houston designated infielder Matt Downs for assignment today.
Detroit: Manager Jim Leyland is staying put, after the club agreed to extend him through the 2013 season. Detroit also exercised relief pitcher Octavio Dotel's contract option for 2013 and same goes for shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Detroit is not expected to bring back Jose Valverde or Delmon Young, but they would like to re-sign Anibal Sanchez.
Toronto: The Blue Jays have been granted permission by the Dodgers to speak with third base coach Tim Wallach. The Jays wanted to talk with Wallach last time they had a managerial opening, but they were not allowed to because of a clause in Wallach's contract. The managerial search appears to be down to Wallach, Don Wakamatsu, Sandy Alomar Jr. and DeMarlo Hale.
Boston: Interestingly enough, John Farrell appears to be bringing most of the staff with him to Boston. First base coach Torey Lovullo headed to Boston and now third base coach Brian Butterfield has agreed to join the Red Sox.
Tampa Bay: James Shields will be back another year, after the Rays exercised his 2013 contract option. Shields will make $10.25 million in the upcoming season.
Texas: Scott Feldman and Yoshinori Tateyama are not going to be back with they Rangers, as they had their 2013 contract options declined by the club.
Oakland: Dallas Braden and Joey Devine elect free agency.
More to come!
Last edited by dmvincent; 10-30-2012 at 05:49 PM.
Reason: Braden, Feldman, Tateyama and Devine to become FA's
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