Relief: Going, Going, Gone

Some teams in the MLB used Christmas as a time to re-fill their bullpens. Fernando Rodney got thing started off by signing with the Angels. Rodney (2-5;4.40ERA) was targeted by many teams including the puzzling Phillies, who I'm not sure where they're at right now with Park and Eyre. The deal is worth 2yrs/$11M pending a physical. Rodney saved 37 games last season for the Tigers.

Matt Capps is gone now. The Nationals have scooped him up for 1yr/$3.5M pending a physical. I wasn't surprised that he ended up there given the Nats problem ending games, but why only a year. He was intriguing, despite his struggles last season and could be a talented asset in the years to come.

Another NL East team, the Mets, have agreed to sign Kelvim Escobar. Escobar hasn't pitched much due to "wear and tear" and surgeries. The Mets plan to use him as a set-up man for K-Rod. I like the idea because I felt Escobar was at the end of the line since 2006, so bidding low was a win.

The D-Backs have agreed to a 1 year deal with reliever Bobby Howry. Howry (2-6;3.39ERA) was nothing special in San Fran last season and I don't really see much of an upside of signing him for a team that has struggled with reliable pitching.

The A's have signed back starter Justin Duchsherer to a 1yr/$5.5M deal depnding on if he can stay healthy. The Red Sox were considered his prime destination outside of returning to Oakland. I'd rather him go back there than come to the Sox because the bullpen is more of a pressing concern for the Red Sox. Also, the Yanks are forced to look at Ben Sheets now, who is still too injury prone.

The Giants have agreed to sign versatile INF Mark DeRosa to a 2yr/$12M contract. DeRosa took his physical today and an official announcement is due tomorrow. DeRosa hit a combined .250 and 23 HRs and 78RBIs between Cleveland and St. Louis.

The busy Mariners signed C Josh Bard and RP Chad Cordero to minor league deals.



Rumors and Notes:

The D-backs are keeping their eyes on Jose Valverde

Would Atlanta be getting 2B Dan Uggla? GM Frank Wren says "It's costly, but not ruled out."

The Rangers could be looking into SP Jon Garland and OF Jermaine Dye. The Rangers were rumored to be after DH Vladimir Guerrero. Dye can play the outfield, but not much better than Guerrero. Dye would be the cheaper and more productive choice.

The Red Sox have clared $48M of payroll off the books for 2010 which leaves the door open for Bay, whom they could pay easier after this season. What about the Beckett extension and V-Mart negotiations though? Has that been factored in?

The Tigers are looking for a new lead-off after dumping Curtis Granderson? Hello, Johnny Damon?

The Athletics are said to be "the only serious bidders" on 3B Adrian Beltre according to ESPN.

The Cubs are looking into reliever Kiko Calero. ESPNChicago.com thinks SP Jose Contrearas and OF Ryan Spilborghs won't be in Wrigley next season.