San Diego Padres sign David Eckstein

Seeking help in the middle infield after trading Khalil Greene, the San Diego Padres signed SS / 2B and former Cardinal David Eckstein to a one year deal, terms undisclosed. Eckstein hit a combined .265 with Arizona and Toronto last year.

Mets to Sign Infielder Alex Cora

According to a report on WEEI.com, the New York Mets have reached a deal with 2B/ SS Alex Cora on a one year, $2 million contract to be the Mets' utility middle infielder. Cora played last year with the Boston Red Sox and hit .270 in 75 games.

San Diego Padres sign 2b Chris Burke

Chris Burke, former Houston Astros 2b of the future, signed with the San Diego Padres for a minor league deal. Burke hit .195 with 2 HR last year for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Burke was part of the Astros deal to acquire Jose Valverde last year.

Royals Find Their Utility Man in Willie Bloomquist

Willie Bloomquist, the utility man who played seven years for the Seattle Mariners, is reported to be signing with the Kansas City Royals in a two year deal worth $3 million total. Bloomquist, who nearly played every position for the Mariners, is more speed than power, and hit .279 last year in 71 games without a home run, but had 14 stolen bases in those 71 games.

Jerry Hairston to Remain on Reds Roster

Jerry Hairston, Jr., a utility player largely used as a SS/2B, has agreed to a one year, $2 million deal to remain with the Reds. It is apparently an incentive laden deal worth as much as $4 million. Hairston had been approached by a couple of other teams after hitting .326 with 15 steals in 80 games last season, but Cincinnati reeled him back in to the fold.

Furcal signs with Dodgers, Braves Ticked

There are many reports right now that Furcal has agreed to terms with the Dodgers very similar to the deal reported worked out with the Braves, and the Braves management is very ticked at Furcal and his agent, as are many of the Braves faithful. There are mixed reports as to why Furcal chose to re-sign with the Dodgers, but suffice it to say this is not the last we've heard on this topic. Reports are that Furcal's agent and the Braves worked out a deal, and that the Braves signed the term sheet and returned it to Furcal's agent believing the deal to be done, but did not receive a countersigned term sheet from Furcal. When the Dodgers matched the offer, Furcal signed with the Dodgers. Stay tuned.

Report: Furcal Agrees to Contract with Braves

Rafael Furcal, SS/2B, has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Braves as reported by MLB.com. Furcal had left the Braves a few years ago to sign with the Dodgers, and so far the agent for Furcal is not acknowledging the agreement or its terms, raising questions whether it is a done deal. Stay Tuned.

UPDATE(12/17): It appears MLB's report was based on a conversation with the Braves, and the Braves clearly thought they had a deal. The agent for Furcal, though, said basically that currently the leader is the Braves, absent some movement from the Dodgers or another horse in the race. The Dodgers apparently moved it such that the Braves deal is not completely "done, done", but I understand they are still the front runners for Furcal's services. However, as of now, nothing is signed.

Former Astro Mark Loretta signs with Dodgers

Former Astro Mark Loretta, 37, signed a free agent deal with what is appearing to be a freewheeling Hot Stove League Dodger team. Loretta hit .280 in 261 at-bats last season but batted .330 against left-handers. He played 46 games at second base, 17 at third base, five at shortstop and two at first base. He presumably would take the place of Nomar Garciaparra, who appeared at three infield positions this season but is apparently considering retirement because of health issues. Loretta is a 13-year veteran and two-time All-Star that earned $2.75 million last year and will receive around $1.4 million in 2009.

Loretta is one of those great utility players and has some of the best patience at the plate I've ever seen from a reserve player. He doesn't have the pop in the bat to be a likely every day player, but he is great off the bench and a decent fielder. The Astros were only not interested due to salary concerns.

Astros decline all arbitration eligible players

According the the Houston Chronicle, the Astros declined arbitration to catcher Brad Ausmus, Doug Brocail (leaving yet another middle reliever in free agency), SP Randy Wolf and utility infielder Mark Loretta. Loretta and Ausmus were expected, Brocail and Wolf were obviously based on negotiations and payroll figures. The Mike Hampton signing probably made Wolf expendable (the Astros do not need three left handed starters), and the market for Wolf was proabably more than the Astros could bear, particularly if they lost arbitration.