Phillies sign Pedro Martinez to One Year Deal

The Phillies, somewhat desperate for starting pitching in their run for the defense of their world title, signed three time Cy Young Award pitcher Pedro Martinez to a one year deal worth $1 million guaranteed, plus $1.5 million in incentives.

Mets, Oliver Perez Agree to 3-Year Deal

The New York Mets, who have definitely been working diligently to try to re-sign Oliver Perez, and they announced they have done so. The lefty Perez, who was 10-7 and pitched 194 innings last year, agreed to a 3 year, $36 million contract to remain a starter with the organization. This, along with the signing of Tim Redding and Freddy Garcia, probably forecloses the idea that Randy Wolf or Pedro Martinez will be in a Mets uniform next season.

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.

Braves Nearing Deal with Kenshin Kamakawi

The Atlanta Braves, clearing becoming a little more active after John Smoltz took the deal with the Boston Red Sox, are reportedly nearing a deal with 33 year old Kenshin Kamakawi from Japan to be a starter in their rotation. No rumors yet on the size of the deal (although original reports that the demand was in the 3 year, $30 million plus range). Previously the Mets, Orioles, Angels, Cardinals and Twins had been rumored to have been previously interested in Kamakawi's services. Kamakawi's fastball is supposed to be clocked around 92 with a nasty splitter, 2 seam fastball and curve that keeps batters off guard. He also, apparently, can handle a bat, which is definitely helpful in the National League.

Mets sign Tim Redding to One Year Deal

Home-state boy Tim Redding, a former top prospect in the Astros organization who spent all of 2006 in the minors, only to seem to find his way last year, signed a one year, $2.25 million contract with the New York Mets to be a starter with that organization. Redding, 30, was 10-11 with a 4.95 ERA with the Washington Nationals last year but was non-tendered by that team. Redding likely will battle rookies Jonathon Niese and Bobby Parnell for the fourth or fifth spot in the Mets' rotation. The Colorado Rockies had been showing interest in Redding over the last few weeks before the Mets got it done.

Mets get setup man Putz in 3 way trade

The New York Mets have acquired J.J. Putz from the Mariners to serve as the setup man to new closer Francisco Rodriguez.

The Mets also received outfielder Jeremy Reed and right-hander Sean Green from Seattle. The Mariners received outfielder Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians and, from the Mets, right-hander Aaron Heilman, center fielder Endy Chavez and four Minor Leaguers -- first baseman Mike Carp, right-hander Maikel Cleto, left-hander Jason Vargas and center fielder Ezekiel Carrera. The Indians received right-hander Joe Smith from the Mets and infielder Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.

K-Rod to Mets

Francisco Rodriguez has agreed to a 3 year deal with the New York Mets, worth approximately $37 million. With Billy Wagner on the shelf, the Mets got the closer they were after. Trevor Hoffman and Brian Fuentes will now continue to shop their services to other teams.

Yankees Plan "B": "B"en Sheets

As insurance that they cannot sign the best free agent pitcher on the market CC Sabathia (who yesterday apparently indicated that he wanted to pitch next year for the Dodgers), the Yankees met with Sheets on Monday at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, and the New York Daily News reported that according to a source, they will offer the right-hander a multiyear deal, believed to be for two years and about $30 million dollars. The offer is expected to be made before the Meetings wrap up on Thursday and is seen as an insurance policy related to Sabathia, as clearly the Yankees have made no doubts that it wants Sabathia wearing pinstripes. Sabathia is no Boras client, however, and seems to be resistant to playing on the East Coast, although the money the East Coast teams are floating are so huge he may not be able to resist.

Rumor: Mets close to closer K-Rod

Filling a need from the injury of Billy Wagner, Mets are reportedly closing in on a three year deal worth $37 million with 27 year old closer K-Rod, Francisco Rodriguez.

CC Sweepstakes...Citibank Bailout to Make CC a Yankee?

I'm wondering if the new Citi bailout by the feds will affect the Mets ability to pay what the Yankees will pay for CC Sabathia. According to sources, the Mets may have a problem with their $400 million deal with Citibank for naming rights on the stadium, although to this point Citi is publicly stating they are honoring the agreement. One wonders how Milwaukee Brewers fans/taxpayers will enjoy helping the Mets sign Sabathia with the continued payment on the naming rights deal after the federal government bailout, and how it will look to use that money from Citibank, while Citi lays off 52,000 workers, to hire one 28 year old free agent pitcher. And we thought an AIG retreat was bad...