Red Sox Cut SS Julio Lugo

Because of Nick Green's emergence from non-roster invitee to key contributor, and Jed Lowrie's imminent return, the Red Sox essentially didn't have a spot for SS Julio Lugo.

The Red Sox now have 10 days to either trade Lugo, release him or re-assign him.

The Red Sox have sought a potential trade partner for Lugo, though they'd likely be on the hook for the most -- if not all -- of the $13.5 million the shortstop is owed through the end of 2010.

Astros May Need a SS Soon

Miguel Tejada, who had testified to Congress that he did not know about any performance enhancing drugs in baseball clubhouses, is expected to plead guilty to lying to Congress as part of the Congressional investigation into steroids in baseball. Tejada has reportedly reached a plea bargain with prosecutors. The crime carries with it a maximum one year jail sentence, but federal sentencing guidelines make probation up to six months in prison more likely.

It is hard to look at the Astros' roster and see another everyday shortstop, but one wonders if Drayton McLane and the Astros use this plea bargain to terminate his contract as a cost saving move. The Astros had made little secret about their attempts to move Tejada's contract elsewhere, and one wonders if this is all the evidence McLane will need to do additional cost saving moves (or improve the ballclub with the cost savings while picking up a defensive shortstop).

Tejada is smart to plea while the A-Roid scandal continues to make headlines and talk show fodder.

Alex Rodriguez Admits A-Rod is A-Fraud

In an interview with ESPN, it is being reported that Alex Rodriguez admitted that while he was with the Texas Rangers from 2001-2003 he did steroids, including the season where he won the MVP and including the time right after he got his super large contract.

An article on the admission is here.

Seems to me that the only person in baseball we can trust about steroids is Jose Canseco.

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.

Brewers Avoid Abitration with JJ Hardy

The Brewers signed shortstop J.J. Hardy to a one-year, $4.65 million contract on Monday and avoided arbitration, a raise from Hardy's $2.65 million contract from 2008. Hardy, 26, batted .283 with 24 home runs and 74 RBIs in 146 games last season.

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.

Astros not likely to move Valverde but Tejada and Wigginton drawing interest

According to Alyson Footer of MLB.com, Ty Wigginton, Jose Valverde and Miguel Tejada are the three Astros' names generating the most activity on the rumor mill at the Winter Meetings, but in all likelihood it's Wigginton and Tejada who will stay on the front burner, while Valverde has the best chance to still be wearing a Houston uniform in 2009. Tejada is scheduled to make $13 million next year, so it's likely the team would have to absorb some of his salary if they move him.

Adam Everett signs with the Tigers

Former Astros and Twins SS / Defense specialist Adam Everett has reportedly signed a one year deal with the Detroit Tigers. Everett is part of a move by the Tigers to attempt to solidify their defense up the middle along with their trade recently with the Texas Rangers for Gerald Laird. Everett signed for $1 million.

White Sox Trade RHP Javier Vazquez to Braves

The White Sox have agreed upon a trade that will send right-hander Javier Vazquez to the Braves, a Major League source confirmed to MLB.com on Tuesday evening, with the deal apparently contingent upon the players passing their physicals (Vazquez is scheduled to undergo his physical in Atlanta on Wednesday). In return for Vazquez and another yet undisclosed White Sox player, Chicago will receive as many as three players from the Braves. Reports are that one of the players is shortstop Brent Lillibridge.