Baseball News

Pitcher John Grabow became the first of the 171 free agents to reach agreement on a new deal, getting a $7.5 million, two-year contract Friday from the Chicago Cubs. The 31-year-old left-hander combined to go 3-0 with a 3.36 ERA last season in a career-high 75 relief appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cubs. "I pretty much let everyone know before I left there that I wanted to come back. It's a good situation for me and my family," said Grabow, who said he has a house in Arizona where ...

I pretty much let everyone know before I left there that I wanted to come back. It's a good situation for me and my family   -John Grabow

 

The Orioles on Friday claimed catcher Craig Tatum off waivers from the Reds. In order to make room for Tatum on the 40-man roster, they in turn designated left-hander Chris Waters for assignment. Tatum, 26, batted .239 with three home runs and 21 RBIs in 64 games for Triple-A Louisville this past season. He also appeared in 26 games for Cincinnati, batting .162 (11-for-68) with a homer and six RBIs. A third-round Draft pick in 2004, Tatum was rated the best defensive catcher in the Reds' Minor League system in '08 by Baseball America.  

The Washington Nationals today announced that hitting coach Rick Eckstein, pitching coach Steve McCatty and third base coach Pat Listach will return in the same roles in 2010. The club also named John McLaren bench coach, Jim Lett bullpen coach and Dan Radison first-base coach. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Nationals Field Manager Jim Riggleman made the joint announcement.  

The Chicago White Sox are talking to veteran shortstop Omar Vizquel about a contract and a deal is expected in the coming days, sources confirm. Manager Ozzie Guillen is said to be a big admirer of Vizquel's. The White Sox say not to expect an announcement on Friday, though.  

That sonic boom you heard emanating from the tri-state area was the sound of millions of Yankees fans, having been cruelly denied a World Series title, finally ending a 9-year drought last night with a 7-3 victory in Game 6. After the game, third baseman Alex Rodriguez and his girlfriend Kate Hudson hit the Meatpacking District, partying at 1Oak with his mom and sister and shortstop Derek Jeter and his girlfriend ("Friday Night Lights"' Minka Kelly ). Even the revelation that Rodriguez has a ...  

Free agent Yorvit Torrealba still might return. But if he doesn't the Rockies have a backup plan. They signed Paul Phillips to a minor-league contract today, The Denver Post learned, providing them with a veteran to pair with Chris Iannetta.

I still have a shot at being the backup and I love the team   -Paul Phillips

 

Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants wins the National League Cy Young award for the 2nd straight year. Starting today, baseball free agents are free to sign with any team. Who will be shopping in this economy?  

The Minnesota Twins have added six prospects to their 40-man major league roster, including third baseman Danny Valencia and right-handed pitcher Deolis Guerra. Friday was the deadline for filling out the 40-man roster, for the purpose of protecting prospects in the "Rule 5" draft next month at the winter meetings. Infielder Estarlin De Los Santos and right-handers Alex Burnett, Loek Van Mil and Rob Delany were also added.  

Win a lot of games. Denny McLain was a unanimous pick in 1968 and deservedly so. He posted 31 victories - the combined total of this year's Cy Young starters, Tim Lincecum and Zack Greinke.  

Okay, so maybe the Yanks won't net a big fish this winter. Unless, of course, they make some kind of crazy trade. Right, Goldie ?