Hunter Pence gets $10.4 million from Phillies

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Phillies and OF Hunter Pence avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $10.4 million contract.

It's the exact midpoint of the figures the two sides exchanged earlier this month. Pence earned $6.9 million last season while batting .314/.370/.502 with 22 homers, 97 RBI, eight stolen bases and an .871 OPS over 154 games between Houston and Philadelphia. He has one more year of arbitration eligibility before hitting the free agent market.

Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter

Jan 27 - 3:11 PM

Ryan Howard (Achilles) takes batting practice

Ryan Howard took live batting practice Wednesday for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair a torn left Achilles tendon in October.

Howard is pleased with his recovery thus far, but doesn't want to "time limit" on his return. The 32-year-old just started swinging a bat two weeks ago and since his leg was immobilized for much of the winter, he's not close to being in game shape. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel hasn't ruled out the possibility that Howard could get some action during spring games, but it's doubtful he'll return before May.

Source: Associated Press

Feb 22 - 3:03 PM

Yankees sign RHP reliever David Aardsma

Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports that the Yankees have signed right-handed reliever David Aardsma.

Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reports that it's a major-league deal worth $500,000. Aardsma is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery last July and likely won't be ready to contribute until mid-season. The 30-year-old posted a 2.90 ERA and saved 69 games for the Mariners from 2009-10, so he could be a savvy addition.

Source: Bryan Hoch on Twitter

Feb 22 - 12:21 PM

Edgar Renteria leaning toward retirement

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com was told by Edgar Renteria's agent, Barry Meister, that his client does not intend to play this season and is leaning toward retirement.

Renteria was offered minor league deals from two National League clubs, but turned them down. The 35-year-old will not file retirement papers because he remains open to resuming his career if the right opportunity comes along. The five-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner owns a .286/.343/.398 career batting line over 16 major league seasons to go along with 2,327 hits.

Source: FOXSports.com

Feb 22 - 11:29 AM

Mets one of six teams in mix for LHP Kazmir

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Mets are among six teams in the mix to sign Scott Kazmir and that the left-hander could make a decision sometime in the next few days.

We heard late last week that the Mets didn't have interest in Kazmir "at this time," but that's apparently not the case. The 28-year-old southpaw averaged 86-89 mph and topped out at 91 mph while throwing for approximately 10 teams Friday in Houston. The former Mets' farmhand has a 5.54 ERA over 55 starts dating back to the 2009 season, so he'll almost certainly have to settle for a minor-league deal.

Source: Buster Olney on Twitter

Feb 22 - 10:44 AM

Yanks, Eric Chavez agree to one-year contract

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Yankees and Eric Chavez have agreed to a contract, pending a physical.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that Chavez will receive a one-year deal worth $900,000. The 34-year-old was limited to just 58 games with New York last season due to a fractured foot, batting .263/.320/.356 over 175 plate appearances. It's unlikely he'll be able to stay healthy, but he projects as Alex Rodriguez's primary backup at third base this season.

Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter

Feb 21 - 8:15 PM

Molina won't discuss extension during season

Yadier Molina's agent, Melvin Roman, told Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Tuesday that his client will not discuss a contract extension with the Cardinals once the regular season begins.

"Once the season starts he's just going to concentrate on the game, play hard to win every game and try to bring another championship to the city." said Roman. "After the season, I'm sure we would probably still discuss things." Roman hasn't dismissed the possibility that something could get done prior to the start of the season, but nothing appears imminent. Molina, who is slated to hit free agency next winter, is believed to be seeking at least a five-year extension valued at more than $10 million per season.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Feb 21 - 7:09 PM

Abreu would prefer trade over bench role

Bobby Abreu told Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com that he would rather be traded than accept a bench role.

"I'm an everyday player, I can still be in the lineup of a major league team," said Abreu. "I will not be on the bench knowing I can play." Abreu's role will largely depend on the health of Kendrys Morales (ankle) and Mark Trumbo (foot), but with a crowded outfield, he looks like the odd man out right now. The Angels nearly found a match with the Yankees, but A.J. Burnett nixed the deal by using his no-trade clause. Abreu, who turns 38 next month, is owed $9 million this season.

Source: ESPNDeportes.com

Feb 21 - 5:12 PM

Hanley indicates he's content with move to 3B

Hanley Ramirez indicated Tuesday in Marlins camp that he's content with playing third base this year.

Ramirez has been moved to the hot corner to accommodate new shortstop Jose Reyes. Initial reports suggested Hanley was upset about the situation, but he cleared that up on Tuesday morning. "I never said I’m not going to do it," Ramirez told reporters. "I’m just happy to be here, be back in the spring with my guys, my teammates, everybody’s happy. That’s what we need."

Source: Palm Beach Post

Feb 21 - 4:00 PM

Wedge: Ichiro Suzuki will bat third this year

Mariners skipper Eric Wedge announced Tuesday that Ichiro Suzuki will bat third this season.

Ichiro has hit leadoff in 1,722 of the 1,749 major league games he has played. But the 38-year-old Japanese outfielder posted a poor .310 on-base percentage across 721 plate appearances last season. If his numbers don't improve overall in 2012, he could slip down further than third. Chone Figgins will be given a shot this spring to fill the massive vacancy atop Seattle's batting order. Dustin Ackley seems likely to bat second most games.

Source: Seattle Mariners on Twitter

Feb 21 - 3:01 PM

Baker won't call Mesoraco his No. 1 catcher

Reds manager Dusty Baker declined an opportunity Tuesday to call Devin Mesoraco his starting catcher.

"I haven’t seen enough of him," Baker said. "He’s one of two. Eventually, he’s going to be No. 1. There are certain guys who work better with [Ryan] Hanigan than Mesoraco." It sounds like the Reds will employ a platoon behind the plate in the early going, but Mesoraco should grab the full-time job by the end of the summer. He batted .289/.371/.484 with 15 homers and 71 RBI in 499 plate appearances last season at Triple-A Louisville.

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Feb 21 - 2:39 PM

Astros monitoring Cuban outfielder Soler

Astros GM Jeff Luhnow acknowledged Tuesday that he's been monitoring Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler.

"I have seen him before," Luhnow told the Houston Chronicle, adding that he’s been in contact with Soler’s camp. "He’s still not at the point where he’s a free agent yet, but we’re keeping tabs on him." The Cubs, Phillies, White Sox, Indians and Yankees are also thought to have interest in the 19-year-old, who is attempting to establish residency in the Dominican Republic. He must do so before being granted MLB free agency.

Source: Houston Chronicle

Feb 21 - 2:22 PM