Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Indians and Blue Jays are interested in free-agent first baseman Russell Branyan.
Both teams, however, are also interested in other hitters. Vanderbilt baseball coach Tim Corbin, who has seen Branyan work out recently, believes the veteran is healthy. "I see him every day in the weight room, doing all this core work," Corbin said. "I don’t know what the situation was with Seattle, but he looks good to me. He’s hitting every day with (Dan) Uggla and Khalil (Greene). I don’t see anything wrong." The 34-year-old Branyan hoped to receive a three-year deal this winter, but might now have to settle for a small one-year deal. Feb. 9 - 9:43 pm et
Source: FOXSports.com

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that two teams that have interest in free agent catcher Rod Barajas -- the Mets and Rangers -- are experiencing complications in their pursuit of the veteran.
Morosi writes that the Mets are out of money and the Rangers may be unable to increase payroll while in ownership transition. The 34-year-old Barajas smacked 19 homers last season. He should be cheap enough if either team can open up a nominal amount of money. Feb. 9 - 9:39 pm et
Source: FOXSports.com

According to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, Astros general manager Ed Wade said he would be interested in bringing Willy Taveras to camp on a minor league contract if he clears waivers.
The Athletics released Taveras on Tuesday after trading for him from the Reds last week. With his mix of speed and solid defense, Taveras could be a solid fourth or fifth outfielder on most teams at a minimal cost -- including the Astros. Feb. 9 - 9:19 pm et
Source: Jerry Crasnick on Twitter

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that fee agent outfielder Johnny Damon has not moved off his demand of a two-year contract.
And look where that has got him and agent Scott Boras. The Tigers, Rays and Braves appear to be in the mix for Damon, but obviously none of the three have met Damon's lofty demands yet. "We continue to monitor everything," Tigers club president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "I am not sure if we are close on anything." Feb. 9 - 9:15 pm et
Source: FOXSports.com

The Mets and outfielder Angel Pagan avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.45 million contract.
Pagan requested $1.8 million and was offered $1.275 million from the Mets when arbitration figures were exchanged, so the two parties found middle ground. Pagan, 28, hit .306/.350/.487 with six homers, 32 RBI and 14 stolen bases over 343 at-bats last season and played solid defense in the outfield. GM Omar Minaya said Friday that the center field job will be an "open competition" between Pagan and Gary Matthews Jr. Expect Pagan to win that competition and man center until Carlos Beltran returns. Feb. 9 - 7:58 pm et
Source: New York Daily News

The Mets are close to an agreement with free agent first baseman Mike Jacobs on a minor league contract, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
He would get an invite to spring training as a non-roster invitee. Jacobs hit just .228/.297/.401 and struck out 132 times in 434 at-bats last year for the Royals, but he has a career .830 OPS against righties and boasts a decent amount of power. As far as no-risk fliers go, this is a decent one -- it wouldn't be shocking to see Jacobs enter into a platoon in New York. Feb. 9 - 7:32 pm et
Source: Jerry Crasnick on Twitter

Padres placed RHP Greg Burke on unconditional waivers.
Burke becomes a free agent if unclaimed, although he has the right to refuse any claim and enter the free agent market. The 27-year-old produced a 4.14 ERA in 45 2/3 innings of relief for the Padres last season, and, prior to that, was an effective closer at Triple-A Portland. He should garner some interest, but keep in mind that he had surgery on his throwing shoulder in October and his availability for spring training is not yet known. Feb. 9 - 7:00 pm et
Source: Dan Hayes on Twitter

Mariners outrighted RHP Yusmiero Petit to Triple-A Tacoma.
The Mariners designated Petit for assignment last week after claiming him off waivers from the Diamondbacks earlier this offseason. The 24-year-old right-hander has a 5.57 career ERA over parts of four seasons in the majors. As an extreme flyball pitcher, he could see more success with the Mariners if he can ever crack their rotation. Feb. 9 - 6:53 pm et

Mariners outrighted RHP Gaby Hernandez to Triple-A Tacoma.
He was designated for assignment last weekend, but drew no interest on the waiver wire. Hernandez was acquired from the Marlins for Arthur Rhodes at the 2008 trade deadline. The 24-year-old posted a 5.23 ERA in 146 1/3 innings at Triple-A last year, and will return for another year of service in Tacoma. Feb. 9 - 6:51 pm et

Mariners signed RHP Levale Speigner to a minor league contract.
Remember in June 2007 when the Nationals acquired Speigner from the Twins for outfielder Darnell McDonald? No? Don't worry, there won't be a quiz. Speigner, a former Rule 5 pick of Washington's, posted a ghastly 9.19 ERA in 48 innings for the Nats between 2007-2008. He's been much better in the minors -- with a career 3.37 ERA in seven seasons -- and will provide Seattle's Triple-A affiliate with another arm. Feb. 9 - 6:47 pm et

Mariners signed RHP David Pauley to a minor league contract.
The 26-year-old is 65-64 with a 3.98 ERA in nine minor league seasons, but has posted a horrific 9.53 ERA in 28 1/3 career major league innings. He has no fantasy upside and will serve as organizational depth for the M's. Feb. 9 - 6:41 pm et

According to Alyson Footer of MLB.com, infielder Jose Vallejo will have surgery on Wednesday to repair severed tendons on two fingers on his right hand.
He could miss the entire season, according to Footer. Vallejo severed the tendons while preparing dinner at his home in the Dominican Republic during Christmas. The 22-year-old was acquired as the player to be named later in the Ivan Rodriguez trade last August. He batted .250/.293/.325 with two home runs and 38 RBI in the minors between Texas and Houston. Feb. 9 - 5:31 pm et
Source: Alyson Footer on Twitter

Alyson Footer of MLB.com reports that Brandon Lyon recently had a small cyst drained from his right shoulder.
The cyst was pressing on a nerve, causing temporary weakness in his shoulder, but he has been throwing without discomfort since having it drained two weeks ago. It doesn't sound too serious, but he could be a bit behind to begin Spring Training. He should be Houston's closer to open the season, but don't expect him to be in high demand on draft day. Feb. 9 - 5:25 pm et
Source: Alyson Footer on Twitter

The Orioles have some interest in free agent left-hander Jarrod Washburn, reports Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com.
While the club is in search of another starting pitcher after losing out on Bedard, a major league source tells Morosi that the "price would have to drop pretty far" for Baltimore to be a realistic landing spot. Washburn in the American League East could be positively unsightly, so the Orioles are probably better off with their younger, cheaper internal options. Feb. 9 - 5:07 pm et
Source: FOXSports.com

A source tells Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com that free agent right-hander Chien-Ming Wang will decide on a new team in the next 7 to 10 days.
While the Mets and the Dodgers are lagging behind, Wang has received offers from a pair of unnamed clubs, according to Rosenthal. Various teams, including the Orioles, have expressed interest in the 29-year-old, although he is expected to miss the early part of the season as he rehabs from shoulder surgery. Feb. 9 - 4:56 pm et
Source: FOXSports.com