AMERICAN LEAGUE
Anaheim Angels:
Exercised option on C Bengie Molina, one-year, $3 million
Acquired OF Juan Rivera and SS Maicer Izturis from Washington for OF Jose Guillen
Signed OF Steve Finley, two-years, $14 million with a $7 million option
Signed P Paul Byrd, one-year, $5 million
Signed P Esteban Yan, two-years, $2.25 million
Baltimore Orioles:
Re-signed 1B Rafael Palmeiro, one-year, $3 million
Re-signed OF B.J. Surhoff, one-year, $1.1 million
Signed P Steve Kline, two-years, $5.5 million
The Levin Line:
There wasn’t much publicity when Steve Kline signed with the Orioles but it was a solid move by the birds. Kline is one of the best left-handed relievers around. He can pitch in a variety of roles and any team would love to have him in their pen. The contract he received is just about right. Good signing.
Boston Red Sox:
Exercised option on 3B Bill Mueller, one-year, $2.5 million
Re-signed C Doug Mirabelli, two-years, $3 million
Signed P Matt Mantei, one-year, $750,000
Signed P John Halama, one-year, $1 million
Signed SS Edgar Renteria, four-years, $40 million
Signed P David Wells, two-years, $8 million
Signed P Matt Clement, three-years, $25.5 million
Signed P Wade Miller, one-year, $1.5 million
Acquired OF Jay Payton, INF Ramon Vazquez, P David Pauley, and cash from SD for OF Dave Roberts
The Levin Line:
Two of the best signings of the winter came this week for the Sox. Wade Miller was non-tendered by the Astros because of his shoulder injuries but the Sox were quick to pick him up. He has incentives that could get him another $3 million but if he reaches those incentives, he will likely be worth much more. Signing Matt Clement was a positive move as he adds depth to their rotation. He has the ability to strike hitters out which will allow him to keep improving. Considering the market, what he received was a fair amount.
Chicago White Sox:
Player option exercised by OF Carl Everett, one-year, $4 million
Re-signed P Jon Garland, one-year, $3.4 million
Exercised option on P Shingo Takatsu, one-year, $2.5 million
Player option exercised by 1B Frank Thomas, one-year, $8 million
Signed OF Jermaine Dye, two-years, $10.15 million
Signed Dustin Hermanson, two-years, $5.5 million
Acquired OF Scott Podsednik, P Luis Vizcaino, and a PTBNL from Milwaukee for OF Carlos Lee
Re-signed C Ben Davis, one-year, $1 million
Signed P Orlando Hernandez, two-years, $8 million
The Levin Line:
Apparently, 80 innings over the past two seasons can get you a multi-year deal. Not only is Hernandez guaranteed $4 million per season but he can make another $4 million in incentives. This contract was not necessary and another example of why the White Sox continue to struggle. For Christmas, maybe some southsider can send Sox GM Ken Williams a clue, eh?
Cleveland Indians:
Re-signed P Scott Elarton, one-year, $850,000
Re-signed P Bob Wickman, one-year, $2.75 million
Exercised option on P Scott Sauerbeck
Signed 2B Jose Hernandez, one-year, $1.8 million
Acquired P Arthur Rhodes from Pittsburgh for OF Matt Lawton
Detroit Tigers:
Exercised option on P Ugueth Urbina, one-year, $4 million
Signed P Troy Percival, 2 years, $12 million
Kansas City Royals:
Signed 3B Chris Truby to a one-year deal
Acquired OF Terrence Long and P Dennis Tankersley from Padres for P Darrell May and P Ryan Bukvich
Acquired OF Eli Marrero from Atlanta for P Jorge Vasquez
Acquired P Leo Nunez from Pittsburgh for C Benito Santiago
Minnesota Twins:
Signed IF Juan Castro, two-years, $2.05 million
Signed C Mike Redmond, two-years, $1.8 million
Re-signed P Brad Radke, two-years, $18 million
New York Yankees:
Acquired P Felix Rodriguez from Philadelphia for OF Kenny Lofton and cash
Acquired P Mike Stanton from the New York Mets for P Felix Heredia
Re-signed C John Flaherty, one-year, $800,000
Signed P Jaret Wright, three-years, $21 million
Signed 2B Tony Womack, two-years, $4 million
Signed P Carl Pavano, four-years, $40 million
Oakland Athletics:
Acquired C Jason Kendall and cash from Pittsburgh for P Arthur Rhodes and P Mark Redman
Acquired 2B Keith Ginter from Milwaukee for P Justin Lehr
Acquired P Juan Cruz, OF Charles Thomas, and P Dan Meyer from Atlanta for P Tim Hudson
Acquired P Dan Haren, P Kiko Calero, and C Daric Barton from St. Louis for P Mark Mulder
The Levin Line:
The A's weren't done with last week’s Tim Hudson deal. They sent the second member of The Big Three to St. Louis this week. In the deal they received a solid young pitcher in Dan Haren, a power reliever in Kiko Calero, and a blue chip catching prospect in Daric Barton. Calero and Haren will make the team in 2005 and Barton could see time in two years. The A’s have quietly been building an outstanding group of relievers which could help them stay in the race in 2005. The Big Three is down to the Big One and don’t be surprised if it ultimately becomes "The Big None."
Seattle Mariners:
Player option exercised by P Eddie Guardado, one-year, $4.5 million
Re-signed C Dan Wilson, one-year, $1.75 million
Signed 1B Richie Sexson, four-years, $50 million
Signed 3B Adrian Beltre, five-years, $64 million
Acquired P Sean Green from Colorado for P Aaron Taylor
Tampa Bay Devil Rays:
Acquired C Kevin Cash from Toronto for P Chad Gaudin
Signed 1B Josh Phelps, one-year, $800,000
The Levin Line:
Phelps had an outstanding rookie season in 2002 with Toronto and was pegged as the heir apparent to Carlos Delgado but never saw the same success as he did in his first season. He still possesses a powerful bat when he makes contact and with a few adjustments, could reach some of his potential. This is a nice low-risk, high-reward signing by GM Chuck Lamar.
Texas Rangers:
Re-signed P Doug Brocail, one year, $1 million
Signed C Sandy Alomar Jr., one-year, $550,000
Signed OF Richard Hidalgo, one-year, $5 million
Signed 1B Greg Colbrunn to a minor-league deal
Re-signed OF Dave Dellucci, two-years, $1.8 million
Toronto Blue Jays:
Acquired P Chad Gaudin from Tampa Bay for C Kevin Cash
Signed 3B Corey Koskie, three-years, $17 million
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Arizona Diamondbacks:
Signed 3B Troy Glaus, four-years, $45 million
Signed P Russ Ortiz, four-years $35 million
Signed SS Royce Clayton, one-year, $1.3 million
Signed SS Craig Counsell, two-years, $2.7 million
Atlanta Braves:
Re-signed 1B Julio Franco, one-year, $1 million
Acquired P Danny Kolb from Milwaukee for P Jose Capellan
Acquired P Tim Hudson from Oakland for P Juan Cruz, OF Charles Thomas, and P Juan Cruz
Chicaco Cubs:
Re-signed SS Neifi Perez, one-year, $1 million
Re-signed P Glendon Rusch, two-years, $4 million
Exercised option on P Ryan Demptster, one-year, $2 million
Re-signed SS Nomar Garciaparra, one-year, $8 million
Re-signed 2B Todd Walker, one-year, $2.5 million
Signed C Henry Blanco, two-years, $2.7 million
Cincinnati Reds:
Re-signed C Jason LaRue, one-year, $3.5 million
Re-signed C Javier Valentin, one-year, $450,000
Re-signed P Paul Wilson, two-years, $8.2 million
Signed P Dave Weathers, one-year, $1.35 million
Signed P Ben Weber, one-year, $600,000
Signed 3B Joe Randa, one-year, $2.15 million
The Levin Line:
The Austin Kearns at third base era has ended before it started. With Randa on board, Kearns is set to split time with Wily Mo Pena in center field or right field, depending on the Ken Griffey Jr. situation. However, it would be surprising if one of the two is not dealt by the start of the season.
Colorado Rockies:
Re-signed C Todd Greene, one-year, $750,000
Re-signed P Jamey Wright, one-year, $550,000
Acquired P Aaron Taylor from Seattle for P Sean Green
The Levin Line:
The Rockies were quick to act when the Mariners needed to make a roster-clearing move. They were able to pick up Aaron Taylor, a power reliever with good upside, for non-prospect Sean Green. Taylor is working his way back from shoulder surgery but with his power fastball and slider, could become a good reliever as soon as this season.
Florida Marlins:
Extended contract of 3B Mike Lowell, three-years, $22.5 million
Re-signed 2B Damion Easley, one-year, $750,000
Signed P Antonio Alfonseca, one-year, $300,000
Signed P Todd Jones, one-year, $1.1 million
Signed P Al Leiter, one-year, $8 million
Signed P John Riedling, one-year, $750,000
The Levin Line:
Riedling is from Florida so this was to be expected. He got off to a fast start last season but ended up with an ERA over 5.00. If he can get back to what he showed to start last year he will be a nice addition to Florida’s pen.
Houston Astros:
Exercised option on OF Craig Biggio, one-year, $3 million
Re-signed OF Orlando Palmeiro, one-year, $800,000
Re-signed SS Jose Vizcaino, one-year, $1.25 million
Los Angeles Dodgers:
Re-signed P Elmer Dessens, one-year, $1.3 million
Signed 2B Jeff Kent, two-years, $17 million
Signed OF Ricky Ledee, two-years, $2.5 million
Signed SS Jose Valentin, one-year, $3.5 million
Signed OF J.D. Drew, five-years, $55 million
The Levin Line:
One can’t help but question these moves made by Paul DePodesta. The signing of Jose Valentin to play third base when most of his value comes as excellent and underrated defensive shortstop is questionable. But why he decided to give Drew that contract but would not go a little higher to keep Adrian Beltre is just confusing. Drew is an excellent player when healthy but that’s the problem. The first year he was able to play a full season was 2004. Guaranteeing $55 million to a player that has trouble staying on the field is a huge risk to take.
Milwaukee Brewers:
Signed C Damian Miller, three-years, $8.75 million
Acquired P Jose Capellan from Atlanta for P Danny Kolb
Acquired OF Carlos Lee from Chicago (AL) for OF Scott Podsednik, Luis Vizcaino, and a PTBNL
Acquired P Justin Lehr from Oakland for 2B Keith Ginter
New York Mets:
Re-signed P Kris Benson, three-years, $22.5 million
Re-signed P Mike DeJean, one-year, $1.15 million
Acquired P Felix Heredia from the New York Yankees for P Mike Stanton
Signed P Pedro Martinez, four-years, $53 million
Philadelphia Phillies:
Exercised option on P Billy Wagner
Re-signed P Corey Lidle, two-years, $6.3 million
Acquired OF Kenny Lofton and cash from the New York Yankees for P Felix Rodriguez
Re-signed P Rheal Cormier, two-years, $5.25 million
Re-signed C Todd Pratt, one-year, $750,000
Signed P Jon Lieber, three-years, $21 million
Re-signed C Todd Pratt, one-year, $750,000
Re-signed P Amaury Telemaco, one-year, $600,000
Pittsburgh Pirates:
Re-signed P Jose Mesa, one-year, $2.5 million
Re-signed P Salomon Torres, two-years, $2.6 million
Acquired Mark Redman and Arthur Rhodes from Oakland for Jason Kendall and cash
Acquired OF Matt Lawton from Cleveland for P Arthur Rhodes
Acquired C Benito Santiago from Kansas City for P Leo Nunez
St. Louis Cardinals:
Exercised option on P Chris Carpenter, one-year, $2 million
Re-signed P Cal Eldred, one-year, $600,000
Re-signed P John Mabry, one-year, $725,000
Re-signed P Matt Morris, one-year, $2.5 million
Signed C Einar Diaz, one-year, $600,000
Acquired P Mark Mulder from Oakland for P Dan Haren, P Kiko Calero, and C Daric Barton
Signed SS David Eckstein, three-years, $10.25 million
Signed P Mike Myers, one-year, $600,000
The Levin Line:
The Cardinals apparently have given up hope that they will add Randy Johnson but that didn't stop them from adding another top lefty. Mark Mulder was acquired from the Oakland A's for Dan Haren, Kiko Calero, and prospect Daric Barton. Losing Calero in the deal will hurt their pen and since Mulder was acquired, Haren was expendable. Barton was the key to the deal. The high-upside catching prospect posted a huge year in the Midwest League and could be an All-Star in a few years. Getting Mulder and adding the piece that may have kept them from truly challenging for the World Series last year was worth it.
San Diego Padres:
Acquired P Darrell May and P Ryan Bukvich from Royals for OF Terrence Long and OF Dennis Tankersley
Signed P Rudy Seanez, one-year, $550,000
Signed P Dennys Reyes, one-year, $550,000
Signed P Woody Williams, one-year, $3.5 million
Signed OF Eric Young, one-year, $1 million
Signed INF Geoff Blum to a one-year deal
Acquired OF David Roberts from Boston for OF Jay Payton, INF Ramon Vazquez, P David Pauley, and cash
The Levin Line:
Roberts will likely be the center fielder and leadoff hitter against right-handed pitchers for the Padres. Eric Young may split time with him when a lefty is on the hill. Roberts’ claim to fame recently was the stolen base against the Yankees during the ALCS. The Padres are hoping for similar results this season.
San Francisco Giants:
Re-signed SS Deivi Cruz, one-year, $800,000
Exercised option on P Marquis Grissom, one-year, $2.5 million
Exercised option on P J.T. Snow, one-year, $2 million
Exercised option on P Brett Tomko, one-year, $2.5 million
Signed SS Omar Vizquel, three-years, $12.25 million
Signed P Armando Benitez, three-years, $21.5 million
Signed C Mike Matheny, three-years, $10.5 million
Signed OF Moises Alou, two-years, $13.25 million
The Levin Line:
An outfield of Barry Bonds, Marquis Grissom, and Moises Alou? An outfield averaging 39-years-old in spacious SBC Park? It appears that Alou will shift to right field and Bonds will stay in left. I hope for the Giants’ sake that Alou doubles his numbers from last year or else this addition will hurt more than it will help.
Washington Nationals:
Signed 3B Vinny Castilla, two-years, $6.3 million
Signed SS Christian Guzman, four-years, $16.8 million
Acquired OF Jose Guillen from the Angels for OF Juan Rivera and SS Maicer Izturis
Signed C Gary Bennett, one-year, $750,000
Acquired OF JJ Davis from Pittsburgh for OF Antonio Surce
Ian Levin is the Assistant Editor at InsidethePark.com and welcomes any comments, questions or general feedback by email at IanLevin@insidethepark.com.
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