Jorge Posada's long run with the New York Yankees has come to an end. Posada said during a function for the Jorge Posada Foundation that he will there is no chance that he will return. Posada has not made a decision on his future yet, and has not ruled out playing next year. His numbers have been declining in each of the last three seasons. With top prospect Jesus Montero more than ready to take the reigns behind the plate, Posada's production will be replaced. Still, Posada has been known as a leader among the Yankees, and has been a model of consistency for most of his time in the Bronx.
Cuban star Yoenis Cespedes is drawing a high level interest from New York, despite the fact that general manager Brian Cashman has been adamantly against adding position players to the lineup. Cespedes, 26, tied a Cuban league record with 33 home runs during the 2010-2011 season. Per the New York Daily News, Cespedes recently held a workout in the Dominican Republic. Scouts from a variety of major league teams, including the Yankees, attended the event. The signing of Cespedes could spell the end of Curtis Granderson, whom the Yankees gave quite a bit of value for just two years ago.
General manager Brian Cashman has reached out to the agents of Roy Oswalt and CJ Wilson. Cashman has been vocal about the Yankees need for pitching help, and there is no shortage of talented arms in the free agent class. Wilson is said to be seeking a contract of around $100 million, though the addition of Wilson to the Yankees rotation would be dangerous for the rest of the AL East. Oswalt is likely nearing the end of his career, but would be a good improvement for the Yankees. Other free agent possibilities for the Bronx Bombers include veteran Mark Buehrle, who has made it clear that he has no interest in returning to the White Sox. Also, Japanese sensation Yu Darvish will be available to any team willing to pay enough.
Recently appointed general manager Ben Cherington is hoping that the compensation talks regarding Theo Epstein will come to an end next week. The Red Sox and Cubs were granted an extra week to negotiate, but the teams have had very little contact, per Evan Drellich of mlb.com. If the teams are unable to come to an agreement, commissioner Bud Selig will make the decision. Bruce Levine reported that the teams had agreed on reliever Chris Carpenter, though Boston decided to back out of the deal.
Despite numerous reports, the Red Sox have yet to contact free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran. Instead, per CBS Sports, Boston has a growing interest in injury plagued free agent Grady Sizemore. The Cleveland Indians declined the option on their former franchise player after the season ended. The Red Sox interest in an outfielder is slightly bizarre, as Carl Crawford, Jacoby Ellsbury, Ryan Kalish, and Josh Reddick are more than capable. The Boston Herald believes that the Sox are looking for a right handed hitter. With the Sox still regretting signing Crawford and John Lackey to lucrative deals last offseason, they will likely be more cautious with Sizemore's deal. Especially considering that he hasn't played more than 106 games since 2008.
Former Royals pitching coach Bob McClure will take a demotion to join the Red Sox. According to nesn.com, McClure will serve a hybrid role. He will scout players, while at the same time work at the minor league level as a special assistant to player development. The Red Sox are still searching for a manager, and Sandy Alomar jr. was recently brought in for an interview. Talks are still considered to be preliminary, as no deal has been reached.
To no one's surprise, James Shields and Kyle Farnsworth will return to the Rays in 2012, as the team picked up their options. Kelly Shoppach has been shown the door. Despite his defensive abilities, the Rays will look for an upgrade during the offseason. Shields earned a career high 16 wins and posted a spectacular 2.82 ERA, also a career low. Farnsworth tied his career high of five wins, and had a .99 WHIP.
David Price will opt out of his contract for the 2012 season, and take the arbitration approach, notes the Tampa Tribune. Price is in the middle of his rookie contract, and is easily worth more than the $2.43 million that he is currently receiving. Price could financially cripple the Rays organization, as they can hardly afford to dish out any more lucrative contracts.
The Orioles have ended their search for a general manager, with Dan Duquette singing on with the club. Duquette was formerly the gm in Montreal and Boston, and was the man responsible for the Red Sox acquiring Pedro Martinez. Duquette has been out of baseball for several years, and was not high on the lists of other teams. Though could end up being exactly what the Orioles needed. Duquette is known for specializing in international scouting in Asia and Latin America.
Orioles' pitcher Alfredo Simon has been acquitted of charges in the murder of a man from his hometown, per CNN.com. Simon was charged with the involuntary murder of Mitchell Esteban Castillo. An official verdict has not been reached, and the prosecution is planning to appeal to the appellate court in Santiago. Simon was far from impressive in 2011, finishing with a four win, nine loss record and a 4.90 ERA.
The Toronto Blue Jays plan to be very aggressive in their search for a closer, reported Buster Olney. With a surplus of top relievers available, the Jays chances of coming away with an impact arm are high. Closers such as Jonathan Broxton, Jonathan Papelbon, and Heath Bell are on the market. The Jays have several holes to fill and positions that they can improve, but signing a top level closer would be a step in the right direction.
Cross the Blue Jays off of the list of possible destinations for Cuban slugger Yoenis Cespedes. Kevin Gray notes that due to their current outfield depth, the Jays will pay more attention to improving other areas.
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