MLB Player News: CBSSports.com

O's add five prospects to 40-man

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:38:50 EST

The Orioles purchased the contracts of prospects RHP Bradley Bergesen, LHP Wilfrido Perez, OF Nolan Reimold and RHP David Hernandez from Double-A Bowie and RHP Chorye Spoone from Triple-A Norfolk.

O's invite C Reyes to spring

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:36:17 EST

The Orioles signed C Jose A. Reyes to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Also, they purchased the contracts of prospects RHP Bradley Bergesen, LHP Wilfrido Perez, OF Nolan Reimold and RHP David Hernandez from Double-A Bowie and RHP Chorye Spoone from Triple-A Norfolk.

Angels add Trumbo, Ortega to roster

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:32:51 EST

The Los Angeles Angels purchased the contract of RHP Anthony Ortega and 1B Mark Trumbo from Triple-A Salt Lake, adding them to the 40-man roster and protecting them from the Rule-5 draft.

Youkilis third in AL MVP vote

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:52:53 EST

Boston little man Dustin Pedroia won the AL MVP award Tuesday, becoming the first second baseman to earn the honor in nearly a half-century. Pedroia easily beat out Minnesota slugger Justin Morneau and added to his ever-expanding trophy case. Pedroia drew 16 of the 28 first-place votes cast by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America and finished with 317 points. It was a scattered ballot, with five players receiving first-place votes. Pedroia was even left off one ballot -- Morneau and Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis were listed on every one. Morneau got seven first-place votes and had 257 points. Youkilis and Twins catcher Joe Mauer each got a pair of first-place votes. Record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez of the Angels drew the other first-place nod and came in sixth.

Morneau second in AL MVP vote

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:50:23 EST

Red Sox's Pedroia named AL MVP

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:44:35 EST

Boston little man Dustin Pedroia won the AL MVP award Tuesday, becoming the first second baseman to earn the honor in nearly a half-century. Pedroia easily beat out Minnesota slugger Justin Morneau and added to his ever-expanding trophy case -- generously listed at 5-foot-9, the Red Sox star was the top AL rookie last year while winning a World Series ring. Pedroia drew 16 of the 28 first-place votes cast by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America and finished with 317 points. It was a scattered ballot, with five players receiving first-place votes. Pedroia was even left off one ballot -- Morneau and Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis were listed on every one. Morneau got seven first-place votes and had 257 points. Youkilis and Twins catcher Joe Mauer each got a pair of first-place votes. Record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez of the Angels drew the other first-place nod and came in sixth.

Dempster gets 4 years, $13M per

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:27:14 EST

Pitcher Ryan Dempster and the Cubs agreed Tuesday on a four-year contract worth about $52 million. As the Cubs' closer from 2005-07, he saved 87 games in 102 chances. But after earning a spot in the rotation during spring training, Dempster returned to the starter's role he held with the Marlins and Reds from 1998-2003. Dempster was 14-3 at Wrigley Field during the regular season after starting 10-0 on the Cubs' home field. But Wrigley was also the site of one of his worst performances when he struggled in the playoff opener against the Dodgers. Dempster threw 109 pitches in just 4 2/3 innings, giving up four runs and four hits while matching a career high seven walks. He gave up a grand slam to James Loney in the Cubs 7-2 loss and Chicago -- which had the NL's best record -- was swept out of the playoff in the first round for the second consecutive season.

Kouz fine after shoulder 'scope

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:16:12 EST

Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder and is expected to be ready by the start of spring training. The surgery was performed Saturday by Dr. Heinz Hoenecke and Dr. Jan Fronek at Scripps Green Hospital. The team didn't make an announcement until Monday. "We are pleased with the results and expect Kevin to be at full speed when spring training begins in February," GM Kevin Towers said in a statement.

Nats clear off their 60-day DL

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:44:24 EST

The Nationals cleared 1B Nick Johnson and outfielder Justin Maxwell off the 60-day DL.

O's clear off 60-day DL

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:39:32 EST

The Orioles activated RHP Matt Albers, RHP Danys Baez, RHP Jim Hoey, LHP Troy Patton and RHP Chris Ray from the 60-day disabled list.

O's invite Hennessey to spring camp

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:26:29 EST

The Orioles signed RHP Brad Hennessey and infielder Donnie Murphy to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training.

White Sox claim Jimenez from Jays

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:14:38 EST

The White Sox claimed right-handed reliever Kelvin Jimenez off waivers from the Blue Jays on Monday. Jimenez, who'd been claimed by Toronto on waivers on Nov. 3, will be added to Chicago's 40-man roster.

Giants first in on FA; get Affeldt

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:04:40 EST

The Giants signed free-agent reliever Jeremy Affeldt to a two-year contract Monday.

Howard runner-up for NL MVP

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:55:58 EST

Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols won his second NL MVP award, powering past Philadelphia star Ryan Howard by a comfortable margin Monday. Los Angeles outfielder Manny Ramirez and Milwaukee pitcher C.C. Sabathia also drew strong support after being traded by AL teams in July. Pujols got 18 of the 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America and had 369 points. He added to the MVP award he won in 2005. Howard drew 12 first-place votes and 308 points. Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun was third with 139 points, with Ramirez fourth at 138. Houston's Lance Berkman was fifth and Sabathia sixth. Brad Lidge, perfect on 41 save chances for the Phillies during the regular season, drew the other two first-place votes and came in eighth. Voting was completed before the playoffs began.

Cardinals' Pujols named NL MVP

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:54:09 EST

Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols won his second NL MVP award, powering past Philadelphia star Ryan Howard by a comfortable margin Monday. Los Angeles outfielder Manny Ramirez and Milwaukee pitcher C.C. Sabathia also drew strong support after being traded by AL teams in July. Pujols got 18 of the 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America and had 369 points. He added to the MVP award he won in 2005. Howard, who led the majors with 48 homers and 146 RBIs for the World Series champion Phillies, drew 12 first-place votes and 308 points. Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun was third with 139 points, with Ramirez fourth at 138. Houston's Lance Berkman was fifth and Sabathia sixth. Brad Lidge, perfect on 41 save chances for the Phillies during the regular season, drew the other two first-place votes and came in eighth. Voting was completed before the playoffs began.

Nats give Whitney minor deal

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:20:36 EST

The Nationals signed 1B Matthew Whitney to a minor league contract.

D-Backs bring Byrnes off 60-day DL

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:32:32 EST

The D-Backs took outfielder Eric Byrnes (hamstring) off the 60-day DL.

Yankees clear off 60-day DL

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:26:10 EST

The Yankees cleared off their 60-day DL, including reliever Jonathan Albaladejo (stress fracture in elbow) and prospect Andrew Brackman (Tommy John elbow surgery).

A's Brown comes off 60-day DL

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:22:34 EST

The Athletics removed relief pitcher Andrew Brown (right shoulder) from the 60-day DL.

Rays bring Orvella off 60-day DL

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:20:22 EST

The Rays removed relief pitcher Chad Orvella (right shoulder surgery) from the 60-day DL.

Rangers clear off their 60-day DL

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:13:00 EST

The Texas Rangers removed starting pitcher Kason Gabbard (left elbow inflammation) and second baseman Ian Kinsler (sports hernia surgery) from the 60-day DL.

MacDougal outrighted off 40-man roster

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:39:48 EST

The White Sox outrighted relief pitcher Mike MacDougal to the minor leagues.

Royals clear off 60-day DL

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:30:33 EST

The Kansas City Royals cleared off their 60-day DL, removing relief pitcher Ryan Z. Braun (right elbow surgery), pitching prospect Carlos Rosa (right shoulder surgery), starting pitcher Luke Hochevar (ribcage contusion), outfielder Shane Costa (wrist surgery) and veteran pitcher Luke Hudson (right shoulder surgery). To make room on the 40-man roster, they designated Hudson and reliever Josh Newman for assignment and released Braun outright.

K-Rod likely not in a hurry

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:09:03 EST

Francisco Rodriguez tops the available free-agent relief pitchers, a group that also includes Brian Fuentes and Kerry Wood. Agent Paul Kinzer said he had received inquiries from four teams about K-Rod, who saved a record 62 games for the Angels. "I just think we've got to be patient. We'll know when the fit's right," Kinzer said. "When we get closer, we'll probably meet with the people, maybe check out the area, living arrangements, that type thing, and then make a decision."

D. Rasner going to Japanese team

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:55:55 EST

The Yankees have reached an agreement in principle to sell right-hander Darrell Rasner's contract to a Japanese team. The Yankees will receive $1 million from the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Pacific League. Matt Sosnick, Rasner's agent, said they approached the Yankees about the possibility of a deal. "There's a lot more money to be made doing that for him at this point in his career," Sosnick said Sunday.

Yankees prepared to make Lowe offer

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:27:55 EST

Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner confirmed Friday night at the team's spring training complex in Tampa, Fla., that an offer was made to SP CC Sabathia and that proposals will be forthcoming for pitchers A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe. "Yes," Steinbrenner said when asked if an offer was made to Sabathia. "And we're prepared to make offers to Burnett and Lowe." The Sabathia deal would reportedly make him the highest paid pitcher in history.

Yankees putting moves on Burnett

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:26:24 EST

Yankees make SP Sabathia big offer

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:22:05 EST

Quentin says wrist in good shape

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:22:40 EST

White Sox OF Carlos Quentin said his surgically repaired right wrist has responded well and he's been able to do some light hitting without any problems. "Just kind of going through the normal routine in the offseason where I've just gotten back into hitting and I really haven't felt much of it during the swing," Quentin said Friday during a conference call. Quentin worked hard to rehab and said he would have been able to play if the White Sox had made it past the first round of the playoffs, where they lost in four games to the Rays. "I think everyone knows I was ready to go if we had continued with the season," Quentin said.

Furcal drawing plenty of interest

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:16:29 EST

Agent Paul Kinzer says SS Rafael Furcal has drawn plenty of interest on the free-agent market. "There's been about five or six serious teams already on him today, and I expect that to even go up because there's been at least eight or more that have been in contact," Kinzer said.

Closer Wood not returning to Cubs

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:00:52 EST

After the Cubs acquired RP Kevin Gregg from the Marlins on Thursday, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry told reporters that the fair thing was for the team to let closer Kerry Wood get a deal he deserved. In doing so, he suggested the Cubs won't try to re-sign the converted starting pitcher this season. "It's bittersweet. Obviously this is my first choice. I wanted to stay here and the best choice for me and my family. ... But that's part of baseball right now," Wood said in a conference call Friday.