Opening day is around the corner. Can you smell it? Smells like… Beer.

• A year of retirement didn’t sit well with Andy Pettitte. He’s back, and he signed a minor-league contract potentially worth 2.5 million with the Yankees. The 39-year-old left on a relatively high note, posting a 3.28 ERA/3.85 FIP in 2010.
• The Royals locked up shortstop Alcides Escobar with a 4-year, $10.5 million deal. The contract includes options for 2016 and 2017, which could max it out at $21.75 million. Manager Ned Yost thinks Escobar is Gold Glove-caliber.
• The Pitcher Formerly Known As Fausto Carmona, aka Roberto Hernandez, restructured his contract with the Indians. He will be making significantly less than the $7 million originally agreed on; possibly less than $3 million. The restructuring also removed an option year. Hernandez is still on the restricted list.
• The Red Sox have agreed to sign 20-year-old Dominican righty Simon Mercedes. Mercedes has had identity issues in the past, presenting himself as younger and under a different name. He was banned for a year after signing with the Giants under false pretenses. The deal, once approved by MLB, will be worth $800k.
• After the injury to starter Salvador Perez, the Royals contacted Ivan Rodriguez to invite him to camp. The catcher has yet to accept, although he does hope to continue playing this season. Perez is expected to be out for at least three months.
• The Phillies released a struggling Dontrelle Willis several days ago, but the Rockies are looking for pitching and are thinking about picking the lefty up.

For more transaction news, such as there is these days, check out MLB Trade Rumors, their Twitter account, and their Free Agent Tracker. You should also stop by MLB’s Hot Stove blog. See you back here next week, to tide you over until real games start.

There are ACTUAL FAKE BASEBALL GAMES happening! I am SO EXCITED.

• The Reds and elite lefty reliever Sean Marshall agreed to a contract extension for 3 years/$16.5 million. Reds GM Walt Jocketty says that Marshall may take on the role of closer eventually.
• Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek has decided to hang it up. Our Fenway Fatales have feelings about this.
• Catcher Salvador Perez, who debuted with Kansas City last season, signed a 5 year/$7 million contract with the Royals. The contract includes three additional option years and a whole mess of incentives. In 39 games with the big club, Perez put together a .331/.361/.473 line.
• Yadier Molina, Cardinals catcher, signed a 5 year/$75 million extension with a $15 million option for 2018. An excellent defensive catcher, Molina also put together his best offensive season to date in 2011, posting a .305/.349/.465 line.
• The Padres and center fielder Cameron Maybin have agreed to a 5 year/$25 million extension, locking Maybin up through his first year of free agency. Though speed and elite defense tend to be undervalued, and Maybin’s offense is further suppressed by his home ballpark, this deal seems to be a winner for everyone.
• Center fielder Andrew McCutchen will be a Pirate for a good, long time. The All-Star has agreed to a 6 year/$51.5 million contract with a $14.75 million option for 2018, similar to those signed by Justin Upton and Jay Bruce.

» Continue reading “Monday Trade Roundup: Catchers And Center Fielders”

The Phillies remain confidently perched in their throne atop the National League East, but the Mets, Marlins, and Nationals are practically neck-in-neck for the division bronze. Meanwhile, Atlanta is comfortably in second, buffered by several wins in either direction. Rivalries ignite among National League heavyweights, players make big turnarounds, and some come to terms with their off-the-field popularity; read on for more after the jump.

National League East Division Standings via MLB.com

» Continue reading “What Went Down & Who Is Up In The NL East”