This is the December 5, 2012 news archive. View today's MLB news and rumors.

Major League Baseball News and Rumors

Sources: Cubs, free agent Dempster talk deal Bruce Levine, ESPN.com The agent for free-agent pitcher Ryan Dempster has had conversations with the Cubs on a possible return to Chicago, according to major league sources.
	Scioscia looks to fill void left by Torii Dec 5, 2012 Alden Gonzalez, MLB.com Mike Scioscia is comfortable with the Angels' outfield alignment despite Torii Hunter's free-agent departure, but replacing the veteran in the No. 2 spot in the lineup is a tall task.
	Jeter says he should be ready for season opener Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com NEW YORK (AP) -- Derek Jeter cheerily posed with four student leaders from his Turn 2 Foundation who were wearing Yankees jerseys and elf hats and asked a question to the group of photographers snapping away.
	Source: Blanton to Angels for two years, $15M Dec 5, 2012 Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com The Los Angeles Angels agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal with starter Joe Blanton and a multiyear deal with reliever Sean Burnett on Wednesday.
	Source: Cubs add Schierholtz on one-year deal Dec 5, 2012 Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com The Chicago Cubs and free agent outfielder Nate Schierholtz reached an agreement on a one-year, guaranteed $2.25 million major-league contract Wednesday, according to a baseball source.
	Larkin says drug cheats don't belong in Hall Dec 5, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com Barry Larkin wants to keep baseball's most exclusive club clean.
	Cashner hurts finger tendon in hunting accident Dec 5, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com San Diego Padres pitcher Andrew Cashner cut a tendon in his right thumb during a hunting accident and probably will start the season on the disabled list.
	At Turn 2 event, Jeter addresses health, Hot Stove Dec 5, 2012 Joey Nowak, MLB.com During his Turn 2 Foundation Holiday Express event, Derek Jeter took the opportunity to address any concerns about his health during his rehabilitation this winter, and the new-look Yankees that fans should expect to see in the Bronx come spring.
	Indians seeking bat while pitching market unfolds Dec 5, 2012 Jordan Bastian, MLB.com The Indians have been involved in numerous discussions at the Winter Meetings to fill their holes at first base and in the outfield.
	Tigers, Boras not on same page about closers Dec 5, 2012 Jason Beck, MLB.com As Tigers officials and Scott Boras talked around the same time Wednesday afternoon under the same roof at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, they couldn't have sounded much further apart -- not just financially, but philosophically. It wasn't about starting p…
	Cubs, outfielder Schierholtz agree to terms Dec 5, 2012 Carrie Muskat, MLB.com The Cubs have reportedly filled an outfield spot on Wednesday, agreeing to a one-year, $2.25 million deal with free-agent outfielder Nate Schierholtz.
	White Sox plan to explore utility infielder options Dec 5, 2012 MLB.com If the 2013 season started this week, then Minor Leaguers Carlos Sanchez or Tyler Saladino stand as the prime utility infield candidates under White Sox control. Of course, the season does not start in early December, giving general manager Rick Hahn ti…
	Source: Blanton, Angels reach 2-year, $15M deal Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A person familiar with the negotiations says the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a two-year, $15 million contract with right-hander Joe Blanton.
	Leyland preparing for 50th season in pro ball Dec 5, 2012 Jason Beck, MLB.com If manager Jim Leyland can get the Tigers through the last postseason step during his 50th season in baseball, he'll have one more memory that will trump all the others.
	Source: Angels add pitchers Blanton, Burnett Dec 5, 2012 Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com The Los Angeles Angels agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal with starter Joe Blanton and a multiyear deal with reliever Sean Burnett on Wednesday.
	Andrew Cashner stabbed in thumb during hunting-related accident, out three months Dec 5, 2012 David Brown, yahoo.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Another day at the winter meetings, another story of a fun hunting jaunt gone awry, afoul and askew for an employee of Major League Baseball. As one man continues to nervously glance over his shoulder in fear of encountering a Hall o…
	Source: Francis, Rockies agree to 1-year deal Dec 5, 2012 Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com Free agent left-hander Jeff Francis has agreed to a one-year contract with the Colorado Rockies pending a physical exam, a baseball source said Wednesday.
	Source: D-backs, Chavez have 1-year, $3M deal Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com NEW YORK (AP) -- A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Arizona Diamondbacks and infielder Eric Chavez have agreed to terms on a $3 million, one-year contract.
	Boras makes best pitch for trio of star clients Dec 5, 2012 Matthew Leach, MLB.com As usual, Scott Boras had plenty to say in his annual Winter Meetings media scrum. He addressed the situations of several of his clients, both free agents and those currently employed by big league clubs, and he did it with characteristic bravado.
	Much in flux as busy Meetings head into last day Dec 5, 2012 John Schlegel, MLB.com While the top of the market remained on a steady simmer, the fringes of free agency continued to feed the hunger for news as the Winter Meetings worked through a third day Wednesday in relatively quiet fashion, at least when it comes to big-name deals.
	Boras: No Cano extension talks until after season Dec 5, 2012 Bryan Hoch, MLB.com Robinson Cano and the Yankees will not discuss a potential contract extension until after the 2013 season, agent Scott Boras said on Wednesday.
	Rangers GM Daniels met with Hamilton's agent Dec 5, 2012 Richard Durrett, ESPN.com Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said he met with Josh Hamilton's agent, Mike Moye, but that nothing has changed in terms of negotiating a deal with the former American League MVP.
	Signing Wright a step in right direction for Mets Dec 5, 2012 Richard Justice, MLB.com The Mets went a long way toward securing the future of the franchise by signing David Wright on Wednesday. And with that step, there's hope that the best is yet to come.
	Bo discusses upcoming documentary Dec 5, 2012 MLB.com Royals fans watching the video clips at Kauffman Stadium last season saw Bo Jackson hitting monster home runs, climbing an outfield wall and making The Throw in Seattle. At times, the two-sport star seemed like Superman as he played baseball for the Roy…
	Moore still looking for pitcher to lead rotation Dec 5, 2012 MLB.com As the hours dwindled down on the Winter Meetings, Royals general manager Dayton Moore was sharpening his focus on his primary target: A top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher.
	Dodgers' pursuit of pitching going slowly Dec 5, 2012 Ken Gurnick, MLB.com A tight-lipped Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said he spoke Wednesday to Casey Close, agent for top free-agent target Zack Greinke, but wouldn't say if he made an offer, adding that he didn't have "any idea" when a Greinke deal might occ…
	Francis re-signs with Rockies, pending a physical Dec 5, 2012 Andrew Simon, MLB.com Veteran starting pitcher Jeff Francis agreed to a one-year Major League contract with the Rockies on Wednesday, sealing his return to the club with which he has spent most of his career. The deal was first reported by ESPN.com and is pending a physical.
	With Escobar out, Marlins' focus turns to hot corner Dec 5, 2012 Joe Frisaro, MLB.com Trading Yunel Escobar was the Marlins' primary objective heading into the Winter Meetings, and they were able to pull that off late Tuesday night. All day on Wednesday, the organization was weighing possible candidates to take over at third base.
	Jim "Jimbo" Leyland Was The Most Popular Boy At His High School 50 Years Ago Dec 5, 2012 Dom Cosentino, deadspin.com Jim Leyland held court for the media today at baseball's winter meetings, and by all indications, he put on quite a show. Craig Calcaterra over at Hardball Talk has all of the highlights—Leyland on the World Baseball Classic: "I support it because …
	Payroll-cutting Yankees face temptation Dec 5, 2012 Tracy Ringolsby, MLB.com The Yankees are used to overindulging in the finest of free-agent players, but they have paid the price for their extravagances and claim they aren't going to do it anymore.
	Red Sox meet with Hamilton, plan to keep Ellsbury Dec 5, 2012 Ian Browne, MLB.com MLB.com confirmed that general manager Ben Cherington and manager John Farrell did meet with Josh Hamilton in person at some point during the Meetings. In other news, Cherington disputed the notion that he's motivated to trade Jacoby Ellsbury.
	Maddon pleased with acquisition of Escobar Dec 5, 2012 Bill Chastain, MLB.com Joe Maddon left the Winter Meetings for Tampa following Wednesday's Managers Luncheon at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Before departing, Tampa Bay's skipper expressed his delight about the Rays' latest acquisition, Yunel Escobar.
	Look to the AL West to spice up Hot Stove talks Dec 5, 2012 Anthony Castrovince, MLB.com At some point soon -- by the end of the winter, by the end of the week or maybe even by time you're done reading this article -- something big is bound to go down in the American League West.
	Wright says sticking with Mets was 'a no-brainer' Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- David Wright wore a shirt with blue. His tie was bright orange.
	Manuel's wish list begins with center fielder Dec 5, 2012 Todd Zolecki, MLB.com Phillies manager Charlie Manuel wants a lot of things, but he said Wednesday he mostly wants a center fielder.
	Source: Angels agree to deal with LHP Burnett Dec 5, 2012 Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com Left-handed reliever Sean Burnett has reached an agreement on a multiyear contract with the Los Angeles Angels, pending a physical exam, a source said.
	Cashner likely to miss start of '13 with thumb injury Dec 5, 2012 Corey Brock, MLB.com Padres pitcher Andrew Cashner will likely begin the regular season on the disabled list after he suffered a lacerated tendon in his right thumb this week.
	Daniels waiting for the dominoes to fall Dec 5, 2012 T.R. Sullivan, MLB.com Jon Daniels is pondering ways to improve his club, and much depends on Josh Hamilton. That situation has not shut down the Rangers, but it has limited them.
	Mets COO: Deal not necessary to keep Dickey Dec 5, 2012 Adam Rubin, ESPN.com For the second time in recent weeks, Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon insisted that the organization may ultimately let R.A. Dickey pitch for New York next season, during the knuckleballer's walk year.
	Excited Redmond ready to change Marlins' culture Dec 5, 2012 Joe Frisaro, MLB.com Building a winning culture will be among the biggest challenges for Mike Redmond, but it is something the new Marlins manager is certainly familiar with.
	Braves exercise Fredi Gonzalez's 2014 option Dec 5, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com The Atlanta Braves have exercised their 2014 option on the contract of manager Fredi Gonzalez.
	Mets mull over idea of Dickey returning without deal Dec 5, 2012 Anthony DiComo, MLB.com For the second time in three weeks Wednesday, Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said he would gladly accept a scenario that GM Sandy Alderson called "not preferable": playing out next season with R.A. Dickey on an expiring contract.
	Larkin: Drug cheats do not belong in Hall of Fame Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com NEW YORK (AP) -- Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin says players who used performance-enhancing drugs don't deserve to be enshrined in Cooperstown.
	Jocketty: Ludwick talks continuing amid quiet scene Dec 5, 2012 Mark Sheldon, MLB.com The Reds' efforts to re-sign free-agent left fielder Ryan Ludwick continued on Wednesday during the third day of the Winter Meetings. But a deal wasn't quite in reach yet.
	Braves exercise Fredi Gonzalez's option for 2014 Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Atlanta Braves have exercised their 2014 option on the contract of manager Fredi Gonzalez.
	Must 'C'? Wright in line to earn Mets' captain title Dec 5, 2012 Anthony DiComo, MLB.com David Wright is already the longest-tenured active Met, with eight more guaranteed years to come. It is only natural, then, that the Mets would consider honoring him with their first captainship in nearly a decade.
	Clint Hurdle looking a lot like Joe Maddon — or is it the other way around? (Photos) Dec 5, 2012 David Brown, yahoo.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. — We have a full-blown silver fox alert at baseball's winter meetings. The mini-trend of hiring a manager with no previous major-league managing experience has been noted with Walt Weiss of the Rockies and Mike Redmond of the Marlins fo…
	Fowler a trade target, but Rockies' price high Dec 5, 2012 Thomas Harding, MLB.com The Winter Meetings have thrust center fielder Dexter Fowler's name into the forefront of trade speculation, but multiple sources said Wednesday the Rockies are making it clear that that the price for such a player is high.
	Source: LHP Choate agrees to sign with Cards Dec 5, 2012 ESPN.com news services, ESPN.com Left-handed reliever Randy Choate has agreed to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals, a source told ESPN.
	With Chavez Gone, Yankees Could Look at Youkilis Dec 5, 2012 Jorge Arangure Jr., nytimes.com Eric Chavez signed with Arizona and Jeff Keppinger is likely to join the White Sox, so the Yankees may consider Kevin Youkilis, Chone Figgins or Mark DeRosa as options at third base,
	Phillies Reporter In Trouble With The Government After Five Babies Died In The Baby Recliner She Invented Dec 5, 2012 Barry Petchesky, deadspin.com Leslie Gudel was Philadelphia's first full-time female sports anchor, spending more than a decade with Comcast SportsNet. A couple of years ago she left the desk to report on the Phillies, where she continues to this day. But in her spare time, she crea…
	Counsell: Not 'right time' to leave Milwaukee Dec 5, 2012 Adam McCalvy, MLB.com Brewers special assistant Craig Counsell cited family considerations for last week's decision to withdraw his name from consideration for the hitting coach position in Boston. The Red Sox subsequently hired Greg Colbrunn.
	Angels ink lefty reliever Burnett to two-year deal Dec 5, 2012 Alden Gonzalez, MLB.com The Angels finalized their bullpen search on Wednesday, signing left-handed reliever Sean Burnett to a two-year deal with a club option, a source told MLB.com.
	Keppinger gets 3-year, $12M deal with White Sox Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A person familiar with the contract tells The Associated Press that versatile infielder Jeff Keppinger has reached agreement with the Chicago White Sox on a $12 million, three-year contract.
	Yanks lose Chavez but consider Reynolds for third Dec 5, 2012 Bryan Hoch, MLB.com Finding a replacement for Alex Rodriguez at third base hasn't seemed to be the easiest assignment for general manager Brian Cashman, but the Yankees have continued to search, most recently turning their interest to free agent Mark Reynolds.
	Sources: Chavez, D-backs agree to $3M deal Dec 5, 2012 ESPN.com news services, ESPN.com The Arizona Diamondbacks and infielder Eric Chavez have agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $3 million, according to multiple sources.
	Cardinals agree to deal with lefty Choate Dec 5, 2012 Jenifer Langosch, MLB.com The Cardinals' search for left-handed relief help has brought them to Randy Choate, who, according to a report by Jayson Stark of ESPN.com, reached terms on an agreement with St. Louis on Wednesday.
	Source: Bay reaches one-year deal with Mariners Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that free agent outfielder Jason Bay has reached a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners.
	Report: Bay, Mariners agree to one-year deal Dec 5, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com Free agent outfielder Jason Bay has reached a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners, a person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press. Related: CNNSI.com
	Mets introduce David Wright (again) at $138 million press conference, make him put on jersey and cap Dec 5, 2012 David Brown, yahoo.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. — At first, all of Twitter (and perhaps all of the New York Mets kingdom) was like, "Why are the Mets making David Wright put on a cap and jersey at this press conference as if it were his first day on the team?" After all, th… Related: ESPN.com
	Fredi's 2014 option exercised by Braves Dec 5, 2012 Mark Bowman, MLB.com The Braves announced on Wednesday that they have exercised Fredi Gonzalez's contract option for the 2014 season. This provides the 48-year-old manager a vote of confidence and a chance to prepare for this upcoming season with a little more certainty abo…
	Mariners land free-agent OF Bay, pending physical Dec 5, 2012 Greg Johns, MLB.com Outfielder Jason Bay, who was released this offseason by the Mets with $21 million still owed on his contract, agreed to a one-year Major League deal with the Mariners on Wednesday.
	D-backs add Chavez, Nieves to bolster bench Dec 5, 2012 Steve Gilbert, MLB.com The D-backs on Wednesday agreed to terms on one-year deals with infielder Eric Chavez and catcher Wil Nieves.
	Source: White Sox, Keppinger agree to deal Dec 5, 2012 ESPNChicago.com, ESPN.com The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a three-year, $12 million deal with free-agent infielder Jeff Keppinger, a source told ESPNChicago.com's Bruce Levine.
	Scutaro staying with Giants for three years, $20M Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Second baseman Marco Scutaro is staying in San Francisco, right where he wanted to be. Related: ESPN.com
	Ron Gardenhire at crossroads with Twins Dec 5, 2012 David Brown, yahoo.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ron Gardenhire and the Minnesota Twins parting ways? Say it ain't so! OK, it ain't so. At least not yet. Gardenhire has been a fixture with the Twins since taking over for Tom Kelly in 2002. His teams have finished first six times. An…
	Orioles, McLouth agree to one-year pact Dec 5, 2012 Brittany Ghiroli, MLB.com The Orioles have agreed to terms on a one-year deal for outfielder Nate McLouth, according to an industry source.
	Late Jays announcer Cheek wins Frick Award Dec 5, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com Former Toronto Blue Jays announcer Tom Cheek has won the Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in baseball broadcasting. Related: yahoo.com, MLB.com
	Late Jays broadcaster Cheek wins Frick Award Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Former Toronto Blue Jays announcer Tom Cheek has won the Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in baseball broadcasting.
	Free agent Schierholtz piques Yanks' interest Dec 5, 2012 Bryan Hoch, MLB.com The Yankees have expressed interest in free-agent outfielder Nate Schierholtz, potentially as part of a platoon for a corner-outfield spot.
	Robin Yount Shot Dale Sveum In The Ear While Quail Hunting Dec 5, 2012 Tom Ley, deadspin.com Baseball's winter meetings haven't been a huge source of excitement so far this year. The Nationals made a splash by signing Dan Haren, but the big names like Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke are still waiting to be snapped up, and no blockbuster trades h…
	R.A. Dickey does The Daily Show (Video) Dec 5, 2012 Kevin Kaduk, yahoo.com New York Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey sat down with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show on Tuesday night and the comedian's first question was a good one: "How can the Mets screw this up?" The 2012 NL Cy Young winner deftly avoided that land mine, but w…
	The Juice: A three-team megatrade involving Justin Upton sure would liven things up Dec 5, 2012 David Brown, yahoo.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Juice has taken a short break from its offseason hibernation, and Big League Stew's David Brown is on the scene of baseball's winter meetings. Thanks for visiting and see you again next spring. Do something! (Or don't): Sadly, the…
	Marlins trade recently-acquired Escobar to Rays Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Yunel Escobar's stay with the Miami Marlins lasted all of two weeks.
	Tom Verducci: Choice for analytical Greinke down to two: Dodgers or Rangers Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com Zack Greinke is the only true No. 1 starter on the market and there are only two teams still in the running for his services. Tom Verducci weighs the merits of the Dodgers and Rangers.
	The Stew’s winter meetings tracker: Wednesday Dec 5, 2012 Kevin Kaduk, yahoo.com Welcome back! Baseball's winter meetings continue down in Nashville today and hopefully there will be a bit more action than there was on Monday and Tuesday. You're going to want to follow it all when it does go down, so use this handy-dandy tracker to …
	Indians, D-backs talk Asdrubal-for-Bauer swap Dec 5, 2012 Anthony Castrovince, MLB.com The Indians and D-backs have discussed the framework of a deal that centers around Tribe shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and Arizona right-hander Trevor Bauer, an industry source said early Wednesday.
	Cubs' Sveum accidentally shot by Yount on hunt Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum says he was accidentally shot in the right ear and back by former teammate Robin Yount during a recent quail hunt in Arizona.
	Source: Haren, Nats close to 1-year, $13M deal Dec 5, 2012 CNNSI.com ASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Free agent pitcher Dan Haren and the Washington Nationals are close to completing a one-year deal for $13 million, a person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press.
	Marlins flip recently added SS Escobar to Rays Dec 5, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com Yunel Escobar's stay with the Miami Marlins lasted all of two weeks.