This is the December 6, 2012 news archive. View today's MLB news and rumors.

Major League Baseball News and Rumors

NY Mets need to treat knuckleballer R.A. Dickey like a Cy Young winner in contract negotiations, not just trade talks nydailynews.com The Mets left the winter meetings on Thursday no closer to a solution regarding R.A. Dickey, and yet their time here sure did crystallize the double standard of a stance they’ve taken on their 20-game winner.
	D-backs finish 1-year deals with Hinske, Nieves Dec 6, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com The Arizona Diamondbacks completed one-year contracts with free agent Eric Hinske and catcher Wil Nieves on Thursday.
	Cliff Corcoran: Five cuts from winter meetings Dec 6, 2012 CNNSI.com The hottest position of this Hot Stove season is the hot corner. Cliff Corcoran examines the thin third-base market, the lack of multi-year contracts for starting pitchers and more.
	MLB auction raises more than $150K for SU2C Dec 6, 2012 Mark Newman, MLB.com The Stand Up To Cancer auction's stunning success and creative energy was largely the collaboration by all 30 Major League club public-relations directors and their staffs -- individuals who have had enough of cancer diagnoses among co-workers and frien…
	D'backs ink Hinske, Nieves to one-year deals Dec 6, 2012 CNNSI.com PHOENIX (AP) The Arizona Diamondbacks completed one-year contracts with free agent Eric Hinske and catcher Wil Nieves on Thursday.
	In Boston for charity event, Youkilis mum on future Dec 6, 2012 Evan Drellich, MLB.com Kevin Youkilis was back in Boston on Thursday night for his annual charity event. He has a one-year, $12 million offer standing from the Yanks, with New York in need of a third baseman. But Youkilis didn't throw another log on the rumor-mill fire.
	Cubs agree to sign Japanese reliever Fujikawa Dec 6, 2012 ESPN.com news services, ESPN.com The Chicago Cubs agreed to a deal Thursday with Japanese relief pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa.
	Reliever Burton agrees to 2-year deal with Twins Dec 6, 2012 CNNSI.com MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Twins have agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Jared Burton on a two-year, $5.5 million contract that includes a club option for the 2015 season.
	D-backs, Hinske reach terms of one-year deal Dec 6, 2012 Spencer Fordin, MLB.com The Arizona Diamondbacks announced Thursday that they have reached agreement with veteran Eric Hinske on a one-year contract.
	Twins sign reliever Burton for 2 years, $5.5M Dec 6, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com The Minnesota Twins have agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Jared Burton on a two-year, $5.5 million contract that includes a club option for the 2015 season.
	Fat Chipper Jones Has Divorced His Wife And Now Has A Playboy Model Girlfriend Dec 6, 2012 Dom Cosentino, deadspin.com Leave it to those sleuths of scuzz over at Busted Coverage to make a find like this. Chipper Jones has retired, finalized his divorce from his second wife, and now appears to be dating Taylor Higgins, better known to the world as Lexi Ray or Lexi Ray Ta…
	Dodgers pessimistic about landing Greinke Dec 6, 2012 Mark Saxon, ESPN.com Speculation when the winter began was that the two Los Angeles-area teams would engage in a bidding war for the top free-agent pitcher, Zack Greinke. It hasn't quite worked out that way so far.
	Twins sign Burton to two-year contract extension Dec 6, 2012 Rhett Bollinger, MLB.com The Twins signed reliever Jared Burton to a contract extension on Thursday. The two-year deal is worth $5.5 million and includes a club option for 2015.
	GM Daniels says Rangers 'want to make deals' Dec 6, 2012 Richard Durrett, ESPN.com Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said he leaves baseball's winter meetings without getting any major deals "across the finish line" but did get a clearer picture of how he hopes to assemble his 2013 team.
	Stewart, Cubs reunite with reported one-year deal Dec 6, 2012 Andrew Simon, MLB.com The Cubs re-signed third baseman Ian Stewart to a one-year contract on Thursday, less than a week after non-tendering him.
	Wright, Mets donating $250K to NYC Mayor's Fund Dec 6, 2012 Joey Nowak, MLB.com Having grown up in Virginia, an area that's seen its share of hurricane damage, Mets third baseman David Wright could speak with authority on the topic when he returned to New York on Thursday, about a month after Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of the…
	Rays complete $2 million contract for 1B Loney Dec 6, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com Free agent first baseman James Loney and the Tampa Bay Rays completed their $2 million, 1-year contract Thursday.
	Koji Uehara reaches agreement with Red Sox Dec 6, 2012 CNNSI.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Reliever Koji Uehara has reached an agreement with the Boston Red Sox, pending a physical.
	Meetings wrap with Hot Stove still warming up Dec 6, 2012 John Schlegel, MLB.com The Winter Meetings ended Thursday without the blockbuster deals that have characterized gatherings in the past, meaning that clubs around the league still have work to do.
	Don Larsen’s perfect game jersey sells for $756K Dec 6, 2012 Kevin Kaduk, yahoo.com Turns out you can put a price on perfection. The total: $756,000 for the New York Yankees jersey that Don Larsen wore in 1956 while pitching the only perfect game in World Series history. As reported by Darren Rovell of ESPN.com, the auction for the fam…
	With Haren locked up, Nats focus on LaRoche Dec 6, 2012 Bill Ladson, MLB.com The Nationals went to the Winter Meetings determined to re-sign first baseman Adam LaRoche. The problem is, they still differ on the length of the contract. LaRoche wants a three-year deal, but the Nats don't want to give him more than a two-year deal.
	Pieces fall into place for Rays as Meetings wrap Dec 6, 2012 Bill Chastain, MLB.com Unlike recent Winter Meetings in which the Rays did more talking about deals than pulling the trigger, they acquired two critical pieces for 2013 during this year's event.
	Johnson, NL's top pinch-hitter, stays with Braves Dec 6, 2012 CNNSI.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Reed Johnson, the top pinch hitter in the National League last season, rejoined the Atlanta Braves on Thursday with a one-year contract that includes a club option for 2014.
	Braves bring back OF Johnson with 1-year deal Dec 6, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com Reed Johnson, the top pinch hitter in the National League last season, rejoined the Atlanta Braves on Thursday with a one-year contract that includes a club option for 2014.
	Larsen's perfect game jersey auctioned for $750K Dec 6, 2012 CNNSI.com NEW YORK (AP) -- The uniform Don Larsen was wearing when he pitched the only perfect game in World Series history has sold for $756,000.
	Astros grab Fields from Red Sox in Rule 5 draft Dec 6, 2012 CNNSI.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Houston Astros took hard-throwing reliever Josh Fields from the Boston system Thursday with the overall first pick in the draft of players left off 40-man rosters.
	Trade sends Twins out of Meetings on high note Dec 6, 2012 Rhett Bollinger, MLB.com After a quiet start to the Winter Meetings, the Twins made a big splash on the final day on Thursday.
	No tangible moves for Mets, but progress made Dec 6, 2012 Anthony DiComo, MLB.com Shortly after arriving at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center last weekend, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said he expected to narrow down options on multiple fronts by the end of the Winter Meetings. Yet the Meetings came and went …
	No big splash, but Rangers appear on verge Dec 6, 2012 T.R. Sullivan, MLB.com While the Rangers did not make any major announcements at the Winter Meetings, they were certainly stirring up the rumors and at least appearing to be on the brink of doing something big.
	Source: Red Sox, Uehara agree to 1-year deal Dec 6, 2012 Gordon Edes, ESPN.com The Boston Red Sox and free-agent reliever Koji Uehara struck an agreement on a one-year deal Thursday, according to a major league source.
	Boston acquires Kaminska to complete Stewart trade Dec 6, 2012 Adam Berry, MLB.com The Red Sox acquired right-hander Kyle Kaminska on Thursday to complete the Nov. 28 trade that sent Zach Stewart to the Pirates.
	Braves wrap up Meetings with Johnson signing Dec 6, 2012 Mark Bowman, MLB.com Braves general manager Frank Wren proved to be correct with his assumption that he would not make an impact transaction during this year's Winter Meetings. But Wren was able to bring back outfielder Reed Johnson on a one-year deal Thursday to bolster th…
	Braves bring back outfielder Johnson Dec 6, 2012 Gary Cotton, MLB.com The Braves signed free-agent outfielder Reed Johnson to a one-year contract Thursday, with an option for '14.
	Twins trade Revere to Phillies for Worley and May Dec 6, 2012 CNNSI.com PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Phillies have acquired outfielder Ben Revere from the Minnesota Twins for right-handers Vance Worley and Trevor May.
	Meetings productive, but work remains for Astros Dec 6, 2012 Brian McTaggart, MLB.com Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow left the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center early Thursday having checked a few items from his offseason to-do list. There remains work to be done.
	The Nolan Ryan-Robin Ventura fight, as imagined in the world of RBI Baseball Dec 6, 2012 Kevin Kaduk, yahoo.com We've had a lot of RBI Baseball-related content on Big League Stew over the years from chatting about the classic video game with Matt Holliday to a rapper who samples the catchy theme song to the guy who recreated Game 6 of the '86 World Series on the …
	Phillies acquire Revere from Twins to play CF Dec 6, 2012 ESPN.com news services, ESPN.com The Phillies filled their biggest need right before the winter meetings ended, acquiring center fielder Ben Revere from the Minnesota Twins for right-handers Vance Worley and Trevor May on Thursday.
	Meetings help A's position in quest for shortstop Dec 6, 2012 Jane Lee, MLB.com The A's left the Winter Meetings without a shortstop on Thursday, but headed back to Oakland with a better idea of the market for one.
	Rockies select lefty Rosenbaum in Rule 5 Draft Dec 6, 2012 Thomas Harding, MLB.com The Rockies selected left-handed pitcher Daniel Rosenbaum from the Nationals in Thursday's Rule 5 Draft and will thrust him into competition for a spot on the pitching staff.
	Strong already, AL West can up the ante Dec 6, 2012 Lyle Spencer, MLB.com The American League West is where the power resides now, with all due respect to the reigning World Series champions in San Francisco and the Giants' eternal rivals down south.
	Red Sox add to bullpen with veteran Uehara Dec 6, 2012 Spencer Fordin, MLB.com The Red Sox continued to make moves on the final day of the Winter Meetings on Thursday, reaching a a deal with free-agent reliever Koji Uehara, according to a Major League source.
	Yankees Offer Youkilis One-Year Deal to Play Third Dec 6, 2012 Tyler Kepner, nytimes.com The Yankees offered Kevin Youkilis $12 million to play third base, a position that opened up because of Alex Rodriguez's imminent hip surgery. Related: ESPN.com
	Winter meetings returning to Nashville in 2015 Dec 6, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com Baseball's winter meetings will return to Nashville in 2015.
	Larsen auctions off World Series perfect game jersey Dec 6, 2012 Adam Berry, MLB.com Former Yankees pitcher Don Larsen, the author of the only perfect game in World Series history, parted with a prized possession and a piece of baseball history Wednesday night.
	Yankees offer Youkilis one-year, $12 million deal Dec 6, 2012 Bryan Hoch, MLB.com The Yankees have offered Kevin Youkilis a one-year, $12 million contract, hoping that the former Red Sox star will help fill their void at third base.
	It's been a winter of content for Angels Dec 6, 2012 Richard Justice, MLB.com Here's to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who've quietly had themselves a terrific offseason. Bullpen? Check. Rotation? Check.
	Inciarte selected by Phillies in Rule 5 Draft Dec 6, 2012 Todd Zolecki, MLB.com The Phillies found at least one potential center fielder Thursday morning at the Winter Meetings. They selected Ender Inciarte from the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Rule 5 Draft.
	Padres lose Freiman, keep other assets in Rule 5 Dec 6, 2012 Corey Brock, MLB.com The Padres lost first baseman Nate Freiman in the Rule 5 Draft but were able to keep prospects such as infielder Jonathan Galvez and righty Jerry Sullivan.
	Seattle takes Farris in Triple-A portion of Rule 5 Dec 6, 2012 Greg Johns, MLB.com The Mariners didn't select anyone in the Major League portion of Thursday's Rule 5 Draft at the Winter Meetings, but they did take second baseman Eric Farris from the Brewers' organization in the Triple-A portion of the proceedings.
	Twins select right-hander Pressly in Rule 5 Draft Dec 6, 2012 Rhett Bollinger, MLB.com The Twins selected right-hander Ryan Pressly from the Red Sox organization in the Rule 5 Draft at the Winter Meetings on Thursday.
	D-backs add veterans during Winter Meetings Dec 6, 2012 Steve Gilbert, MLB.com The D-backs were the center of a lot of blockbuster rumors during the Winter Meetings this week, but while they were not able to swing a trade, they crossed several more items off their winter to-do list.
	Phils get Revere from Twins for Worley, May Dec 6, 2012 Todd Zolecki, MLB.com The Phillies will not leave the Winter Meetings empty handed. They have acquired center fielder Ben Revere in a trade with the Minnesota Twins for right-handed pitchers Vance Worley and Trevor May.
	Texas grabs 'pen candidate Wood in Rule 5 Draft Dec 6, 2012 T.R. Sullivan, MLB.com The Rangers selected right-handed reliever Coty Wood from the Rockies' organization in the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday morning at the Winter Meetings.
	Sources: Rangers, Phils talking Young deal Dec 6, 2012 Richard Durrett, ESPN.com The Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies are talking about a trade involving Michael Young, sources confirmed on Thursday.
	Marlins look to tweak roster as they exit Nashville Dec 6, 2012 Joe Frisaro, MLB.com The Marlins exit the Winter Meetings in search of a third baseman. President of baseball operations Larry Beinfest makes it clear there is work to be done with the roster before Spring Training.
	Dodgers in talks with free-agent hurler Greinke Dec 6, 2012 Ken Gurnick, MLB.com Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti confirmed the club has graduated from due diligence to negotiating for top free-agent target Zack Greinke, but he gave no indication a deal was imminent or likely.
	Rangers' Ryan won't rule out 2 major signings Dec 6, 2012 Richard Durrett, ESPN.com Texas Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan wouldn't dismiss the idea that his club could afford to sign both Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke, but he acknowledged that it would take ownership approval.
	Tom Verducci: It might finally be time for Upton, Diamondbacks to part ways Dec 6, 2012 CNNSI.com Justin Upton has MVP talent and the Diamondbacks have him under contract for three more years. So why might it be time for them to part ways? Tom Verducci explains in Three Strikes.
	The Stew’s winter meetings tracker: Thursday Dec 6, 2012 Kevin Kaduk, yahoo.com Shall we dance one more time?! Baseball's winter meetings are wrapping up in Nashville today with the Rule V draft being the main event before everyone says their 'happy holidays' and parts ways. But you never know when a trade or signing or two could g…
	Phils talking to Rangers about acquiring Young Dec 6, 2012 Todd Zolecki, MLB.com Ruben Amaro Jr. said Wednesday the Phillies had made progress at the Winter Meetings. It turns out they are getting closer to finding a third baseman. Sources said Thursday morning they were in serious discussions about acquiring Rangers infielder Micha…
	End of the world sale! Normal CornBelters make tickets available before doomsday Dec 6, 2012 Mark Townsend, yahoo.com As the winter meetings reach their final day and the New York Yankees continue getting beat to the punch on potential free agent targets, one can't help but wonder if the Mayans were correct in predicting Dec. 21, 2012 as the day the world will cease to…
	MLB Notebook: McCutchen posts elite year at 25 Dec 6, 2012 Roger Schlueter, MLB.com Andrew McCutchen's 2012 season was among the most impressive for any center fielder in his age-25 season, and it could be the foundation to even more historic accomplishments.
	Joe Lemire: Hot Stove hinges on Rangers' multiple interests Dec 6, 2012 CNNSI.com Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke remained in play as several free agents struck deals Wednesday. Until the Rangers make a move, the anticipation continues to build, writes Joe Lemire.
	Yankees can't even reel in role players like Eric Chavez, Jeff Keppinger and Marco Scutaro in free agency at winter meetings Dec 6, 2012 nydailynews.com Suddenly it feels like 1992, when nobody wanted to play for the Yankees. Except this time it’s not Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and David Cone shunning the pinstripes, but Eric Chavez, Jeff Keppinger, and Marco Scutaro. What’s going on here, anyway?
	Jeter says he should be ready for Opening Day Dec 6, 2012 Associated Press, ESPN.com 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.
	Rangers' Ryan won't rule out 2 major signings Dec 6, 2012 Richard Durrett, ESPN.com Texas Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan wouldn't dismiss the idea that his club could afford to sign both Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke, but he acknowledged that it would take ownership approval.
	The Waiting Game Continues at MLB's Winter Meetings Dec 6, 2012 grantland.com As the Winter Meetings near their end here in Nashville, the latest buzz has Zack Greinke potentially going somewhere other than the Dodgers. Which se...
	Many Unanswered Questions As the Winter Meetings Wind Down Dec 6, 2012 grantland.com A grab bag of smaller deals and rumors, while waiting for updates on the four-team trade of death ... The Red Sox are rumored to be interested in...