MLB News and Rumors

The Seattle Mariners signed OF Eric Byrnes to a 1 year deal worth the league minimum $400,000. The Arizona Diamondbacks will pay the rest of his $11 million contract.

---This is an interesting deal for the Mariners as they have just signed an injury prone 4th outfielder. They got him cheap and if he can stay healthy he is very effective. Seattle has now brought in two outfielders this off-season, the first being Milton Bradley.

The Texas Rangers re-signed Scott Feldman to a 1 year deal worth around $2.4 Million.

---Feldman had a breakout year last season with a team high 17 wins to go with a solid 4.08 ERA. He will be the "ace" of the Rangers staff in 2010.

The Florida Marlins signed Derrick Turnbow to a 1 year deal worth $600,000. Turnbow will only recieve the paycheck if he makes the team. He could get a bonus of $5o,000 in incentives as well.

---The former All-Star Milwaukee Brewers closer will get another chance with the Marlins. I am a little shocked that so many teams went after Derrick Turnbow. He has been injured and when he's been healthy he has struggled. Turnbow's best year came in 2005 when he went 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA to go with 39 saves in 43 opportunities. If he makes the team, he most likely will be a middle-reliever.

The New York Mets have signed Frank Catalanotto to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

---This is one of the bigger Mets signings this offseason. They were passed up on players like Bengie Molina, Joel Pineiro, John Smoltz and even more. With this signing however, the Mets are getting a very underrated bench player. He is a very respectable career .292 hitter and should easily make the 25 man roster.

MLB News

According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jim Edmonds has been hitting with former teammate Albert Pujols to prepare for the 2010 season.

---Who better than Albert? Jim Edmonds must be looking for a strong return in 2010. Brewers fans should be very happy about this news.

Justin Verlander was reportedly offered a 5 year $75 million extension. He has yet to respond.

---Verlander said he wanted a 6 year deal, but this seems like a great deal for him and I would expect him to sign sometime in the near future.

Joe Crede is apparently unlikely to re-sign with the Minnesota Twins according Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

---I'm not sure where Crede could land at this point, but it may have to be a minor league deal because of his injury problems and struggles at the plate when healthy.


Chicago Sports

The Chicago Bulls have now won a season high 5 games in a row after beating the New Orleans Hornets 108-106 in overtime. The Bulls finished the tough west road trip a solid 5-2. The Bulls are now tied with Charlotte for the 6 seed in the Eastern Conference sitting at 23-22.

The Chicago Blackhawks lost for the 3rd time in 6 games tonight as the Carolina Hurricanes won at home 4-2. Cristobal Huet was only 20-24 in saves which spells a start for Niemi on Wednesday against the Blues. Hossa had 1 goal and 1 assist in the loss and now has 30 points in 32 games for the season.


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