Player's Shak'in the News

Sidney Ponson SP Yankees

The Orioles and Sidney Ponson have reportedly agreed to a settlement in their three-year dispute over $11.2 million that the club refused to pay the right-hander after he was cut in 2005 for off-the-field transgressions.

The case was finally set to go to arbitration three years and two months after the Orioles voided Ponson's deal. Terms of the settlement weren't released, but it sounds like Ponson recovered a significant portion of the money.
Source: Baltimore Sun


Katsuhiko Maekawa RP Nationals

The Cardinals have reportedly signed left-hander Katsuhiko Maekawa to a minor league deal.

The Nationals signed Maekawa a year ago, but he was denied a U.S. visa and never did pitch in the country. The 30-year-old had a 5.26 ERA in 609 career innings in Japan. He's probably nothing more than a Triple-A pitcher.
Source: Sponichi.co.jp


Andy Pettitte SP Yankees

Manager Joe Girardi said Thursday that Andy Pettitte remains interested in re-signing with the Yankees.

New York has far less of a need for Pettitte after signing both CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, but are still open to bringing him back on a one-year, $10 million deal. "I talked to him recently and he is still excited about coming back," Girardi said. "They continue to talk; it takes time. He is very excited about the additions to the club and he wants to be here. I think he could help."
Source: New York Post


Cole Hamels SP Phillies

Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge have both declined invitations to play in the World Baseball Classic.

Teammate Jimmy Rollins has committed to being on the team and Ryan Howard has yet to decide on his invite.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
Related: Brad Lidge


Matt Treanor C Tigers

The Detroit Free Press reports that Matt Treanor's one-year contract with the Tigers is worth around $750,000.

Treanor will back up Gerald Laird after being released last week by the Marlins.
Source: Detroit Free Press

Henry: Red Sox will be outbid for Teixeira

Red Sox owner John Henry wrote Thursday that he doesn't expect the team to "be a factor" in the final bidding for Mark Teixeira.

"We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him," Henry said. "After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor." Negotiating ploy or the end of Boston's flirtation? We're guessing agent Scott Boras was still presenting the Red Sox with some unrealistic expectations during the face-to-face negotiations Thursday. It's pretty clear that the Red Sox won't go beyond eight years in a deal for the first baseman. Dec. 18 - 10:56 pm et
Source: Boston.com

Angels re-sign Juan Rivera to 3-year deal

Angels signed outfielder Juan Rivera to a three-year, $12.75 million contract.

A reasonable salary, but a three-year commitment is somewhat surprising for a player who's totaled just 299 at-bats over the past two seasons and has never topped 450 at-bats. With Garret Anderson departing Rivera figures to play every day between the outfield and designated hitter, and the 30-year-old career .284/.331/.468 hitter is capable of smacking 20-plus homers if he can stay healthy. Dec. 19 - 2:46 pm et