Rays, Burrell agree to $16M, 2-year deal (AP)
The Tampa Bay Rays added a big bat for the middle of their batting order, agreeing to a $16 million, two-year contract with Pat Burrell. The 32-year-old spent the past nine seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, who defeated the Rays in the World Series a little over two months ago. He hit .250 with 33 homers, 33 doubles and 86 RBIs last season and has averaged 31 homers, 99 RBIs and 103 walks…
Astros sign 5 to minor league deals (AP)
Outfielder Reggie Abercrombie and reliever Clay Hensley were among five players who agreed Monday to minor league contracts with the Houston Astros. Outfielder John Gall, and infielders Mark Saccomanno and Jason Smith also agreed to deals. The 27-year-old Abercrombie hit .309 with two home runs and five RBIs in 34 games with the Astros last season.
Yankees to introduce Teixeira on Tuesday (AP)
The New York Yankees scheduled a news conference Tuesday to announce Mark Teixeira’s $180 million, eight-year contract has been finalized. The deal was agreed to Dec. 23, but the sides had to complete contract language, and the first baseman had to pass a physical. New York has committed $423.5 million on three free-agent additions during the offseason after its streak of 13 consecutive postseason…
Cardinals add LHP Ring with 1-year deal (AP)
Royce Ring became the third left-hander in the St. Louis Cardinals‘ bullpen, agreeing Monday to a $475,000. one-year contract. The 28-year-old was 2-1 with an 8.46 ERA in 42 games for the Atlanta Braves last season after making an opening-day roster for the first time in his career. He was 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA through June, then faded and was cut by the Braves in early August.
Source: Cubs to give Bradley $30M deal (AP)
The Chicago Cubs and free agent Milton Bradley reached a preliminary agreement Monday on a $30 million, three-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The deal is subject to a physical scheduled for Thursday, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized.
Rangers give Turnbow minor league deal (AP)
Former All-Star pitcher Derrick Turnbow agreed to a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers along with fellow right-handers Casey Daigle and Elizardo Ramirez. The 30-year-old Turnbow was an All-Star in 2006 and was with the Milwaukee organization for the past four seasons. He has a career 17-16 record with a 4.30 ERA with the Brewers and Angels.
AP Source: Twins owner Pohlad dead at 93 (AP)
Carl Pohlad, a billionaire banker whose Minnesota Twins won two World Series titles during nearly his nearly quarter-century as owner, died Monday, a baseball official said. He was 93. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the family and the team had not yet announced Pohlad’s death.
