Major League Baseball News Roundup
For the 40 baseball clubs scattered across the country, the mission is the same as it has always been in Major League Baseball (MLB); acquire the much needed players from the market and cut costs doing it. That isn’t a famous quote picked up from somewhere
but it does highlight the strategy observed by teams in both the American League and the National League.
With the spring training session almost near, rosters are being bolstered up with last minute additions. The objective seems to be taking its toll as diminishing resources in the free market are pushing clubs towards doing their best in signing quality stars
for cover roles and vacant positions. Some teams are already set for the training season to kick off. However, some are still scanning the market for the right players to fill the roster.
The New York Yankees, nevertheless, made the headlines today when they acquired Andruw Jones from the free agency on a one-year deal worth $1.2 million. The offer can extend to $2 million if the 34-year-old manages to pick up incentives. The hitter, who
uses the right hand in his outfield position, will serve as a fitting replacement for the likes of Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson. In 2010, Jones hit 19 homers and drove in 48 runs with the Chicago White Sox.
On the other hand, the New York Mets pulled in Chris Young and Scott Hairston. Young, who was injured for most of last season, is a fly ball specialist and in 2010 he ended up with two wins and no losses in 20 innings for the San Diego Padres.
"Unfortunately, the clock sort of ran out of time and I didn't have the proper time that I needed to build up my arm strength," Young said of the end of the 2010 season. "But I felt like I was confident. I was making progress and I was very happy with my mechanics,
which is a big part of being efficient and healthy."
The Cincinnati Reds, on the other hand, made the news as they avoided arbitration with Johnny Cueto. The right hand ball thrower signed a four-year contract extension worth $27 million.
The San Francisco Giants strengthened their pitching defence by signing on Javier Lopez for one more year. The arbitration eligible player has penned a deal which is valued at $2.4 million.
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