The Cubs are still interested in Twins closer Joe Nathan and Baltimore stud Erik Bedard, the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Sunday. ... The Rockies are listening to offers for left-handed setup man Brian Fuentes, who lost his closing job this past season, the Denver Post wrote. Fuentes is set to earn $7 million in 2008, too much money in that slot for the Rockies.
Padres agreed to terms with catcher Michael Barrett on a one-year, $3.5 million contract.
He can make an additional $750,000 in bonuses. That Barrett was willing to take a paycut should make him more attractive in trade talks. The Pirates and Rays are thought to be interested.
According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the Padres have agreed to terms with first baseman Robert Fick on a minor league contract.
The Nationals non-tendered Fick earlier this month after he hit .234/.309/.305 in 221 plate appearances. He'll get an invite to spring training and hope to win a spot on the Padres' bench.
An announcement is expected to come sometime Wednesday.
Mark Prior, cut loose by the Cubs earlier this month, has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres.
Prior, 27, last pitched in the big leagues in 2006, and had shoulder surgery in April of 2007.
The second overall pick in the 2001 draft, Prior went 18-6 for the Cubs in 2003 before experiencing a series of physical problems. He was born in San Diego and lives in San Diego County, and the Padres' hope is that he is able to join a rotation that already includes Jake Peavy, Chris Young, Greg Maddux and Randy Wolf.
He has been throwing on flat ground, and to date, has been free of pain since his surgery.
Prior's lifetime record in the big leagues is 42-29, with a 3.51 ERA.
Padres agreed to terms with RHP Mark Prior, who had been with the Cubs, on a one-year contract.
Prior is hoping to return from shoulder surgery before the end of May, though even without any setbacks, it'd be no surprise to see his comeback put off until after the All-Star break. He's a long shot to make a major contribution in 2008, but he's a better sleeper in San Diego than he would have been anywhere else.
HOUSTON -- Outfielder Darin Erstad has reached an agreement with the Astros on a one-year contract, general manager Ed Wade confirmed on Thursday.
Erstad, a veteran of 12 big league seasons, will provide a left-handed bat off the bench, as well as serve as a backup outfielder. The 33-year-old has experience at all three outfield positions and first base. In his career, Erstad has played 499 games in center, 272 in left, 10 in right and 601 games at first base.
"He'll be a left-handed bat off the bench," Wade said. "He has a lot of versatility. He's a great makeup guy. He's the prototypical professional player -- he brings a lot to the table and we're glad to have him."
ChronicKerr wrote:so what's the deal with brian roberts? A month or so ago it was as good as done and now I haven't heard anything since. Are the Cubs done adding players or are they quitely working? Also, with the pending sale of the organization how does that hurt adding any other major pieces (being they already got fukudome)?
Posey H8er wrote:Swisher was dealt to the White Sox. I have no opinion on this, but I like Swisher.
For a career .250 hitter?
I don't think I like this move.
