First off, welcome to FantasyPros911.com and thanks for checking out my column, Rumor Central, where each week we'll go into detail with the latest rumors, transactions, and baseball news. Let's get started with some of the top stories of the past week.
Mark Teixeira signs 8 year, $180 million dollar deal with New York Yankees
 As you have probably heard by now, first basemen Mark Teixeira signed an eight year, $180 million dollar deal with the New York Yankees ($22.5 million per year). The Yankees currently employ the four highest players in baseball including Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, and Teixeira. Here's some of the latest reactions to the blockbuster signing:
- Boston Globe columnist Steve Buckley feels that Teixeira ending up in pinstripes only benefits the rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox. Not only does it bring new blood to the rivalry, but at one point it looked like Teixeira would sign with Boston, which has infuriated some Boston fans.
- Jesse Spector of NYDailyNews.com believes that the Red Sox Nation reaction to the signing is going to be "swift and fierce." One of the strong points the article points out is that the Red Sox missed out on signing the switch hitting slugger by just a handful of pocket change.
- NYDailyNews.com columnist Bill Madden points out that even though the Yankees have signed A.J. Burnett, Sabathia, and Teixeira, their current payroll will be about $20 million dollars less than 2008's.
- Ben Goessling of The Washington Times reveals the Nationals perspective of the Teixeira signing. The Nationals, who appeared to be front runners just a week or two ago, will now have to look into other options, which could include Manny Ramirez to help market their club and compete in the NL East.
- Joel Sherman of The New York Post points out that the Yankees learned their lesson in free agency four years ago when they chose to sign Randy Johnson over Carlos Beltran, which is why they pursued Mark Teixeira this offseason, rather than waiting a year for Matt Holliday.
General Rumors
- Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette feels that Pittsburgh Pirates 2008 first round draft pick Pedro Alvarez could be in the majors on Opening Day in 2009 if he performs well enough in spring training. Alvarez would then be in select company as one of few players who has less than a year of minor league experience before making it to the big show; in fact, Alvarez' only professional experience came in the Florida Instructional League after a long contract dispute took away from most of his playing time.
- In a seperate article, Pirates beat writer Kovacevic reports that there are still about a half-dozen teams looking into signing outfielder Rocco Baldelli. Baldelli was once considered an up and coming baseball star, but missed multiple seasons with various injuries and was diagnosed with mitochondrial disorder, however, a recent evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic revealed that the original diagnosis was incorrect. Baldelli has now been diagnosed with channelopathy, which is less severe and treatable with medication. Kovacevic believes the Tampa Bay Rays, Philladelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, Red Sox, Yankees, and Pirates are all possible suitors for the right handed outfielder.
- Rich Hammond of DailyNews.com based out of Los Angeles, believes that Manny Ramirez may be headed back to the Los Angeles Dodgers, because not many other options are present for the slugger at this time. Some believe that mega-agent Scott Boras will attempt to convince the Nationals to sign Man-Ram to help bring in fans, but there are currently no offers on the table.
- Multiple sources are reporting that the New York Mets and Derek Lowe are close to reaching a deal of about four years in length, paying $14-16 million dollars a year.
- Red Sox beat writer Mike McDermott of the Providence Journal believes that first baseman Kevin Youkilis and the Red Sox will not be able to reach a long term deal, and will be forced to follow one of two routes: arbitration or a one year deal. Youk was third in AL MVP voting in 2008.
Noteable Transactions
- Multiple sources are reporting on the growing World Baseball Classic rosters, in particular for The United States of America. The current roster includes David Wright, Chipper Jones, Mark DeRosa, Brian McCann, Derek Jeter, and many others.
- The Associated Press, MLB.com, is reporting that former major league outfielder Kevin Mench has reached a one year deal with a Japenese team, the Hanshin Tigers, and will take Lew Ford's spot on the team, who did not live up to expecatations overseas last year. Mench will make $1.8 million dollars.
- The Associated Press, MLB.com, is reporting that the San Diego Padres have signed four players in recent days including infielder Luis Rodriguez and pitchers Kevin Correia, Chris Britton, and Oneli Perez.
- Bill Chastain and Joe Frisaro of MLB.com are reporting that the Rays have signed pitcher Joe Nelson to help out their bullpen for $1.3 million dollars.
- Scott Merkin of MLB.com is reporting that the Yankees have signed former Red Sox catcher Kevin Cash to a one year deal.
Other News
Today, January 1st, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League will face off at historic Wrigley Field in the annual Winter Classic. Be sure to check it out on NBC for a perspective of Wrigley Field that you have never seen before.
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As you have probably heard by now, first basemen Mark Teixeira signed an eight year, $180 million dollar deal with the New York Yankees ($22.5 million per year). The Yankees currently employ the four highest players in baseball including Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, and Teixeira. Here's some of the latest reactions to the blockbuster signing:
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