April 2012 - Baseball Wiretap

If Dodgers Are Shopping Ethier, Mariners Are Interested
There is still no real evidence that the Dodgers are shopping Andre Ethier this offseason.

Jon Heyman/CBS Sports (via Twitter)

Matsui Spurned Offers From Japanese Teams
Hideki Matsui is retiring because he could no longer play the game at the level he wants and knew it last season when he fizzled with the Rays.

Anthony McCarron/New York Daily News

Brewers Reach Deal With Mike Gonzalez
The deal, which is not expected to be finalized until next week, is expected to be for one year.

Adam McCalvy/MLB.com

First Base Remains 'Area Of Focus' For Red Sox
Boston is trying to finalize their contract agreement with Mike Napoli, while also speaking to Adam LaRoche.

Mike Axisa/MLB Trade Rumors

Marlins Not Interested In Dariel Alvarez
The Marlins aren't expected to pursue Cuban defector Dariel Alvarez, who was declared a free agent earlier this month.

Juan C. Rodriguez/South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Mets Looking For Bullpen Help
Frank Francisco, the incumbent closer, had minor elbow surgery earlier this month, but he is expected to be ready in time for Spring Training.

Mike Axisa/MLB Trade Rumors

Indians Sell Regional TV Network
The Indians have sold their regional TV sports network and telecast rights for baseball games to Fox Sports Media Group.

Associated Press

Hideki Matsui Announces Retirement
Hideki Matsui, 38, held a news conference in New York to mark the conclusion of his 20 years playing professional baseball.

Bryan Hoch/MLB.com

Takahashi Agrees To Minor League Deal With Cubs
The Cubs have agreed to sign Hisanori Takahashi to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training.

D.J. Short/Hardball Talk

Pierzynski Wanted To Finish Career With White Sox
A.J. Pierzynski wanted to finish his career with the White Sox, but the club never made a strong effort to re-sign him.

Gerry Fraley/Dallas Morning News

Sources: Napoli Has Interest From Team Other Than Red Sox
At least one team has been in contact with Mike Napoli and his representatives regarding his status since talks with the Red Sox hit a snag, according to sources.

Rob Bradford/WEEI.com

Could Jose Bautista Be Damaged Goods?
The Blue Jays have made several splashes this offseason, but the health of Jose Bautista has rarely been discussed.

Jonah Birenbaum/Baseball Prospectus

Big Season By Hughes Could End Tenure With Yankees
Given the team's payroll concerns for 2014, Phil Hughes could price himself off the Yankees with a strong effort next season.

Joel Sherman/New York Post

Will Werth Return To Middle Of Washington's Order?
The Nationals liked using Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper atop their batting order in 2012, but the acquisition of prototypical leadoff hitter Denard Span may change their plans.

Patrick Reddington/SB Nation

Yankees Still Interested In Scott Hairston
Even after signing Matt Diaz to a minor league contract, the Yankees maintain interest in Scott Hairston.

Kevin Kernan/New York Post

Mets Sign Aaron Laffey To Minors Deal
Aaron Laffey went 4-6 with a 4.56 ERA in 22 games with the Blue Jays last season, including 16 starts.

Anthony DiComo/MLB.com

Japanese Report Claims Matsui Is Set To Retire
Hideki Matsui will announce his retirement at a news conference Thursday night in New York, according to a Japanese report.

Adam Berry/MLB.com

Carlton Fisk Pleads Guilty To DUI
Carlton Fisk pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor drunken-driving charge, two months after police found him asleep in his pickup truck in a suburban Chicago cornfield.

Associated Press

Jose Lopez Close To Deal With Yomiuri Giants
Jose Lopez, 29, hit .246/.270/.356 with four homers in 248 plate appearances last season.

Mike Axisa/MLB Trade Rumors

Pedroia Influenced Drew To Pick Boston
Stephen Drew explained that part of Boston's appeal was the chance to form a strong middle infield with Dustin Pedroia.

Zach Links/MLB Trade Rumors

Pierzynski Downplays Feud With Ron Washington
A.J. Pierzynski says he is no longer upset with Rangers manager Ron Washington for not selecting him to this past season's All-Star team.

Richard Durrett/ESPN

Bailey Will Set Up For Boston Newcomer Hanrahan
John Farrell felt it important to be up front with both players from the get-go.

John Tomase/Boston Herald

Texas Hands Pierzynski Starting Job
A.J. Pierzynski is in line to be the first Rangers catcher with 120-plus starts in a season since Pudge Rodriguez in 1999.

Gerry Fraley/Dallas Morning News

Sources: Boston Talking To LaRoche
If Boston signs Adam LaRoche, they could walk away from Mike Napoli, who technically remains unsigned.

Ken Rosenthal/FOX Sports

Red Sox Have Tradeable Pieces
They have a surplus of catchers and Alfredo Aceves, who can start or relieve, is a chip as well.

Peter Abraham/Boston Globe

Rangers Still Looking To Add Power, Pitcher
Jon Daniels says the Rangers remain in the market for another bat and that they are always looking for pitching.

Richard Durrett/ESPN

Report: Yankees Agree To Terms With Matt Diaz
The Yankees have agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with veteran outfielder Matt Diaz, according to an New York Daily News report on Wednesday.

MLB.com

Urbina Released From Venezuelan Prison
Former major league closer Uqueth Urbina has been released from a Venezuelan prison for good behavior.

ESPN.com

Pierzyski Downplays All-Star Snub
A.J. Pierzynski is excited to play for Rangers manager Ron Washington and isn't upset anymore for not being named to last year's All-Star team.

ESPN.com

Andruw Jones Accused Of Dragging Wife Down Stairs
Nicole Jones has accused her husband of dragging her down a staircase, grabbing her neck, and threatening to kill her.

ESPN.com