Daric Barton was hitting .292 through 14 games, but he's just 2-for-26 over eight games since. "I'm feeling different," Barton said. "I haven't been seeing the ball too well. I don't know if I'm pressing or not. I just feel weird. ... I don't feel like I'm playing up to my potential." Barton is arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter, and there have been initial talks about a multiyear deal. The first baseman said that although he is trying not to think about a new contract, that's impossible. "It's always in the back of your mind," Barton said. "It's not something you like to think about, but realistically, it happens."

Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder hopes the team makes an effort to sign him to a long-term deal. Milwaukee signed Ryan Braun to a five-year, $105 million contract this week, keeping him under contract through the 2020 season. "I'm proud of Braunie. He's an unbelievable player and now he's just super rich. Yeah, man, it's awesome. I'm happy for him," Fielder said. Fielder is eligible for free agency at the end of the season and it's expected as a Scott Boras client he'll seek out a contract larger than the one Braun received.

For the fourth time in a year, the Brewers have locked up a young player with a long-term contract. Milwaukee signed Ryan Braun to a five-year, $105 million contract on Thursday that locks him up through the 2020 season. Braun, Rickie Weeks, Corey Hart and Yovani Gallardo have all been signed to deals, but first baseman Prince Fielder remains unsigned. "Signing Braun to an extension almost identical to the one they offered Fielder appears to further cement the idea the Brewers are preparing themselves for life without their cleanup hitter after 2011, although general manager Doug Melvin wasn't interested in drawing any parallels between the two with regard to finances," writes the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "They're different situations," Melvin said. "This is an extension. Prince is a free agent at the end of the year. Prince wants to win this year. It doesn't change from what we talked about in the spring - we both want him to have a big year, a monster year. "With Ryan, with Prince, we feel we have two of the best middle-of-the-order hitters in all of baseball. I think the numbers are showing that even this year. They're similar in that they're two of the most talented players in the game, but then they're different in where they are with their contract status."

The Nationals are looking for help in center field. Currently, Washington is using veteran Rick Ankiel at the position. According to major league sources, the Nationals are looking to upgrade in center.

The Rangers will likely delay announcing the signing of Cuban outfielder Leonys Martin. He is still being processed through the customs and immigration, and it could be beyond this week before he is ready to play for the Rangers.

The Rangers are expected to sign Cuban defector Leonys Martin on Wednesday, according to a club source. Martin, who underwent a physical on Tuesday, was linked to Texas last week. The 23-year-old outfielder is expected to receive a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $15 million and a spot on the 40-man roster when he signs.

Russell Martin, who hit a pair of home runs for the Yankees in the team's win against the Red Sox on Saturday afternoon, feels like he's healthy and ready to return to the player he was a few seasons ago. "I'm healthy," Martin said. "I've been healthy since the beginning of the season, so it definitely is a good feeling. I feel like it's been a while." Martin had some discussions with the Red Sox about becoming the team's starting catcher, but the club was hesitant. "I've got the Yankee uniform on and that's really who I play for right now and that's all I really care about," he said. "The Red Sox, I think they were a little iffy with the injuries that I had and they weren't too sure." Martin is hitting .321 with three home runs and eight RBIs in eight games this season.

The Yankees have reached an agreement on a minor league contract with pitcher Carlos Silva, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal reported the agreement during Saturday afternoon's Yankees-Red Sox game on FOX. Silva will give New York depth in their rotation.

David Price says he's open to a long-term deal with the Rays under the right terms. He didn't specify what those terms would entail. "If it's realistic, absolutely, that is something I would definitely do," Price said. "I love it here, absolutely. Everyone here knows that I'm a huge fan of this organization and all the people that are in the clubhouse. I feel like it's the right place for me." As of now, Tampa Bay can keep Price for four more seasons.

As of Thursday, the Blue Jays had yet to inform Aaron Hill whether or not they'll pick up the remaining years on his contract. "It's natural to think about it," Hill said. "But the Jays know I want to stay here, so hopefully I'll be here for a long time." Hill's $5 million salary for 2011 is guaranteed. Until this season begins, the Jays have the option to lock him up for 2012 and 2013 at $8 million a season and for 2014 at $10 million. If they choose to wait until after the season, they can only pick up the options for 2012 and 2013.