June 2012 - Baseball Wiretap

Reds, Madson Finalize $8.5M Deal
The Reds have finalized their one-year, $8.5 million contract with reliever Ryan Madson.

Associated Press

Carmona Released, Asks Fans For 'Forgiveness'
Fausto Carmona was released following his arrest for allegedly using a false identity to play baseball in the Major Leagues.

Associated Press

Pena Agrees To Re-Join Rays
Carlos Pena will return to the Rays under a one-year deal after spending the 2011 season with the Cubs.

ESPN.com

Nationals, Ryan Zimmerman Discussing Extension
With two years and $26 million left on his contract, Ryan Zimmerman has begun discussing a possible extension with the Nationals.

Yahoo! Sports

Ortiz Still Hoping For Multiyear Deal
The Red Sox have offered David Ortiz $12.65 million in arbitration for the 2012 season, but the slugger wants $16.5 million.

Yahoo! Sports

Rangers Have Room For Fielder?
While the Rangers were in talks with Yu Darvish on a six-year, $60 million deal, the belief was that Prince Fielder was no longer an option.

Yahoo! Sports

Indians Add Accardo, Lewis To Roster
Looking for added depth this season, the Indians have added right-hander Jeremy Accardo and outfielder Fred Lewis to their roster.

Associated Press

Orlando Cabrera Plans To Retire
Orlando Cabrera announced his retirement from Major League Baseball during an appearance on a Colombian radio station this week.

MLB.com

Cubs Re-Sign Rodrigo Lopez
Rodrigo Lopez will be an insurance policy for Chicago this year.

Chicago Tribune

Yankees Haven't Initiated Contact With Potential DHs
After trading Jesus Montero, the agents for players like Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Raul Ibanez have contacted New York.

Bob Klapisch (via Twitter)

Phillies, Lidge Remain In Contact
Brad Lidge seems like a logical fit in Philadelphia, which leads many to believe that the reliever must not like what the team is offering.

Jon Heyman/CBS Sports (via Twitter)

Zumaya Believes He Can Still Throw 100 MPH
Joel Zumaya has been hampered by injuries in recent years, which has forced him to work on his off-speed and breaking pitches.

Associated Press

Darvish's Father Preaches Patience
The Rangers and Yu Darvish reached an agreement on a six-year, $60 million contract on Wednesday.

Richard Durrett/ESPN.com

Judge Signs Off On McCourt Divorce Settlement
A LA judge has ratified a agreement between Frank McCourt and his former wife Jamie McCourt in their divorce case.

AP

Gary Carter's Condition Worsens
Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter's health has taken a turn for the worse.

AP

GM Talks Crawford Surgery
Carl Crawford had wrist surgery but should be ready for baseball activities during spring training.

ESPN.com

Report: Braun Begins Appeal Process
Ryan Braun's appeal of his positive drug test began on Thursday.

ESPN.com

A-Rod Preparing To Play Third
Alex Rodriguez doesn't plan on being the Yankees' DH on a permanent basis.

ESPN.com

Report: A's Working On Deal For Jonny Gomes
The A's and free agent Jonny Gomes are working to finalize a deal for the 2012 season.

ESPN.com

Joel Zumaya Say's He Feels 'Great'
Right-handed reliever Joel Zumaya signed a one-year deal with the Twins this week.

ESPN.com

Carmona Arrested In Dominican Republic
Authorities in the Dominican Republic have arrested Fausto Carmona and accused him os using a false ID to try to obtain a U.S. visa.

ESPN.com

Indians Add Jeremy Accardo, Fred Lewis
The Indians have agreed to minor league deals with pitcher Jeremy Accardo and outfielder Fred Lewis.

ESPN.com

Dad: Yu Darvish 'Very Happy' To Complete Deal
Yu Darvish's father, Farsad, says his son was pleased he will be starting his major league career in 2012 with the Rangers.

ESPN.com

M's Invite Oliver Perez To Spring Training
The Mariners have signed veteran Oliver Perez to a minor league contract.

ESPN.com

Moyer Has Deal With Rockies
Jamie Moyer has agreed to terms on a minor league deal and an invite to spring training with the Rockies.

ESPN.com

Yu Darvish Agrees To Six-Year, $60M Deal With Rangers
Japanese ace Yu Darvish will be pitching for the Texas Rangers in 2012.

ESPN.com

Cubs, Red Sox Want Selig To Set Compensation For Epstein
The move was apparently initiated by Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino late last month, one source said.

Chicago Sun-Times

Brewers Reach Agreement With Aoki
Milwaukee had a Tuesday deadline to sign the Japanese import.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Darvish, Rangers Likely To Sign Six-Year Deal
The Rangers will sign Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish before Wednesday afternoon's deadline, according to sources.

CBS Sports

Cust, Astros Agree To $600K Contract
Jack Cust was released by the Phillies and Mariners last season.

Associated Press