May 2013 - Baseball Wiretap

Hernandez Seeking Six-Year Extension From Mariners
The Mariners are preparing a four-year, $100 million offer to Felix Hernandez, but that won't be enough.

SI.com

Brewers Seeking First Baseman
The Brewers plan to start Mat Gamel at first base while Corey Hart recovers from right knee surgery, but a move could be made.

Adam McCalvy/MLB.com

Oswalt's Agent Denies Interest From Mets
The Mets have been linked to Roy Oswalt in reports despite signing Shaun Marcum recently.

Marc Carig/Newsday

Cubs Sign Villanueva To Two-Year Contract
Carlos Villanueva went 7-7 with a 4.16 ERA last year in 16 starts and 22 relief appearances for the Blue Jays.

Associated Press

Report: Rockies, Chacin Reach $6.5M Deal
Jhoulys Chacin had asked for $2.6 million in arbitration and had been offered $1.7 million by Colorado.

Associated Press

Espinosa Played With Torn Rotator Cuff
Danny Espinosa played with torn rotator cuff in his left, non-throwing shoulder late last season.

Associated Press

MLB Investigating South Florida In Fight Against PEDs
There are a number of wellness clinics in South Florida that are believed to be filtering PEDs in the Major Leagues.

ESPN

Baker Signs Minors Deal With Rangers
Jeff Baker, who is entering his ninth Major League season, had a busy 2012 between three teams: the Cubs, Tigers and Braves.

Evan Drellich/MLB.com

Marlins Reportedly Sign Chad Qualls
The Marlins have reportedly agreed to terms with Chad Qualls on a Minor League contract with an invitation to spring training.

Joe Frisaro/MLB.com

Mets Interested In Roy Oswalt
The Mets haven't ruled out signing Roy Oswalt even though they have added Shaun Marcum to their rotation.

Adam Rubin/ESPN

William Howard Taft Added To Washington's President Dash
William Howard Taft will join George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt for the fourth-inning race by mascots.

Associated Press

Frank Thomas Confident He'll Make HOF In 2014
Frank Thomas has made his case for Hall of Fame enshrinement next year, while blasting some players that flourished in the so-called steroid era.

Doug Padilla/ESPN

Trick Pickoff Move Is Now Considered A Balk
Pitchers will no longer be allowed to fake a pickoff to third base and throw to first as a way to lure a runner into breaking for second.

Associated Press

Royals Claim Kottaras Off Waivers From A's
George Kottaras, 29, will compete for a backup job behind Salvador Perez in Kansas City.

Associated Press

Harper's 'Clown Question' Shows Up On Jeopardy
Bryce Harper's "that's a clown question, bro" response to a reporter's question during his rookie season was instantly added to the pop culture lexicon.

Mark Townsend/Big League Stew

Kershaw, Dodgers Still Haven't Discussed Extension
Clayton Kershaw is under contract this year for $11 million.

Dylan Hernandez/Los Angeles Times

Yankees, Robertson Reach $3.1M Deal
David Robertson was 2-7 with a 2.67 ERA in 2012.

Wallace Matthews/ESPN

Source: Kalish To Have Shoulder Surgery
Ryan Kalish has suffered another setback as he attempts to return to the Major Leagues.

Gordon Edes/ESPN

Mauer Wants To Catch More In 2013
Joe Mauer wants to play behind the plate more this coming season after a healthy 2012 campaign that saw him play in a career-high 147 games.

Associated Press

White Sox Sign Matt Lindstrom
Lindstrom will make $2.3 million in 2013 with a $4 million club option for 2014. The deal has a $500,000 buyout clause.

Paul Casella/MLB.com

Hart Out Four Months Following Surgery
Corey Hart underwent right knee surgery on Friday morning.

Adam McCalvy/MLB.com

Billy Hamilton Wants To Become Better Bunter
Last season, the 22-year-old stole a professional baseball record 155 bases.

Mark Sheldon/MLB

Nationals Will Add Fifth President To Stadium Race
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt are currently featured and it remains to be seen who will be added to the mix.

David Brown/Big League Stew

Porcello Shrugs Off Persistent Trade Rumors
The Tigers will likely trade Rick Porcello if they receive the right offer, leading to persistent trade rumors this offseason.

Lynn Henning/Detroit News

Cashman: A-Rod Could Miss Entire Season
The Yankees aren't dismissing the possibility that Alex Rodriguez could miss the entire 2013 season following hip surgery.

Jon Lane/YES Network

Mets Were Last Team To Sign Major League Free Agent
Shaun Marcum went 7-4 with a 3.70 ERA in 21 starts last season for the Brewers.

Adam Rubin/ESPN

White Sox Acquire Stewart From Pirates
The White Sox have acquired Zach Stewart off waivers from the Pirates.

Associated Press

Francona: 'I'm Not Bitter Or Anything'
Terry Francona says the process of putting together a book about his time with the Red Sox was a cathartic experience.

Maureen Mullen/CSNNE

Verlander Wants To Retire With Tigers
Justin Verlander won't turn 30 until next month, but he is already thinking about remaining with the one Major League team he has known.

Jason Beck/MLB.com

Napoli Can Earn Extra $8M By Remaining Active, Making PAs
Mike Napoli must either stay on the active roster for at least 165 days or get 625 plate appearances with at least 120 days on the roster.

Ronald Blum/Associated Press