Is there anything he can’t do?
Extended deals: Save on in-stock items
Extended for a second day: Kick your holiday shopping into high gear with a 35 percent discount on all in-stock items at the MLB.com Online Shop, plus enjoy free U.S. ground shipping on orders over $49.
Game Changers: How to save the save rule
As it’s written, the save rule no longer works, and it’s time to rewrite it. My solution? Use Win Probably Added (WPA). There are simply better ways to evaluate a reliever’s performance than by giving the glory to the guy who gets the last three outs, especially in games where the heavy lifting happened in the eighth inning. Or the seventh inning. Even the sixth inning.
Rumor roundup: Frazier trade talks heat up
Monday saw yet another big-ticket pitcher find his 2016 home as Johnny Cueto went off the market, agreeing on a six-year, $130 million deal with the Giants.
Inbox: What are the plans to help Pelfrey?
Why can’t the Tigers sign Yoenis Cespedes again? What might be the plans to help Mike Pelfrey overcome his second-half struggles? Beat reporter Jason Beck answers these questions and more in the latest Inbox.
Jump in activity has kept Hot Stove burning
Scorecard sales will be brisk in Spring Training. As the proverbial vendor’s call goes, “You can’t tell the players without a scorecard,” and Major League teams have been shuffling the talent at a dizzying pace.
Nationals sign reliever Petit to 1-year deal
The Nationals agreed to a one-year contract with a conditional option for a second year with right-hander Yusmeiro Petit on Monday.
Dough Johnny, dough! Cueto gets Giant deal
Grabbing the baton in the relay race among pitching-hungry ballclubs, the Giants attempted to strengthen their starting rotation Monday by announcing an agreement with right-hander Johnny Cueto on a six-year, $130 million deal.
Giants setting up for more even-year magic
There’s just no way the San Francisco Giants do this thing again, is there? Tell me that’s not where we’re headed. It defies logic. It defies parity, too. If I’m running one of baseball’s other 29 franchises, that’s what I’m telling myself.
O’Day officially back with O’s, inks 4-year deal
Darren O’Day’s return to Baltimore is official. The Orioles inked the coveted right-handed reliever to a four-year deal Monday evening.
Royals reportedly sign Gee to Minor League deal
The Royals have agreed to a Minor League deal with former Mets right-hander Dillon Gee, according to CBS Sports. The club has not yet confirmed the deal.
Brewers invite three more to big league camp
The Brewers signed a trio of players to Minor League contracts on Monday — two of whom have played in the Majors — and invited each to big league camp: first baseman Jake Elmore, outfielder Alex Presley and pitcher Daniel Tillman.
Check out these cartoon drawings of Wily Mo Pena playing baseball in Japan
Only thing better than Wily Mo Pena? Cartoon Wily Mo Pena.
Pitching options still remain for Dodgers
The Giants’ signing of Johnny Cueto to a six-year, $130 million contract Monday gave the Dodgers one fewer option when it comes to bolstering their starting rotation. There are still quality pitchers left on the market for the Dodgers, though.
5 things Giants fans need to know about Cueto
WARNING: Contains shimmy.
Girardi pleased with direction of the franchise
Joe Girardi knows that the last couple of offseasons haven’t unfolded in the manner that many Yankees fans have grown accustomed to over the years, but he reiterated on Monday that he’s happy with the overall direction of the franchise.
Astros introduce new bullpen ace Giles
Barring an unforeseen turn of events, newly acquired Ken Giles will be the Astros’ closer next year. The Astros gave up a king’s ransom to get him, including former No. 1 pick Mark Appel, and he showed last year that he has the stuff to close games with his 100-mph fastball.