Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago reports that the Cubs have signed free agent right-hander Edwin Jackson to a four-year, $52 million contract, pending a physical.
"E-Jax" had to settle for a one-year, $11 million deal last offseason and did not pitch significantly better in 2012, but the market for middle-tier free agents has been much healthier this time around. Jackson will join a Cubs rotation that also boasts Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Scott Feldman and Travis Wood. That's not a bad group, and Scott Baker is expected to be ready by May.
Source: Patrick Mooney on Twitter Dec 20 - 3:21 PM

Remember when the Sox wouldn't give Pedro Martinez that contract? Times are changing.

AJ P to Rangers

http://tracking.si.com/2012/12/20/rangers-aj-pierzynski-contract/?sct=uk_t2_a5

That is certainly going to open up the ChiSox to trading partners. Gavin Floyd may be on the block.

DKnobler ‏@DKnobler
White Sox are looking around for a left-handed hitter. Also have let it be known (again) that Gavin Floyd is available.

Cody Ross to the D'Back
<www.weei.com/sports/boston/this-just-in/21248831/source-ross-diamondbacks-agree-deal

Good for him, glad he got a deal, but one less RF option for us.

I have to believe the lineup is pretty set at this point.

I think there is going to be a trade.....who is involved, I have no idea but I find it hard to believe they're ok with Gomes as the starting LF and we have too many catchers and LHP relief.
They might be waiting for the Napoli thing to get straightened out.

Check out the Bill James prediction thread I just created. The Gomes and Kalish platoon is projected to post some great numbers.

Ya, I can see subtraction from roster, just no more lineup additions.

I just saw that...........

I would love to see Kalish come back and be the player we hoped he would be.
I hope it happens, I really do.
He's a great kid and I'll be his biggest cheerleader but I just hope he can stay healthy!

He better or I have to change my name here :-)

haha that's right!

Let's hope so!

I have never seen Kalish play LF........I suppose he can learn it but I always saw him in RF.

Red Sox close to deal for Hanrahan, according to Gordon Edes.

better not give up much....

Indeed. Horrible walk rate last year. I'd rank Tazawa, Bailey and Melancon ahead of him. Oh well.

meh.... I will be a pisser if we gave up anything good

This won't end well

5BB/9 great stuff

Hey.. who doesnt want a 31yo with a scary walk rate and sharp drop in velocity the past couple of years...

Overrated relievers with "closing experience" seem to be Ben Cherington's weak spot.