Jose Valverde Signed With Aguascalientes For 2017 Season

The renowned Dominican boxer José Rafael Valverde who in his 12-year career in the big tent, added 288 rescues for life, plus three seasons as a leader of rescues , Same number of campaigns in which it was nominated to the game of stars; Was presented this day at a press conference at the "Alberto Romo Chávez" Park by general manager José Luis García Rivas as the new firefighter of the ninth place.  (Translated)

MiLB Official Site

Angels Send Matt Young To Minors

The Angels cut eight players from Major League camp Sunday: pitchers Nick Maronde, Chad Cordero, Fernando Cabrera and Kevin Johnson, outfielders Scott Cousins and Matt Young, infielder Tommy Field and catcher Luke Carlin.

Anaheim Official Site

Blue Jays Release Chad Cordero

Toronto placed first baseman Adam Lind on the disabled list with a sore back and purchased the contract of 51s outfielder Eric Thames, batting .342 with a team-leading 30 RBIs. The Blue Jays also optioned first baseman David Cooper to Las Vegas and released 51s pitcher Chad Cordero. Las Vegas activated reliever Josh Roenicke from the disabled list.

Las Vegas Review Journal

Dodgers Release Pat Borders

Baseball America

Blue Jays Sign Chad Cordero To Minors Deal

The Blue Jays signed right-hander Chad Cordero to a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training on Monday afternoon.

Blue Jays Official Site

Roy Oswalt Will Cost A Lot

Acquiring Roy Oswalt would apparently cost a great deal. Word is that the Astros would not only make the acquiring team pay all of Oswalt's salary -- the rest of his $15 million this year, $16 million next year and a $2 million buyout on the 2012 team option -- but also wants three major-league-ready young players in return.

It's possible that demand comes from owner Drayton McLane and not GM Ed Wade. Pretty steep price, and that doesn't even factor in Oswalt's full no-trade clause.

MLB Fanhouse

Reds Are Looking Like Solid Contender In NL Central

Baseball's list of early-season surprises would include the NL West-leading San Diego Padres, Carlos Silva's mind-bending 7-0 record, Jose Bautista's eruption of 15 homers, Josh Beckett's exploding 7.29 ERA.

STL Today

Who've Been The Best Drafters Of The Decade?

What makes for a good Draft? And which teams have had the most success over the years at being successful via this annual means of bringing talent into a system? MLB.com has tried to figure that out, at least as it pertains to the decade that was. From 2000-09, which clubs have been the most productive with their June selections?

MLB Official Site

Jack Wilson Scares Team, But Says He Should Be Fine

Tough to find much good news on a day the Mariners lose, 9-3 to the San Diego Padres courtesy of an eight-run third inning. Turns out it could have been far worse. Jack Wilson left the game after the third inning and manager Don Wakamatsu was told he'd pulled his hamstring. Wilson had just scored from first base on a triple by Ichiro when he alerted the training staff that something was up.

Seattle Times

Cardinals Not Expected To Make Run For Felipe Lopez

The Cardinals aren't sure how much time Brendan Ryan will miss as his right wrist heals, but they aren't expected to sign Felipe Lopez or trade for a shortstop. Manager Tony La Russa loves Ryan, who won the job a year ago, and has Julio Lugo available if Ryan opens the year on the DL.

Chicago Tribune

Gordo Live 10-16-09

Join columnist Jeff Gordon for a live chat from 1-2 p.m. Monday about the Cards, Rams, Blues, Mizzou or whatever sport or team is on your mind.

STL Today

The Gentle Art Of Prospect Promotion

Be forewarned that what follows is mostly an exercise. It's me thinking out loud. There are no satisfying answers at the end, merely questions layered upon questions. The hope is that maybe we will learn something along the way. Let's take a look...

The Hardball Times

MLB First-Year Player Draft Begins Tuesday, Expands From Two To Three Days

With Tuesday’s First-Year Player Draft fast approaching (coverage begins 6:00 p.m. EDT on MLB Network), a few changes are in place, and as always, some questions about how the process functions. Here are some details.

The Biz Of Baseball

Tyler Johnson Could Begin Rehab Assignment Later This Week

Left-handed reliever Tyler Johnson, who missed all last season because of rotator cuff surgery and has been working out in Peoria, probably will join the Rainiers by the end of this week.

Everett Herald

Tyler Johnson Could Make Rehab Start Soon

Wakamatsu also said left-handed pitcher Tyler Johnson and right-hander Chad Cordero, who have been at extended spring training, will throw again on Tuesday. Wakamatsu added that Johnson will make a rehab start "any time now."

Everett Herald

Russell Branyan Misses Third Game; Tyler Johnson To Begin Throwing To Hitters

First baseman Russell Branyan's "day-to-day" back injury needed one more day on Tuesday. Injured on Friday when he slid into the plate, Branyan has missed the past three games.

At the Mariners' training complex in Arizona, recovering relievers Chad Cordero and Tyler Johnson are scheduled to pitch this week. Cordero, a right-hander coming back from labrum surgery, will throw batting practice on Saturday. Johnson, a lefty who missed all last year because of rotator cuff surgery, will pitch an inning Thursday and next Monday against minor league hitters at extended spring training.

Everett Herald

You Could Look It Up: No Relief In Sight

The next time you're sitting on your sofa contemplating the parade of busted moves by the assembled general managers of your favorite franchise—say, the Mets—and are tempted to proclaim that you could do a better job than that clown in the executive suite, think twice. Anyone can make the easy calls and buy or trade at the top of the market, fishing for the Pujols and Sabathias when they're available. The aspect of the job that earns GMs their end-of-day bourbon and Maalox cocktail is putting together a bullpen. Even the abstemious Branch Rickey might have been driven to drink by relievers had he been forced to give them more than cursory attention; they're just too unpredictable for comfort.

Baseball Prospectus

For Closers, There Is No Relief From Pressure In Game

The St. Louis Cardinals didn't have a clear-cut No. 1 entering camp and chose from among hard-throwing youngsters Chris Perez and Jason Motte and veteran Ryan Franklin before settling on Motte.

"We are going to use whoever is available, but I would believe that Motte is going to get a chance to close games," manager Tony La Russa says.

USA Today

Under The Knife: Staying In Control

Baseball Prospectus

Mariners Reassign Tyler Johnson

Sent down to the minor-league camp were pitchers Jesus Delgado, Tyler Johnson, Chad Cordero, catcher Jamie Burke, infielders Chris Burke and Chris Woodward and outfielder Mike Wilson.

Seattle PI