Change in the Times

A couple of years ago, all fans in baseball could count on at least one big-name free agent signing with the New York Yankees. These days? Not so much. As baseball followers everywhere know, Jayson Werth and Carl Crawford both have signed with teams, the most recent being Crawford last night with the Yankees division rival Boston Red Sox. Now word is that the Yankees may not be able to sign Cliff Lee. There are at least two other teams in the running, and the Texas Rangers seem much more desperate to sign him. If you ask me, I think it would be smart for Lee to let this process drag on as long as he possibly can. As long as the Rangers and the Nationals are involved in the action, then Cliff Lee can keep the negotiations going and milk the deal for absolutely as much as he can get. As long as more teams are involved, the Yankees are less likely to get their man, something that none of us would have imagined just two years ago.

In the news today:
-The Baltimore Orioles made a move today as they sent two minor league right handers, Jim Hoey and Brett Jacobson, to the Twins for Shortstop JJ Hardy and infielder Brendan Harris. This deal is significant for the Twins because the trade of their shortstop means that they are likely close to signing Japanese infielder Tsyuoshi Nishioka, who will pair with Alexi Casillia to for the Minnesota double play combo.

-Vicente Padilla signed a 1-year deal to remain with the Dodgers. Padilla has been a very problematic teammate over the last couple of years, making news for throwing extremely inside to hitters, leading his teammates to be subject to retaliation by opposing pitchers.

Other Deals This Week:
-Carl Crawford, in one of the most surprising deals this winter, signed a 7 year/ $142 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. Along with newly acquired 1B Adrian Gonzalez, Crawford will help revamp a now extremely potent middle of the lineup in Boston. Speculation prior to the signing linked Crawford to the Los Angeles Angels.

-Carlos Pena signed a 1 year/ $10 millions deal to become the Cubs new 1B, replacing the loss of Derek Lee after he was traded to Atlanta at the trade deadline.

-The Seattle Mariners signed both C Miguel Olivo and DH Jack Cust.

-The New York Mets signed C Ronnie Paulino and RHP DJ Carrasco.

-It appears likely that Tampa Bay SS Jason Bartlett is headed to San Diego, but the deal has yet to be finalized.

Keep checking for all the latest baseball news.