Cleveland lands Bourn

Free agent center fielder Michael Bourn and the Cleveland Indians have agreed to a four-year deal, worth a total of $48 million. The deal also includes an option for a fifth year, if Bourn is able to reach 550 at bats during the 2016 season, that option is worth $12 million, if that happens. Bourn was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2003 MLB draft, in the fourth round, he was picked no.115 overall. He spent two seasons with the Phillies in 2006 and the 2007 season. The Phillies ended up trading Bourn to his hometown team the Houston Astros, on November 7, 2007 for  closer Brad Lidge and infielder Eric Bruntlett.

He would play for the Astros from 2008 and for half of the 2011 season, until being traded to the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Jordan Schafer, pitcher Brett Oberholtzer, pitcher Paul Clemens, and pitcher Juan Abreu. Bourn has been a two time All-Star for the National League, in 2010 and 2012. He's a two-time Gold Glove winner in 2009, and the 2010 season. He's also lead in NL in stolen bases for three seasons: 2009, 2010, and 2011. Also, in 2011 he was the MLB stolen bases champion, leading both leagues in stolen bases with 61.

What does Bourn add to the Cleveland Indians team? He can be their lead off batter in their line up, he also adds speed to their team, along with defense in center field. So far, for Bourn's seven years in the MLB, his career stats are: batting average 272, hits 820, 22 home runs, 215 rbi's, 276 stolen bases, and has played in 871 career games. He doesn't have much home run power, but last season he had a career high for home runs with 9 home runs on the season. For the 2012 season while with the Braves, Bourn hit 274, with 9 home runs, 57 rbi's, and 42 stolen bases in 155 games. Bourn also walked 70 times, his most walks during a season, breaking 63 walks from the 2009 season with the Houston Astros. Even though the Indians overpaid for Bourn, he should help them improve in 2013.

Rams add Frank Bush to coaching staff

The St. Louis Rams have filled one of their two coaching vacancies, they've hired Frank Bush as linebackers coach. Bush replaces Blake Williams, the son of Gregg Williams, who didn't get along with coaches on Jeff Fisher's staff and wasn't well liked by the players. Bush will be entering his 23rd season in the NFL. He was drafted by the Houston Oilers (who are now the Tennessee Titans) in the 1985 NFL draft out of North Carolina State in the 5th round, and was pick no.133 overall. He would play only two seasons in the NFL for the Oilers, before having a career ending injury. Ever since the 1987 NFL season he's been working as a coach in the NFL, even though he was first a scout.

Bush comes from the Tennessee Titans, after spending two seasons coaching linebackers for them the 2011 season and the 2012 season. He spent time with the Houston Texans from 2007-2010. In 2009, Bush was made defensive coordinator by the Texans. He was fired after the 2010 season, when the Texans defense finished third-to-last. He's spent time on the Arizona Cardinals coaching staff from 2004-2006. Before going the the Cardinals, Bush spent nine seasons on the Denver Broncos coaching staff, under then coach Mike Shanahan. During those nine years, Bush won two Super Bowls with the Broncos, both of them were back to back over the Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Falcons. Five of the nine seasons on the Broncos coaching staff, Bush served as linebackers coach for nine seasons, he spent one season as secondary coach, and three seasons as their special teams coach from 2001-2003.

Bush has worked under Rams current head coach Jeff Fisher before in the past on the Houston Oilers coaching staff, that was back in 1993 and 1994 (during that season Jeff Fisher took over as head coach after head coach Jack Padree, after going 1-9, Fisher would coach in six games and go 1-5). I think that it's a solid hire to bring in Bush to coach the linebackers, he's another proven coach in the NFL on Fisher's staff, and has a pretty good resume for his coaching career in the NFL. The last vacancy that the Rams need on their coaching staff is a defensive coordinator, so hopefully the Rams will fill that vacancy pretty soon.

Cedeno a-comin'

Free agent shortstop/second baseman Ronny Cedeno and the St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a one-year deal, worth $1.5 million, the deal could turn out to be worth $2 million if he's able to reach certain performance bonuses for the 2013 season. The Chicago Cubs signed Cedeno as an amateur free agent back in 1999. He made his MLB debut on April 23, 2005. He would play for the the Cubs from 2005-2008. The Cubs traded him to the Seattle Mariners on January 28, 2009 for relief pitcher Aaron Heilman. On July 29, 2009 around the MLB trade deadline, the Mariners traded Cedeno to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cedeno would play for the Pirates from 2009-2011 season. The New York Mets signed Cedeno last season to a one-year deal, that was worth $1.2 million.

What does Cedeno bring to the table? He's pretty much known for his defense, and not much offense. He could turn out to be a nice pick up, if used right and doesn't get over used. He also brings some speed on the bases. So far, Cedeno has played eight seasons in the MLB his career stats are: batting average 247, 565 hits, 37 home runs, 218 rbi's, and 34 stolen bases. Cedeno's best season came with the Pirates back in 2010, he hit 256, with 8 home runs, 38 rbi's, and 12 stolen bases. In 2012 for the New York Mets, Cedeno only played in 78 games. He hit 259, with  4 home runs, and 22 rbi's. Again, Cedeno could be an upgrade if used right. He's shown flashes that he could be good, but I don't know if he can learn to hit better at 30-years old.

Jair Jurrjens lands in Baltimore

Free agent right-handed starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens and the Baltimore Orioles have agree to a one-year deal, worth $1.5 million, which could turn out to be worth $4 million if he's able to reach all of his incentives in his contract. Jurrjens signed in 2003 by the Detroit Tigers as an undrafted free agent. He made his MLB debut on August 15, 2007, it was also his first MLB start and it was against the Cleveland Indians. That also marked the first time a pitcher from the city of Curaçao (which is in the Netherlands) had reached the major leagues.

The Tigers would trade Jurrjens and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez to the Atlanta Braves on October 29, 2007 for shortstop Edgar Renteria. Jurrjens made the National League All-Star team in 2011, that was even after starting the season on the disabled list. He had a rough 2012 season, and was sent to the Braves triple A team on April 23, 2012. The move came after had made only four starts and went 0-2 with an era of 9.37. It also marked his first demotion in five season with the Braves. He would later be recalled by the Braves on June 22, 2012 and later got his first win of the 2012 season, against the Boston Red Sox. Jurrjens would finish the 2012 season going 3-4 in 11 games, starting only ten games, with an era of 6.89. He pitched only 48.1 innings striking-out  nineteen batters, and walking eighteen, with a WHIP of 1.86.

In 2006, Jurrjens pitched in the WBC (World Baseball Classic) for the Netherlands national baseball team, he pitched only one inning against team  Puerto Rico. He gave up three runs, and would take the loss during that game in the WBC. So far, Jurrjens career stats are: 53 wins - 47 losses, 126 games pitched, 125 games started, 750.2 innings, two complete games, one shutout, 499 strikeouts, 3.62 era, with a WHIP of 1.32.

He'll soon be 27 year-old. This could turn out to be a win-win deal for both teams, if he's able to get his career back on track. Jurrjens best season was back in 2009, when he went: 14-10, starting 34 games, he pitched 215 innings, with an era of 2.60, and struck-out 152 batters, with a WHIP of 1.21. Jurrjens might have the talent in him to get his career back on track, if he's able to stay healthy.  Again, it looks like the Orioles got a nice pick up in Jurrjens, but, we'll find out in 2013 if he turns out to be a good pick up for them. He shouldn't have much pressure on him with their starting pitching staff being deep. So, that could help Jurrjens get his career back on track.

Justin Upton traded to Braves in blockbuster deal

The Arizona Diamondbacks have traded right fielder Justin Upton, and third baseman Chris Johnson to the Atlanta Braves for third baseman Martin Prado, starting pitcher Randall Delgado, starting pitcher Zeke Spruill, third baseman/first baseman Brandon Drury, and shortstop Nick Ahmed. In Atlanta, Justin Upton will join his older broth B.J. Upton in the outfield and in the Braves line up. The trade could help both of the Upton brothers offense become better, and push each others game to become better playing on the same team. Justin was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the first round in the 2005 in the MLB draft, overall he was the number one pick. He reached the majors on August 2, 2007 at the age of 19. He would later get his first MLB career hit and run scored on August 4, 2007.

Upton has been a two-time All-Star so far during his six season, both of those were in 2009, and 2011. He also won a Silver Slugger award in 2011, his best season so far (batting 289, 31 home runs, 88 rbi's, 171 hits, 39 doubles, and 21 stolen bases. He played in 159 games, and had 592 at bats during the 2011 season. So far, Upton's career stats are: batting average 278, 739 hits, 108 home runs, 363 rbi's, and 80 stolen bases. Also in 2011, he won a  Fielding Bible Award (that award is given to the best defensive player for their position.

The D'Backs get young prospects, and a nice bat in Prado for their line up, even though he could be a free agent after the 2013, as of right now the Diamondbacks want to re-sign him to a long-term deal. Martin Prado is a one time All-Star, which was back in 2010. He was signed by the Braves as an amateur free agent back in 2001, and made his MLB debut on April 23, 2006. His first MLB career home run came on September 14, 2006 against starting pitcher Jamie Moyer of the Philadelphia Phillies (Moyer is currently a free agent, after bouncing around last season in the minor leagues). So far, for Prado's career his stats are: batting average 295, 752 hits, 52 home runs, and 286 rbi's.

The trade seems to help out both teams, both teams got what they wanted in the deal.

Jason Motte avoids arbitration with Cardinals, signs two-year deal

The Cardinals and closer Jason Motte have agreed to a two-year deal, worth $12 million. He'll make $4 million for the 2013 season, and $7 million in the 2014 season. It also includes a $1 million signing bonus. The deal also wipes out his final years of arbitration, so he could be a free agent after the 2014 season. Motte was drafted by the Cardinals in the 19th round in the 2003 MLB draft, overall he was pick number 575, out of Iona College. He started off playing catcher, and made the minor league All-Star team, only because of his defense, he couldn't hit well at all. In 2006, Motte converted into a pitcher, that was after breaking his thumb and his batting average dropped.

Motte made the reached the majors in 2008, his first MLB save was against the Cincinnati Reds on September 19th in Cincinnati. He throws a fastball that can reach the upper 90's on the radar gun, and he has devolved a slider, which he's still working on.  Motte became the Cardinals full time closer for the 2012 season, that was after becoming the Cardinals closer during the 2011 players, and help them win their 11th World Series title (and went on 5 for 5 in save opportunities during the 2011 postseason). For his post season career, he's 8 for 8 in save opportunities, after getting three saves during the 2012 post season. During the 2012 post season, Motte would get 42 saves and finish with an era of 2.75, with 86 strikeouts and 17 walks in 72 innings. He had a WHIP of 0.92.

So far for Motte's career his stats are: 17 win - 13 losses, 54 saves, 49 holds, 273 strikeouts, 2.87 era, and a WHIP of 1.07. He's pitched 260 innings during his career, in 282 career games. It's a good deal both of sides, after all Motte wanted $5.5 million. Motte finished the 2012 season tied for the most saves in the Nationals League with Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel, both closers had 42 saves. And so far the Cardinals haven't had an arbitration hearing since 1999, that player was then left-handed starting pitcher Darren Oliver. The Cardinals won that arbitration hearing.

If Motte does become a free agent after the 2014 season, the deal at least gives the Cardinals time to find a closer for the future.

Francisco Liriano lands with Pirates

Free agent starting pitcher Francisco Liriano has finally signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, for a two-year deal, worth $12.75 million. Liriano has first signed with the Pirates on December 21, 2012. The Pirates later found out that Liriano had hurt his right arm (his non-throwing arm). The Pirates and Liriano agreed to a reduced salary in the first year of his contract, because of the injury and the Pirates being concerned about his injury. Liriano comes to the Pirates after finishing half of the 2012 season with the Chicago White Sox.

He was signed as an international free agent back in 2000 by the San Francisco Giants. Liriano was later traded to the Minnesota Twins, that deal included catcher A. J. Pierzynski going to the Giants for Liriano, closer Joe Nathan, and relief pitcher Boof Bonser. Liriano reached the majors in 2005, his first career start was on September 30, 2005 against the Detroit Tigers. His MLB debut came as a relief pitcher on September 5, 2005 against the Texas Rangers. Liriano ended up missing all of the 2007 season, due to having Tommy John surgery, after having pain in his left elbow during the 2006 season. During the 2006 season, Liriano made the American League All-Star team for the first time in his career, he would finish the season 12-3 with an era of 2.16, pitching in 28 games, while starting 16 games. After having bad season in 2008 and 2009, he came back strong in 2010. And ended up winning AL Comeback Player of the Year for 2010, that award is given to any player for both leagues. It goes to a player who re-emerges himself during the season, only one player for both the AL and NL can win it though.

In 2011, Liriano would throw his first ever complete game, that ended up also being a no-hitter. It came against the Chicago White Sox in U.S. Cellular Field on May 3, 2011. He threw 123 pitches, while facing a total of 30 batters and striking out two batters, and walking 6. Only 66 pitchers during the game were strikes. On July 13, 2012 the Oakland Athletics faced Liriano and the Twins, he would lose the game, but struck out a career high fifteen batters. Before striking out fifteen batters in the game, his career high for strikeouts had been twelve.

The Chicago White Sox traded for Francisco Liriano on July 28, 2012. The deal sent shortstop/third baseman Eduardo Escobar and pitcher Pedro Hernández  to the Minnesota Twins. Liriano would finish the 2012 season with a record of 6-12 with an era of 5.34, while pitching 156.2 innings, with 167 strikeouts and 87 walks. So far Liriano's career record is: 53 wins - 54 losses, era 4.40, and 840 strikeouts, with a WHIP (a pitcher's ability to prevent batters from reaching base) is 1.35,

The question is which Liriano will the Pirates get during the two seasons. Will they get a healthy one, who has shown flashes that he can be a good starting pitcher or an injured one, and the one that doesn't show flashes? I guess soon, everyone will find out which Liriano the Pirates end up getting for their two years of him on their team. It would be nice to see Liriano finally figure out that he can pitch well, and do it for the Pirates. After all the Pirates are a young team, and have talent, even though they haven't made the playoffs since the 1992 season and have been losing ever since their playoff exit. The Pirates have shown flashes of having their first winning season since 1992, but then find ways to turn it into another losing season.