Yankees Acquire Javy Vazquez

The Yankees are the rich getting richer, and re-acquired solid #2 starter Javy Vazquez from the Braves for Melky Cabrera. New York also got left-hander Boone Logan as part of the trade, and the Braves obtained a pair of pitching prospects, left-hander Mike Dunn and right-hander Arodys Vizcaino, along with about $500,000.

The Yankees' payroll for next year now tops $200 million, which is more than the #2 Los Angeles Angels were purchased for a few years ago.

Putz signs with Chicago White Sox

The right-hander JJ Putz agreed to terms with the White Sox on a one-year, $3-million contract, with up to $3 million in incentives for games finished. Putz, who turns 33 in February, is 23-19 with a 3.24 ERA, 103 saves and 356 strikeouts covering 337 career relief appearances and 352 1/3 innings pitched over seven Major League seasons.

Pedro Feliz signs with Houston Astros

Former Phillies third baseman Pedro Feliz agreed yesterday to a $4.5 million, one-year contract with the Houston Astros on the final day of baseball's winter meetings.

Polanco Signs with Phillies

Placido Polanco, 34, will make roughly $18 million over three years going back to Philadelphia. It is structured as $5 million, plus a $500,000 signing bonus, in 2010. He will make $5.25 million in '11 and $6.25 million in '12. The mutual option in '13 is $5.5 million with a $1 million buyout.

Phillies, Blue Jays Looking at Plan B re Halladay

Both the Phillies and the Blue Jays are looking at their other options vis a vis Roy Halladay, according to many reports. Although it woul benefit both teamms to do a deal, apparently the Phillies have determined that the asking price is too much. In response, the Phillies are eyeing a deal for Cliff Lee of the Indians, and the Blue Jays may be in talks with the Yankees...stay tuned...Friday is the trading deadline...

Red Sox Cut SS Julio Lugo

Because of Nick Green's emergence from non-roster invitee to key contributor, and Jed Lowrie's imminent return, the Red Sox essentially didn't have a spot for SS Julio Lugo.

The Red Sox now have 10 days to either trade Lugo, release him or re-assign him.

The Red Sox have sought a potential trade partner for Lugo, though they'd likely be on the hook for the most -- if not all -- of the $13.5 million the shortstop is owed through the end of 2010.

Phillies sign Pedro Martinez to One Year Deal

The Phillies, somewhat desperate for starting pitching in their run for the defense of their world title, signed three time Cy Young Award pitcher Pedro Martinez to a one year deal worth $1 million guaranteed, plus $1.5 million in incentives.

Detroit Tigers Release Gary Sheffield

When the Tigers traded for Josh Hamilton, everyone did a complete "whaaa?". But today, with Gary Sheffield being released, it is making a little more sense. Sheffield has no doubt struggled in Spring Training, but it is still a bit of a shocker the news today that he was released with the Tigers still owing him $14 million this year. I have no doubt someone will now sign Sheffield as a low cost, high potential OF, but it is possible he goes by the way of Barry Bonds...forced into a retirement. Will be interesting to find out the reasons for the Tiger release in the coming days.