The Mets and John Maine (7-6, 4.43) come to terms on a one-year, $3.3 million deal just after the right-hander filed for arbitration. New York’s projected number three starter was limited to 15 games last season, due to the lingering weakness from a 2008 surgery that removed a bony growth from the socket of his right shoulder.

ByTom

The Mets and John Maine (7-6, 4.43) come to terms on a one-year, $3.3 million deal just after the right-hander filed for arbitration. New York’s projected number three starter was limited to 15 games last season, due to the lingering weakness from a 2008 surgery that removed a bony growth from the socket of his right shoulder.

The Padres trade 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Athletics for OFs Aaron Cunningham and Scott Hairston. Minor league infielder Eric Sogard accompanies Kouzmanoff on the road to Oakland.

ByTom

The Padres trade 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Athletics for OFs Aaron Cunningham and Scott Hairston. Minor league infielder Eric Sogard accompanies Kouzmanoff on the road to Oakland.

Avoiding salary arbitration, Matt Kemp (.297, 26, 101) and the Dodgers agree to a rare multi-year offer that will pay the center fielder $10.95 million over the next two seasons. The 25 year-old Oklahoman, considered a core player in the team’s future, won the Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger awards playing for the National League West champs last season.

ByTom

Avoiding salary arbitration, Matt Kemp (.297, 26, 101) and the Dodgers agree to a rare multi-year offer that will pay the center fielder $10.95 million over the next two seasons. The 25 year-old Oklahoman, considered a core player in the team’s future, won the Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger awards playing for the National League West champs last season.

The Arizona Diamondbacks sign free agent 1B Andy LaRoche to a one-year contract. He split the 2009 season between the Pirates, Red Sox and Braves, but still managed to have one his most productive years, hitting 25 homers with 83 RBI.

ByTom

The Arizona Diamondbacks sign free agent 1B Andy LaRoche to a one-year contract. He split the 2009 season between the Pirates, Red Sox and Braves, but still managed to have one his most productive years, hitting 25 homers with 83 RBI.

The Marlins sign a four-year deal worth $39 million with young pitching star Josh Johnson. He joins shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who signed a six-year deal with the Fish in 2008, as the future cornerstones of the franchise.

ByTom

The Marlins sign a four-year deal worth $39 million with young pitching star Josh Johnson. He joins shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who signed a six-year deal with the Fish in 2008, as the future cornerstones of the franchise.

The Blue Jays trade starting shortstop Alex Gonzalez along with minor leaguers Tim Collins and Tyler Pastornicky to the Braves in exchange for infielder Yunel Escobar and southpaw Jo-Jo Reyes. The Braves’ new infielder is probably best known for his role in Florida’s improbable World Series victory over New York, that includes a walk-off home run in the 12th inning of Game Four, giving the Marlins a 4-3 victory and a 2-2 tie in the Fall Classic.

ByTom

The Blue Jays trade starting shortstop Alex Gonzalez along with minor leaguers Tim Collins and Tyler Pastornicky to the Braves in exchange for infielder Yunel Escobar and southpaw Jo-Jo Reyes. The Braves’ new infielder is probably best known for his role in Florida’s improbable World Series victory over New York, that includes a walk-off home run in the 12th inning of Game Four, giving the Marlins a 4-3 victory and a 2-2 tie in the Fall Classic.

The Tigers agree to terms with free agent reliever Jose Valverde, who played for the Houston Astros last season. As a result of the signing, the Tigers will give up their first pick in the 2010 amateur draft, the first time the team has surrendered its top pick since signing Rob Deer as a free agent in 1991.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The Tigers agree to terms with free agent reliever Jose Valverde, who played for the Houston Astros last season. As a result of the signing, the Tigers will give up their first pick in the 2010 amateur draft, the first time the team has surrendered its top pick since signing Rob Deer as a free agent in 1991.

2010 – Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge undergoes arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, making him uncertain for Opening Day. He had been operated to remove bone chips from his right shoulder earlier this off-season.

ByTom

2010 – Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge undergoes arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, making him uncertain for Opening Day. He had been operated to remove bone chips from his right shoulder earlier this off-season.

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Brett Myers, a former first-round pick of the Phillies, signs a one-year deal with an option for 2011. The 29-year-old righthander spent time as ace and closer with the Phils but is coming off hip surgery. He winds up leading the Astros with 14 wins and is rewarded with an extension through 2013. 

ByTom

Brett Myers, a former first-round pick of the Phillies, signs a one-year deal with an option for 2011. The 29-year-old righthander spent time as ace and closer with the Phils but is coming off hip surgery. He winds up leading the Astros with 14 wins and is rewarded with an extension through 2013.