Dickey may sign Minors deal with Mets

According to the Associated Press, the Mets have agreed to terms with knuckleballer R.A. Dickey for a Minor League contract. Dickey appeared in 35 games for the Twins in his twins jersey in 2009, going 1-1 with a 4.62 ERA. He also made five starts for Minnesota's Triple-A affiliate in Rochester, going 2-1 with a 5.13 mark.

In his seven-year career, the right-hander has 22-28 with a 5.43 ERA. Originally a first-round Draft pick by the Rangers in 1996, Dickey has a 6.30 ERA in his career as a starter and a 4.16 mark as a reliever.

Astros and Duchscherer agree on 2010 deal

Free agent Justin Duchscherer will be returning for a seventh season with the Oakland Astros, agreeing on a one-year deal that could be worth $5.5 million if he reaches his incentives. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the base salary of the deal is for $2 million with incentives for number of starts and innings pitched. The right-hander made the move from the bullpen to the starting rotation in 2008. He finished with a 10-8 record and a 2.54 ERA over 22 starts, giving up just 107 hits over 141 2/3 innings while striking out 95.

But Duchscherer did not pitch in 2009 after undergoing elbow surgery. Duchscherer figures to challenge for a spot in the A's 2010 starting rotation in the athletics jersey, battling with a group of young arms, including Dallas Braden, Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez, Brett Anderson, Josh Outman and Vin Mazzaro.

Rockies negotiate with Tim Redding

According to a Major League source, the Rockies are negotiating with one of their past targets, right-handed pitcher Tim Redding. Last winter, the Rockies intended to acquire Redding from the Nationals before he was non-tendered. Redding signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Mets as a free agent and went 3-6 with a 5.10 ERA in 30 games, including 17 starts in his mets jersey.

The Rockies were not a finalist in the chase for former Pirates reliever Matt Capps, who is deciding between the Nationals and the Cubs. Redding could be asked to add the energy and experience to the bullpen.

Mets and Escobar agree on one-year deal

On Christmas Eve the Mets and former Angels pitcher Kelvim Escobar have reached an agreement on a one-year contract. The first Christmas Eve reports was generated by Francisco Blavia, who works for Lider en Deportes. Then late Friday night, Mets general manager Omar Minaya confirmed to the Daily News the signing of Escobar to a one-year contract. According to ESPN.com, the right-hander will make a $1.25-million salary in the mets jersey for next season, plus a $125,000 bonus if he makes the Mets' Opening Day roster.

Escobar, who might end up serving as the setup man for Francisco Rodriguez, has made just one Major League appearance in the past two years. He had a 4.15 ERA in 202 career appearances and also elbow surgery earlier in his career.

Patrice Cormier is named 2010 Canada's WJC captain

It is officially said that New Jersey Devils prospect Patrice Cormier is named captain of Canada's entry for the 2010 World Junior Championship. Cormier is the first native of New Brunswick to lead a Canadian junior team. He had a goal, 3 points in six games at last year's WJC. He was taken by the Devils in the second round of the 2008 Entry Draft.

Canada also named five assistant captains, forwards Stefan Della Rovere and Jordan Eberle, and defensemen Ryan Ellis, Alex Pietrangelo and Colten Teubert. All of them joined Cormier on last year's WJC team. Canada will start its quest for an sixth straight WJC gold medal on Dec. 26 against Latvia.

Tim Maxey spent seven seasons with Indians

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced that Tim Maxey was named Major League Baseball's Joint Strength and Conditioning Coordinator. Maxey will focus on providing guidance to and identifying best practices for clubs and players involving conditioning, fitness, nutrition and other related subjects in this newly created position. Maxey has plenty of experience in the field and he just completed his seventh season as the strength and conditioning coach for the Indians in 2009, and he also worked in the Royals organization from 1998 to 2002.

Maxey visit with every team during Spring Training to discuss practices and conditioning. He will also be available to all Major League clubs during the season for all areas relating to strength and conditioning, including the development of educational programs. He also has served MLB and the MLBPA on its Strength and Conditioning Advisory Board and has been an advisor to the Taylor Hooton Foundation.

Maxey is a National and Conditioning Association-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach. He is a graduate of Shawnee State University and holds a Master's Degree in physical education from The Ohio State University.

Royals acquire Humber to Minors deal

The Royals announced that the club have agreed to termed with right-handed pitcher Philip Humber on a Minor League contract for the 2010 season. Now He becomes the eighth non-roster pitcher to receive an invitation to Kansas City's Major League spring camp. Humber has spent the past two seasons in the Twins organization and was part of the five-player trade that sent pitcher Johan Santana to the Mets.

Humber was the Mets' first-round selection in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. Currently playing winter ball with Leones de Ponce, Humber is 2-3 with a 4.19 ERA in seven games. He is allowed 34 hits while striking out 29 and walking 12 over 34 1/3 innings. Hope to see him playing on the field in the royals jersey.

Padres CEO has nothing to say about Gonzalez

Moorad, in an interview on the Padres' flagship radio station said that he doesn't believe general manager Jed Hoyer has spoken with Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein since the Winter Meetings concluded in Indianapolis last week. He also didn't think Hoyer and Epstein discussed Gonzalez.

Gonzalez has been the subject of trade speculation since the end of the regular season. Hoyer was an assistant general manager to Epstein in Boston before joining the Padres in October in trade discussions for the two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner. Moorad said "If it's something that would dramatically improve our ballclub, we'd be silly not to listen. Does that mean other teams don't ask about him? Of course not. We're going to listen." "Jed has money to spend, not a lot, but money to spend," Moorad said. Well can Gonzalez put on the padres jersey successfully?

Simmonds is out due to lower body injury

Unfortunately already without three forwards, the Kings will be without second-year forward Wayne Simmonds for an unknown length of time due to a lower body injury. He is out for at least tonight's Pacific Division play with the Dallas Stars.
Brad Richardson will replace Simmonds, who has never missed a game in 115-game career in his los angeles kings jersey.

"You know what, we really don’t know what happened," head coach Terry Murray said. "It did not happen in the game, no specific time or situation, he's just got a lower body injury. He is going to be out for a while. He is going to see our doctors tonight at the game and we will take it from there."

Rangers sent Gilroy to AHL

It is reported that New York Rangers defenseman Matt Gilroy, who made the team in his first NHL training camp after a successful college career, was sent to the American Hockey League affiliate. Gilroy had 4 goals and 6 point in 30 games in his new york rangers jersey this season, but he doesn't have a point in his last four games.Gilroy also was beaten by Dustin Byfuglien on the game-winning goal.

Signing Gilroy last season was considered a major role for the Rangers. He was a highly sought after college free agent following four strong seasons at Boston University. He had 8 goals and 37 points in 45 games with the Terriers last season, and won the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA's best player.

Rick DiPietro will miss his start

It is reported that New York Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro will miss his scheduled start for the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers after experiencing tightness during a game in Springfield last week. DiPietro removed himself from the game after the second period.

"Ricky has been seen by the team doctors and most recently a specialist," Islanders GM Garth Snow said on the team's Web site. "To make sure we are taking the proper steps in his rehabilitation, we will seek an additional opinion and should have a timeline by the end of the week." The Islanders hoped DiPietro would be back in his islanders jersey with the big club by the weekend.

Pudge expected to join in Nationals

The Nationals announced they will hold a news conference at Nationals Park on Friday to announce the signing of a free-agent player, who is expected to be veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez. The club signed the catcher to a two-year contract worth $6 million during the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis. He is the 14-time All-Star combined with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs in 121 games with the Astros and Rangers last season.

Rodriguez is expected to be the backup to catcher Jesus Flores, who played in just 29 games last season because of injuries. Hope he can put on the nationals jersey and play for the team.

Arredondo will miss 2010 season

The Angels confirmed on Friday that the reliever Jose Arredondo will have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in January and will miss the entire 2010 season. The right-hander continued his high strikeout rate in 45 innings last season.
He began the season with the Angels but was sent down to Triple-A Salt Lake on June 10 after carrying a 5.55 ERA through his first 25 appearances in his mlb jersey.

Then he was placed on the disabled list with a sprained ligament in his elbow but appeared to get back on track in 19 appearances with the Bees and was called up in August. Arredondo struggled with the Angels and had a 6.53 ERA and was ultimately left off the postseason roster. He pitched in the Dominican Winter League this offseason with Aguilas Cibaenas, throwing 2 2/3 innings before being shut down last week because of the discomfort in his elbow.

Damon and Scott's asking price is too high for Yankees

The New York Daily News reported that the Yankees have not made an offer to Damon which is because Boras informed them not to bother unless it was for at least three years and no less than the $13 million salary that Damon made last year. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that nothing is hot at the moment with free agent outfielder Johnny Damon and Scott Boras' asking price may have a lot to deal with.

Yankees want him to be back but are not prepared to go beyond two years at approximately $8 million per season. Cashman said that he does not feel like he is waiting anyone out, but the Yankees' trade for Curtis Granderson allows them to take much more serious stance with a player like Damon.

Brodeur joins in NHL Hour

New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur, who tied Hall of Famer Terry Sawchuk's record for most career shutouts with a 3-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres, will be a special guest on NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman. The show encourages fans to call in with questions for the Commissioner.

NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman now broadcasts live on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET on NHL Home Ice and NHL.com. The show will re-air on SIRIUS XM Radio, with archived shows available for download via podcast on NHL.com.

Team Canada will announce Olympic team at the end of Dec

Hockey Canada said on Tuesday that it will announce its Olympic team roster on Dec. 30. The announcement will be made in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The more details including the exact time and location the announcement will be made at a later date.

The Olympics are being held in Vancouver, British Columbia next year. Canada was seventh in the 2006 Games in Torino, Italy after winning the gold medal in the 2002 Winter Olympics at Salt Lake City. It's time for us to put on team canada jerseys and cheer for them!

Carcillo is suspended for four games

The National Hockey League announced that Philadelphia Flyers forward Daniel Carcillo has been suspended for four games without pay, for a deliberate blow to the face of Washington Capitals forward Matt Bradley during December 5's game in Washington. The incident took place at the first period. Bradley suffered an injury and did not return to the game.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Carcillo will forfeit $43,597.56. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund. Carcillo will miss games Dec.7 at Montreal, Dec.8 against the New York Islanders, Dec.10 against Ottawa and Dec.12 at New Jersey. He will be eligible to return on Dec.14 at Boston in the flyers jersey

Brodeur joins in NHL Hour

New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur, who tied Hall of Famer Terry Sawchuk's record for most career shutouts with a 3-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres, will be a special guest on NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman. The show encourages fans to call in with questions for the Commissioner.

NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman now broadcasts live on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET on NHL Home Ice and NHL.com. The show will re-air on SIRIUS XM Radio, with archived shows available for download via podcast on NHL.com.

Phils agrees one-year deal with Juan Castro

The Phillies made agreement on a one-year deal with veteran infielder Juan Castro recently. Castro hit .277 with a homer and nine RBIs in 57 games for the Dodgers last season, making 19 starts at shortstop, eight at second base and two at third base. "In Juan Castro, we have a versatile guy who can play multiple positions and is coming off a year in which he swung the bat fairly well," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement. "We're very happy to add him to our club, as he will give manager Charlie Manuel options."

Castro has made most of his appearances as a shortstop, but has seen plenty playing time at second and third base.
MLB.com reported that the Phillies are closing in on a three-year deal with Placido Polanco to serve as their third baseman. Castro would join Greg Dobbs as a backup infielder in phillies jersey.

Paul Lessard is hired as Reds head trainer

The Reds announced last week during Redsfest that the club has hired Paul Lessard to be their new head athletic trainer.
Lessard, a Major League trainer for 12 seasons, was with the Red Sox the past four seasons. From 1998-2005 he was with the Diamondbacks. Now he is replacing former head trainer Mark Mann, who decided to resign last month.

Before working in Major Leaguel, Lessard was a trainer for Boston University and Holy Cross. He also spent two years as an assistant trainer for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons from 1985-86. He graduated from Northeastern University in 1986.

Forward Kaleta is suspended for two games

The National Hockey League announced that Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta has been suspended for two games without pay, due to an incident happend in the game against Philadelphia Flyers forward Jared Ross on Friday.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and based on his average annual salary, Kaleta will forfeit $5,414.50, which goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. Kaleta will miss the following game against Carolina at Toronto. Will he come back to the ice in his buffalo sabres jersey on time?

Blackhawks continue to sign Kane, Toews and Keith

According to a report, the Chicago Blackhawks have called a press conference on Thursday afternoon at the United Center. The team will announce the signings of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith to multi-year contract extensions.

Toews and Kane will sign five-year contract extensions, while Keith has agreed to a 13-year deal, according to this report. This press conference will be seen on the Blackhawks' web site. All the Blackhawks fans will feel grateful to watch them playing on the ice again in chicago blackhawks jerseys.