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David Murphy's official contract terms have been announced: $5.5M in 2014, $6.0M in 2015, and either a $.5M buyout or $7M team option in 2016. As I said at the time, it's not a home run, but I think it' a solid base hit.
Jamie Kelly (the blogger who broke the news that David Murphy would be signing with the Indians after hearing it from someone whose child goes to the same daycare as Murphy's daughter) wrote in August about what made Murphy so popular with Rangers fans.
Jhonny Peralta is on the verge of signing with the Cardinals (which means St. Louis is out as a prospective trade destination for Asdrubal Cabrera). Not every MLB player is happy about this deal, due to Peralta having recently been suspended for PEDs, and it seeming to have no effect on his future earnings. Ken Rosenthal speculates that this deal could lead to harsher penalties for players caught using PEDs.
Recapping a few other items from the weekend:
Joe Smith is now a former Indian, having signed a 3-year, $15.75 million deal with the Angels. More on the Tribe bullpen to come later today.
Carlos Santana has been taking infield practice at third base.
The Indians have released their Spring Training schedule, along with player report dates. (78 days and counting...)
Brian McCann signed a 5 year, $85 million deal with the Yankees. I already wasn't a fan, so I guess that makes this a good fit.
In less expensive catcher news, Jose Molina has re-signed with the Rays at 2 years, $4.5 million. He's one of the best pitch-framers in baseball, providing a lot of value teams aren't really paying for yet.
Dan Haren will sign a 1 year, $10M deal with the Dodgers. That's about what I figured him for when I ranked him 13th among available starting pitchers. Between Haren, Josh Johnson (Padres), and Tim Hudson (Giants), the NL West seems to be hoarding the 2nd-tier free agent pitchers. I hope the Tribes nabs someone in that range before they're all gone.