MLB News, Notes, and Links

• Yankees GM Brian Cashman has stated publicly that he won't give up his team's #1 draft pick next year for any remaining free-agent; that essentially take them out of the running for former Tampa closer Rafael Soriano, who would have set-up for Mariano Rivera.
• Tampa Bay starter Matt Garza was traded to the Chicago Cubs today, in an 8-player deal. Garza, OF Fernando Perez (27, MLB), and a TBD pitcher will go to Chicago, in exchange for 4 prospects, including RHP Chris Archer (23, AA), SS Hak-Ju Lee (21, A+), C Robinson Chirinos (26, AAA), and OF Brandon Guyer (24, AA). The Cubs also received OF Sam Fuld (30, MLB).
• This deal gives the Cubs an impact starter who should thrive in the NL Central; Garza hasn't yet made "the jump" however, from being simply a "good" starter, to being a true a #1.
• The Rays get an infusion of youth, which they'll need after having to promote so many players due to off-season free-agent losses. The key prospects they got back are Archer (ranked #1 in the Cubs system by Baseball America) and Lee (#4). Neither will figure in the teams plans this season. What the deal does do, however, is open up a rotation spot for 23 year-old Jeremy Hellickson.
• The NY Mets signed LHP Chris Capuano, who aside from being Phi Beta Kappa at Duke, is coming off of his 2nd Tommy John surgery. He pitched well in 24 games (9 starts) last year for the Brewers, and if healthy, should be able to help them. Lord knows they need help in the rotation, with Santana out for at least a few months.
• There are rumors floating around that aging outfielder Andruw Jones is talking with the Yankees, who are looking for another right-handed hitting outfielder. Jones was actually been relatively productive last season (OPS+ of 119 in 2010), and while I can't see many situations in which he could really contribute, NY is definitely one of them. Older guys seem to thrive there, and extend their careers.
• The White Sox are reportedly the front-runners in signing LHP Will Ohman; he's a guy that I hoped the Orioles would somehow bring back into the fold, as a left-handed specialist. He held lefties to a .636 OPS last season.