MLB News, Notes, and Links

• The guys at TYU (The Yankee U) hypothesize about whether the Yanks might be able to pull off a "sign and trade" with Tampa for Rafael Soriano, and somehow avoid giving up a first-round draft pick next year (as compensation for signing a Type A free-agent). That's actually a cool concept; I never thought of a sign and trade in baseball terms. Turns out it's actually legal, and possible... but rare.
• The Reds signed free-agent shortstop Edgar Renteria, because it turns out that they're intent on f'ing up all the good chemistry in that young clubhouse, and finding someone capable of setting a bad example for everybody. Now that Orlando Cabrera is gone, they also needed someone else to steal PA's from Paul Janish, who was more productive and a heck of a lot cheaper than either guy last year. I HATE this move. It stinks of Dusty Baker and his young-player-hating.
• Then the Reds went and signed Fred Lewis, who's a 4th outfielder that I actually kind-of like, and more of a lead-off type (career .348 OBP) than anyone else on their roster (they need one). The only problem is that this is going to steal plate appearances from younger, higher-upside guys like Chris Heisey and Yonder Alonzo. Dusty strikes again.
• The White Sox officially signed LOOGY Will Ohman; good for him on cashing in on last year's success to earn himself a 2-year, $4 million deal. Not sure he's really worth that much money, but no way can I begrudge it... he was a fun guy and a great interview, who performed well while he was here in Baltimore. Good article on what this deal does for Chicago, here.
• Former Oriole Kris Benson (2006) formally announced his retirement this week... this is a guy who was drafted first overall in 1996, but couldn't stay healthy, EVER. He was at one point a hard thrower with huge potential, but injuries took all that away, and he ended up with a career record of 70-75, and a 4.42 ERA (just about league average, for his time in the majors). Still, he lasted until he was 36 years old:

"I’m done... I decided pretty much after this past season that I wasn’t going to pursue anything. I’ve been putting way too much into it and not getting enough out of it, as far as the rehab, working out, training, and then not getting the type of results I expect from myself... I just don’t want to fall into another situation like I had the last couple years, where I busted my tail getting back and then got hurt again shortly after I made the team."

• The Rangers are supposedly going after free-agent Jim Thome pretty hard... Really? WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING TO PUT HIM? Your infield is already over-loaded, forcing Michael Young to DH. Is Thome he going to be your bullpen catcher? Stop over-compensating for losing Cliff Lee, already. We know, it wasn't your fault.
• This is insane to me, but definitely a must-read on radaronline.com, about a new series called "Cleat Chasers". Don't make me try to explain it:

"RadarOnline.com has learned exclusively that casting is now taking place for a show about Baseball Annies, slang for women who stop at nothing to hook up with major league players -- married or single."

• Jerry Crasnik at ESPN.com posted a hot-stove piece today about the city of Cleveland's low expectations from the Indians, who look like they might be pretty awful:

"Anyone who thought the Indians might spend their way out of their doldrums failed to get the memo. The team's only big league free-agent contract this offseason has gone to outfielder Austin Kearns for a grand total of $1.3 million. While the Detroit Tigers spent $50 million on Victor Martinez, the Chicago White Sox signed Adam Dunn and the Kansas City Royals hastened their long-term rebuild with a bold trade that sent Zack Greinke to Milwaukee, the Indians have had a more boring winter than manager Manny Acta's barber."