With the MLB season halfway complete and the All-Star break right around the corner, it is time to hand out the midseason awards and recognize teams and players who are over-achieving or under-achieving what was expected from them at the beginning of the season.

MVP: Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers

Hamilton has been on fire the whole season and could also be a threat to win the triple crown of baseball. He leads the league with 27 home runs and 75 runs batted in while also in the top 10 in batting average, with .313. While his stats speak for his individual achievements, he also has his team in first place of the west division going into the break.

Cy Young: Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Weaver has been one of the few bright spots for the Angels organization this season. Even though the team has faltered slightly for the first half of the season, Weaver has been a gem with 10 wins and only one loss to his record. He leads the league with a 1.96 ERA and threw a no-hitter earlier this year. If that’s not enough, his team is on the up slope and is bound to make a late run for the postseason.

Rookie of the Year: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Surprisingly enough, the Angels have two award winners on their team, even with an under-achieving record. Trout is designated as a rookie but had some playing time at the end of last season. His .343 batting average is tops in the league and is an outstanding number for rookies. He also has 34 runs batted in and 11 home runs for a very productive first half.

Comeback Player of the Year: Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox

After a miserable 2011 season with a .159 batting average and only 11 home runs, Dunn has picked up his pace once again. This season he has 25 home runs and 60 runs batted in already, which crushes his 2011 marks. While he is also having an All-Star season, his team is in first place of their division and riding high into the break.

Disapointing Position Player: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels- After making the big move from St. Louis to Los Angeles and from the National League to the American League, the Machine hasn’t been his well-oiled self. His .268 batting average is by far a career low and his 13 home runs show his diminishing pop that he had with the Cardinals. The Angels looked to make the big signing in the offseason, but so far that decision is not working out.

Disappointing Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox

Beckett just has not provided the wins and clutch pitching for his team when they need him most. His 4.43 ERA is relatively high, but the most shocking statistic is his seven losses already this season. If the Red Sox want to catch the Yankees and make the postseason after blowing last season, Beckett is going to need to step up and give them the star pitching they expect out of him.

Over-achieving Team: Chicago White Sox

Going into the break, the White Sox are 10 games over .500 and leading the central division by three games over Cleveland. This increase in wins may be linked to the comebacks of Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko as offensive juggernauts and the firing of their longtime controversial manager Ozzie Guillen. Whatever the case may be, this team is red hot going into the break and I don’t expect them to slow down anytime soon.

Under-achieving Team: Detroit Tigers

After picking up Prince Fielder in the offseason and returning MVPs Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera, you would think that the Tigers were destined to win their division easily, trounce through the playoffs, and be set to hold the World Series Trophy in their hands for the first time in 28 years, right? Wrong.

The Tigers are barely above .500 going into the break and are very inconsistent. If they want to make the postseason, this team is going to need some big numbers from the guys named as well as possibly an unlikely hero.

After seeing the first month of the young baseball season come to an end, it’s a safe assumption to say it’s not the year of the closer. There have been numerous closers that have either suffered season-ending injuries (Brian Wilson, Mariano Rivera), or have been kicked out of their role for lack of production (Carlos Marmol, Hector Santiago). In this issue of “Fantasy in Five,” I’ll give you five relievers to pick up from waivers if they haven’t been already that could help you pick up saves in relief of your lost closer/s.

1. Santiago Casilla, San Francisco Giants- When Brian Wilson went down with an injury that forced a second Tommy John surgery, many have forgotten to “Fear the beard.” While they might not be fearing a beard no more, they’re starting to become intimidated by Casilla.

He didn’t put up solid numbers with the Oakland Athletics, but he’s been lights out in his three years with San Francisco. With the Giants, not once has he had an ERA of higher than two or a WHIP over 1.20. It made perfect sense when manager Bruce Bochy chose Casilla to fill a void for this season.

In 2012, Casilla has converted five of his first six save opportunities with an ERA of 1.54. He’s a very reliable option, and was picked up in 23 percent of leagues the past two days. If he’s even available somehow, pick him up and bid a good amount of money to secure a spot.

2. David Robertson, New York Yankees- When Mariano Rivera went down shagging fly balls in batting practice and tore his ACL, Yankee fans and fantasy owners were in disbelief. Rivera has been the most consistent fantasy closer in history, and hasn’t been on the disabled list since 2003.

Luckily for the Yankees and fantasy general managers, another dominant closer has arrived. Alabama native David Robertson has molded into one of the best relievers in the league, and gets his first shot at being a closer for this season.

What’s scary is how Robertson has literally improved after his breakout season last year. Robertson has yet to give up an earned run and has 21 strikeouts in 12 innings pitched in 2012. Last year, he struck out 100 batters and had 34 holds with an ERA of 1.08. He’s on pace to have Rivera-esque numbers.

The way he handles himself under pressure makes everyone convinced he’s ready to take over the role now. The day after Rivera went down, Robertson was picked up in over 65 percent of fantasy leagues. He’s a guarantee to get you as many saves as the Yankees give him a chance to close out. Sure he’ll have a few blown saves once in a while, but he’s destined for big things in a few years, and his time is now.

3. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim- There’s always been a concern for me with this bullpen. Jordan Walden might’ve had a decent season as the Angels new closer last year, but his flaws are showing. He blew 10 saves last season, and has an ERA of six right now.

My point is that the Angels bullpen is more of a reason for their early season struggles than Albert Pujols (although he deserves some blame). It’s not always how you start games, but rather how you finish them. The Angels have been doing the opposite of that, and LaTroy Hawkins going on the disabled list doesn’t help.

The ball is now in former Toronto Blue Jays setup man Scott Downs hands. Last year with the Angels, Downs had 26 holds and a 1.34 ERA. It’s another David Robertson type of situation, where the man who holds down the games gets his chance to close them.

Downs is 36-years-old, but does that really matter when you pitch an inning a game? Since Walden isn’t panning out at the moment, pick him up and he’ll get you saves from time to time, along with a low ERA and WHIP.

4. Rafael Dolis/James Russell, Chicago Cubs- “Marmol Time” is on a temporary leave. Carlos Marmol had a season to forget last year, and is certainly having another one to follow. After blowing 10 saves last year and posting an ERA of 4.01, he’s blown two out of four chances with a 5.06 ERA.

Instead of having one closer, manager Dale Sveum has decided to have co-closers until one beats out the other. It’s the best thing they can do since Marmol has lost control of his slider. His co-closers for the moment are Rafael Dolis and James Russell.

It’s pick your poison here. Both relievers have put up solid numbers to this point, and will both get equal opportunities to save until Marmol finds his control again. These two are rental closers, but could also be a good for a reliever spot to heat up for the next closer to go down.

5. Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox- To the other side of the Windy City we go! Hector Santiago literally has played his way out of the closer role, and it was only going to take a few blown saves before someone like Matt Thornton or Addison Reed would succeed him. But out of nowhere comes a 23-year-old from Florida named Chris Sale.

Sale has been officially named the team’s closer by manager Robin Ventura, and seems to fit the role quite nicely. He posted a 2.79 ERA with 16 holds and eight saves last year. This year, he’s got a 2.81 ERA and three wins, a career-high in his young career.

Even if you don’t need a closer, Sale can fit any fantasy baseball team’s roster. He’s quickly becoming a versatile relief option who can get you either saves, a good ERA or WHIP, strikeouts, and a few wins from time to time. If he hasn’t been picked up in your league, I recommend waste a roster spot on him.

If you have any questions or players you want me to evaluate like I did here, ask me through email or message me on Facebook.

Are you excited for what this baseball season has in store for us? Well, of course you do! That’s the reason why you read the article in the first place.

In this issue of “Fantasy in Five,” I will give five predictions about the upcoming season in fantasy. Of course, I’m probably not going to be right nor do I expect to. It’s just me predicting what will happen, hence the word “predictions” in the title.

1. Madison Bumgarner will be the San Francisco Giants best pitcher this season: What a great way to start off this article. I know in your head, you’re either shaking your head or thinking, “This guy is out of his mind.” Well, look deeply into the Giants rotation and you’ll see why this prediction can hold steam.

Tim Lincecum has regressed every year, and I feel like he’s already reached his potential, where the last time the Giants gave a pitcher $100 million it didn’t end so well (Barry Zito anyone?).

Let’s not also forget how Bumgarner pitched down the stretch last season. After the All-Star break, Bumgarner pitched 100 innings with a 2.52 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, along with a 5:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. This second half performance has a lot of people, including myself, high on his talent and live up to expectations.

Lincecum and Cain will be solid like usual, but the potential for the 22-year-old North Carolina resident is high. Plus, he’ll go low in drafts. Lincecum is averaged to go around the third round in mock drafts, whereas Cain is in the similar territory. Bumgarner shouldn’t be taken that early, but as early as next year, he will be.

2. Yoenis Cespedes will reach 200 strikeouts- I’m going to make this one short and simple. Cespedes has a good amount of power, but his swing has so many holes in it, you might as well call him Swiss cheese. The 26-year-old Cuban has shown potential to be the next Mark Reynolds; a ton of home runs with the price of a low average.

That’s not necessarily a good thing, but his average could increase from more experience against major league pitching. Cespedes will have the same growing pains as Yu Darvish, so be warned.

3. Edwin Encarnacion will hit 30-100- With the arrival of new third baseman Brett Lawrie and how Encarnacion performed during the second half of the 2011 season, my expectations are high. A key factor as to why I’m riding high on this utility guy is the increase of patience at the plate last season.

In May, E5 walked only in 1.4 percent of his at-bats, compared to 12.7 in August and 10.3 in September. And with patience comes a higher batting average. But that’s not the point of this section.

I’m saying he’s going to hit a lot of more dingers because of the impact on his new patient approach to the plate. Now that the Blue Jays have one of the more solidified offenses in the league, E5 will probably have more runners on base when he approaches the plate, giving him more runs to score.

Of course, most fantasy insiders have been expecting him to break out since his 2008 campaign, when he hit 26 home runs and 68 RBI’s. It’s a domino effect that we’ve been waiting patiently to see in effect for the past four years, and my prediction is this year is his time to shine.

4. Adam Dunn will hit 40 home runs- Scratch last season, and this wouldn’t be a prediction, but rather an obvious statement. When Dunn first arrived with the White Sox, many insiders predicted Dunn would hit almost 50 home runs in hitter-friendly U.S. Cellular Field. It was almost like a jinx, as he had more strikeouts than his total batting average (177 K’s to .159) and hit just 11 home runs. Dunn was never known to hit for average, but he’s never known to barely reach the double digit home run plateau.

Why I think Dunn will have a nice rebound is he’s finally finished one full year at the “Windy City”. Sometimes, it will take a player a few years to get used to a specific environment. His spring training has been very impressive compared to last year’s, most notably he’s improved his swing that’s only held him to four strikeouts in that tenure. Plus, Dunn is only 32-years-old. He’s got a few years left of his prime, so don’t let that fluke of 2011 fool you to not draft or trade for him.

5. Matt Kemp won’t be in the 30-30 club- After being one home run from the 40/40 club last season, it almost seems sure that you can trust Kemp to do it again. However, if you look at his career stats, last year was a fluke.

The first stat that comes to mind scouting Kemp is high home run/fly ball rate. Last season, Kemp was at 21.4 percent. In his first five seasons, it’s averaged below 15 percent. His power numbers will go down to around 28 this year. The stolen bases have always been there, as Kemp has averaged 30 in three of the past four seasons. Another stat that skyrocketed last year was his on-base percentage. It was Kemp’s highest since becoming a full-time starter. Obviously, if you can’t get on base, you can’t steal.

I think Kemp will have exactly 30 stolen bases. Now don’t think that since he might not hit the 40/40 plateau, he isn’t a top five pick. He still is thanks to his average and RBI’s. Kemp is one of the most polished players in the league, so don’t let this prediction scare your interest in him.

If you have any questions or players you want me to evaluate like I did here, ask me through email or message me on Facebook.

For years Manny Ramirez was the most feared hitter in the American League. As the cleanup hitter for the Boston Red Sox, Ramirez formed a deadly combo with fellow Dominican native David Ortiz. During his tenure in Boston, Manny built on an already impressive resume that he had started with the Cleveland Indians. Ramirez won two World Series in Boston and was the MVP of the 2004 Fall Classic.

In May of 2008, Ramirez immortalized himself with the greats of the game by hitting his 500th home run off Orioles reliever Chad Bradford.

July 31, 2008 is a day that stunned the baseball world. On this day Ramirez was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team deal that sent outfielder Jason Bay to Boston. While Manny finished 2008 strongly, hitting 17 home runs in 53 games with the Dodgers, his career would never quite be the same. The Dodgers traded him in August 2010 to the Chicago White Sox and then he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in the offseason. After playing a week for the Rays in 2011, Manny Ramirez retired from baseball. After failing a second test for performance enhancing drugs, Ramirez faced a 100-game suspension. Rather than serve the suspension, the 12-time All Star decided to call it quits.

Now, the 39 year-old slugger has made it public that he wants to attempt a comeback. During his playing years Manny got the reputation of being a loose cannon. This doesn’t mean he was like Milton Bradley, no in fact Ramirez rarely argued with umpires and seemed even tempered, the fact is sometimes he was just mental. In Boston he got into a physical alteration with Boston’s traveling secretary and would often do off the wall antics. However, because of his great production people just deemed it “Manny being Manny.” It is just that “Manny being Manny” that people in Cleveland, Boston and Los Angeles got tired of. So why would any team want to deal with a guy who is a complete headache, not to mention one who has to sit out the first fifty games of the season.

In a recent interview with ESPN’s Pedro Gomez, the world got to see a different side of Manny Ramirez. A soft side, at one point in the interview Ramirez broke down and had tears come from his eyes. Many will say this is just an act but in the opinion of this writer, that was all real.

Ramirez claims he can still play the game and looking at his career statistics it’s hard to imagine that he could be somewhat productive. Ramirez said that if a team signs him then they will have received a role model, this is his way as he says “of showing my kids that you can make a mistake and try to fix it.” The fact is, Manny Ramirez has admitted that he made a mistake but he doesn’t want that to tarnish his legacy.

As a die hard Red Sox fan, Manny Ramirez was a childhood hero of mine and call me crazy but I really believed the guy when he said he has changed for the better. I don’t consider steroid users role models nor do I think they should be allowed in the Hall of Fame, but let me say that if I had a vote, Manny Ramirez would get mine.

I do think there is a place for Manny Ramirez in baseball, with spring training just around the corner and teams trying to fill out their roster someone will take a chance on a guy with a .312 lifetime batting average and 555 round trippers.

Folks, I’d like your opinion where you feel Manny Ramirez will end up or even if he has a place in the game. Leave a reply in the comments section below.

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Miami Marlins have reached an agreement with former Chicago White Sox ace Mark Buehrle on a four-year, $58 million deal. The deal is unconfirmed at this point in time.

By signing the contract, Buehrle will be reunited with former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, who was traded for and hired to helm the Marlins just a few months ago. Buerhle played eight seasons under Guillen.

In 12 seasons, Buehrle posts a 161-119 record overall, including a no-hitter and a perfect game to his accord. He also sports a 3.83 career ERA, and has mowed through 1396 batters over that time.

Prior to the move, the Marlins had been deadlocked in discussions with first baseman Albert Pujols alongside other ace on the market, C.J. Wilson. Buerhle, 32, will sign the contract after months of speculation over whether he may even retire.

Between the acquisitions of pitcher Heath Bell and shortstop Jose Reyes, the Marlins have now committed $191 million in just four days.

Follow Jon Alba on Twitter for more on this story!

Jeff Curry/Getty Images

Ken Rosenthal has reported that the Miami Marlins have agreed to a deal with Jose Reyes. The deal is said to be a six-year deal worth $106 million. There is no confirmation on the signing as of yet.

Reyes has played nine seasons in Major League Baseball, all with the New York Mets. Over his career, he sports a .292 batting average alongside 1300 career hits and 423 RBI’s. He won the 2011 batting title as he hit .337 in 537 at-bats for New York.

The Marlins had been long-rumored to be in pursuit of the superstar shortstop, and had already acquired Heath Bell on a three-year deal earlier in the week. Miami is also said to be making a move towards signing White Sox ace Mark Buehrle, as he played under new manager Ozzie Guillen while in Chicago.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson stated earlier in the day that if the Marlins over was as high as being reported, he would not be able to top it. This appears to in fact be true, as the MLB Winter Meetings kick off tomorrow. A Reyes signing is expected to be announced.

Follow Jon Alba on Twitter for more on this story.

A few days back, Justin Cirillo of Not Another Sports Blog took a look at how Major League Baseball can successfully incorporate a new Wild Card system into their somewhat-controversial playoff system.

Amongst Justin’s points are the inclusion of a sixth Wild Card team for both leagues, a preliminary round between the two Wild Card winners (a best-of-three series), abolishing the 162 game schedule by reverting back to 154, re-aligning the seeds, amongst other nixes. While many of the points the author brings up are rather enticing, let me give my take instead.

1. Adding Two Wild Card Teams

This particular aspect of reconstruction I very much agree with. While normally not an issue, the playoff structure has been rather acute this year, as opposed to the ambiguity is normally possesses. On August 28, 2009, four teams were in contention for the American League Wild Card, while five were in the midst of battling for the prized spot in the senior circuit. This season, however, exemplifies the epitome of separation, with both current Wild Card leaders (Yankees/Braves) each holding a lead over the following squad by more than seven games.

Is this an issue that will normally present itself on a yearly basis? Hardly. Instead though, let us add in the extra playoff spot in each league. With this, immediately another four or five teams become eligible for the playoffs.

While I am a fan of keeping prestige and honor in the system, there is nothing wrong with 10 of 30 teams being allowed into October. With over 60% of the league still being shut out from the playoffs, little integrity is damaged. Not to mention, who’s to say a team like the Toronto Blue Jays, one with a plethora of talent but is confined by the difficulty of their division, couldn’t make a surprise splash?

What I Would Do

Add the two teams. Ultimately, it makes for more competition, and more fun (not to mention, the power of the almighty dollar). Not to mention, it makes winning the fourth spot (the standard Wild Card) much more important in terms acquiring home-field advantage for the first series.

2. The Preliminary Round

One of the difficult aspects in planning for an additional team per league in the playoffs is how to attack the initial round. Justin, amongst others, believes that it should be a best-of-three series, with the last team in getting Game 1 at home, and the “actual” Wild Card winner receiving Games 2 and 3 (hence, the importance of winning that initial Wild Card spot). The added games would then be compensated by the reduction of those in the regular season.

This method, I do not agree with. Let us first look back to 2007, where the New York Mets blew their large division lead and missed the playoffs. Had it not been for every single game during the home-stretch, history is altered. Therefore, all those games are necessary. As for the series, it would then extend the playoffs undoubtedly into November, thus rendering the season “too boring” by critics (if you don’t believe me, take a look at the World Series ratings over the past few seasons).

What I Would Do

Rockies vs. Padres. Twins vs. Tigers. Twin vs. White Sox. Yankees vs. Red Sox. All just a few of the unbelievable single-game playoff match-ups we’ve had over the years. The 163rd game usually ends up being one of the most exciting moments of the season (when it occurs), as both teams are fighting for their lives just one last time, in search of an opportunity to punch a ticket to the promised land.

With this, the Wild Card winner gets their rightfully-deserved home game as well, and while it would likely require for both squads to pitch their aces, could really shake things up on a grand scale. Fate has a funny way of working in sports, and the one-game playoff could work wonders with fate at its side.

3. Diminishing The Schedule

This aspect of the proposed changes I do not agree with. Not only would it require the overhaul of various records, but it would create the ultimate controversy of who should be glorified just because of the amount of games played.

As for establishing more commonalities amongst league opponents, I could agree with this. I do like the amount of divisional play, but at times it becomes over-abundant and some more games against other divisions could suit. Would it require for complete removal of the NL vs. AL play? Not quite. Though more league play could establish more track record for the playoffs.

What I Would Do

Keep the 162 games, and use the single-game playoff structure. That simple.Would more playoff games be fun? Yes, but ultimately too time-consuming.

4. Re-Aligning The Seeds

This one has been subject to much controversy over the past few seasons. Currently, it is set up so that the Wild Card winner and the winner of their respective division cannot face one another in the Division Series. This needs to change.

While I agree with many that the Wild Card winner should not be entitled to home-field at any point, it is also important to ensure they play the top-seeded squad, regardless of the division. For example, if Texas had the best record in the AL and Los Angeles was the Wild Card team, they need to play one another. It simplifies the system, and after all, baseball loves its divisional play, doesn’t it?

What I Would Do

Make sure that the Wild Card plays the best team in the league, no matter what. Many times the Wild Card winner (like last year with New York and Minnesota) will have a better record than the team they play in the Division Series. Where is the logic in all of that?

5. Home-Field Advantage In The World Series

Lastly, even though Justin did not touch up on this in his article, I feel it is very important to address this. So let me bold, underline, and italicize it:

HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE IN THE WORLD SERIES IS FOR THE TEAM WITH THE BEST RECORD IN THE ENTIRE LEAGUE.

Hear that Selig? Not the All-Star Game winner.

Sure, the little rule change in 2003 was a good way to reinvest some interest in the game. But what purpose does it serve in rewarding the teams who have earned their path to the championship? If Alex Gordon hits a game-winning double in the All-Star Game to seal the deal for the AL, yet the Phillies put up a 125-win season (obviously hyperbole), how can that be justified?

What I Would Do

There is no excuse for this. It is imperative home-field advantage be given to the team with the better record in the World Series, regardless of their league’s All-Star Game outing.

Final Thoughts

Obviously, there is much that can be done with the MLB playoff system. Justin is a buddy of mine, so I thought it would be good to give a look at my perspective of it. What do you guys think about my proposed changes? Interact with me @sportfullcircle on Twitter, or email jonalba@sportsfullcircle.com!

-Day one kicked off with former Rays 1B Carlos Peña signing a one-year/$10 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. Despite hitting just .196 last season, Peña still managed to slug 28 home runs and drove in 84 runs. He is also an above-average fielder, and should fit nicely in the Cubs lineup.

-After a reported fallout in talks, 1B/DH Paul Konerko re-upped with the Chicago White Sox for three-years at $37.5 million. He and Adam Dunn will undoubtedly provide a force to be reckoned with at U.S. Cellular.

-The Yankees have formally put in their offer to LHP Cliff Lee, according to SI’s Jon Heyman. He wonders if the Rangers will match, or if the other two mystery teams (one of which rumored to be the Baltimore Orioles) will land him with their respective seven-year offers. Many believe that Lee is holding up the negotiations between several other stars, including OF Carl Crawford and RHP Carl Pavano (who may head to Milwaukee).

-Speaking of Crawford, Heyman also believes the 29-year old is heading west to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He does cite the Yankees have met with Crawford, but the interest in Carl from the Angels is far more significant.

-One report states the Angels are “very serious” about 3B Adrian Beltre. A combination of signing Beltre and Crawford would undoubtedly assist their previously-ailing lineup.

-The Royals reached an agreement on a deal with former Ranger Jeff Francoeur. He will make $2.5 million guaranteed plus incentives.

-San Diego has reportedly acquired SS Jason Bartlett from the Tampa Bay Rays in return for Cesar Ramos and Adam Russell. After a strong 2009 campaign from Bartlett, his numbers dropped significantly in 2010 to just four home runs.

-The Braves reached an agreement with reliever George Sherrill. The 34-year old was non-tendered a short time ago by the Dodgers.

-Keep your eyes open for J.J. Hardy to find his way to Baltimore. The Orioles are ready to acquire the shortstop, possibly by tomorrow.

-Cincinnati re-signed infielder Miguel Cairo to a two-year deal.

-There is a significant interest in Royals star pitcher Zach Grienke. Talks that would send him to Florida, however, are “lukewarm.”

-Two DH-related stories to report as well. The Mariners inked Jack Cust on a one-year deal, while his former team, the Athletics, are confident they can land former Angel Hideki Matsui.

That’s all we have for today, stay with the SFC twitter for more updates!

-The biggest news surrounding major free agents today was the highly-sought after LHP Cliff Lee has received an offer that would pay him $20 million over seven years. SI’s Jon Heyman claims Lee has two offers of that amount, and the Yankees nor Rangers were anticipating this. The Yankees have stated they will go six-years, while the Rangers claim they may match that.

-The Washington Nationals are ready to go hard at Lee, though GM Mike Rizzo considers themselves “a longshot.” The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will also not pursue Lee, at least according to their GM Tony Reagins.

-Cliff Lee is controlling the market at this point. The longer he waits, the longer it will take OF Carl Crawford to sign. Buster Olney stated on ESPN today that he believes the Yankees will target Crawford if the Lee deal falls through. Also, many believe the Red Sox are beginning to back out on the 29-year old, as may the Angels.

-There has been a snag in the negotiations between the Chicago White Sox and 1B Paul Konerko. While talks have taken a turn for the worse, some still believe he may sign.

-D.J. Carrasco is about to sign a two-year deal with the New York Mets. He had an ERA of 3.68 last year with Arizona.

-Speaking of the Mets, they are interested in C Ronny Paulino. The Rockies are also said to be in on the youngster.

-The Yankees and White Sox have been looking into the possibilities of signing reliever Kerry Wood, whom New York acquired during the trade deadline in 2010. Neither are willing to pay him closer money, however.

-Two other quick deals, as the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed speedster Tony Gwynn Jr. to a deal, and the San Diego Padres are closing in on an agreement with non-tendered Yankee Dustin Moseley.

Don’t forget to keep with the SFC twitter account for breaking news updates throughout the next few days!

-The highly-pursued Cliff Lee is receiving the most interest from the Yankees and Rangers as expected, but MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch is reporting that several other teams are interested. Lee and his agent Darek Braunecker intend to sign this week, though will wait for a six-year deal. It is expected the Yankees will be the only ones to match that request as of now.

-Dodgers catcher Russell Martin is gaining a significant amount of interest from many clubs. The Yankees had supposedly had a deal in place to acquire him just yesterday, in which they would have sent current catcher Francisco Cervelli out west in return for Martin. Both New York teams,  Boston, and Toronto are front-runners as of now.

-The Baltimore Orioles added a big bat in Mark Reynolds from the Diamondbacks, sending relievers David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio in return. Reynolds, who hit .198 last season but with 32 home runs, will fit nicely in the hitter-friendly Camden Yards.

-Tony Jackson of ESPN is claiming that the Dodgers and Brewers are discussing a blockbuster that would send star first baseman Prince Fielder to Los Angeles in return for James Loney and closer Jonathan Broxton. Despite an array of southpaws and middle relievers, the Brewers are in desperate need of a closer, and Fielder would utilize the strengths of Dodger Stadium to his advantage under new skipper Don Mattingly. No news on how close the two teams are, however.

-Many reports suggest the Mets will listen to offers on José Reyes, David Wright, and Carlos Beltran. While it is unlikely Wright will be dealt, many teams are said to be highly intrigued by Beltran and Reyes.

-After a nice 2010 campaign, Paul Konerko is drawing significant interest from clubs such as Arizona and Texas. White Sox GM Kenny Williams is determined to keep the 1B/DH, however, and claims “[Konerko] belongs in Chicago.” The two are getting closer to a deal, according to ESPN’s Pedro Gomez.

-The Yankees and Mariners are interested in outfielder Matt Díaz. New York would look to utilize him in the platoon with Curtis Granderson and Brett Gardner. The Dodgers and Phillies also have been thrown around as possible destinations.

-The Arizona Diamondbacks are close to locking up reliever J.J. Putz on a two-year deal, with a club option for 2013.

-There is no news on Carl Crawford at this point, but he is expected to meet with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Boston Red Sox this week.

That does it for now, keep it with the SportsFullCircle Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates on any potential news!