BD Hot Stove: Starting The Year Off On The Right Foot | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Starting The Year Off On The Right Foot | Baseball Digest

It’s a new year in the hot stove, but some things haven’t changed since last we met. Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte (who lands on his right foot; hence my poor pun) still hasn’t made up his mind about whether or not to play this year. However, the Bergen Record’s Bob Klapisch expects the Yankees to hear from Pettitte this week and unfortunately for Yankees fans, he expects the Yankees to hear the word retirement.

The Orioles wrapped up their 1st base needs over the holiday weekend, agreeing with Derrek Lee on a one year, $10M contract. The O’s had also negotiated with Adam LaRoche, but the veteran wanted a multi-year deal. LaRoche is now in serious negotiations with the Nationals.

The O’s may be in need of more bullpen help as well. Reliever Alfredo Simon turned himself in to the police in the Dominican Republic after being accused of shooting and killing one man and an injuring another.

ESPN Deportes reports that Adrian Beltre and the Rangers are close to an agreement on a free agent deal. Beltre has reportedly been seeking a guaranteed six year deal.

The Pirates signed pitcher Brian Burres to a minor league deal after non-tendering him earlier this off-season.

Also brought back with a minor league deal after being non-tendered is Red Sox left-hander Hideki Okajima. The set up man was a key part of the 2007 World Series championship.

SI’s Jon Heyman hears the White Sox have some interest in closer Rafael Soriano, though the feeling here is that the price may be too high for Chicago.