One Week for Baseball's Unemployed

Pitchers and catchers will be reporting to Spring Training at the end of next week, and just as we've said before, there are still plenty of unsigned players.

Manny Ramirez - We wish he would just sign already and start the trickle down effect to Bobby Abreu and Adam Dunn. Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, said earlier this week that the Dodgers were playing a game of chicken. How many owners do you think would like to take a baseball bat to Boras?

The Dodgers continue to negotiate, albeit on and off, with Ramirez. The last offer was 1 year, $25 million. Manny knows he screwed up big time in how he handled things in Boston. Had he left there on good terms, he would already be signed by now.

One name is now officially off the table. Ben Sheets confirmed that he will undergo shoulder surgery and will miss at least half the season.

One time star, and now much injured reserve, Cliff Floyd, has signed with the Padres to lengthen their bench. Floyd did a good job at the plate for the Rays last season, but even a better job in the clubhouse.
The Nationals have resigned pitcher Odalis Perez to a minor league deal.

Former Yankees reliever T.J. Beam was let go by the Pirates, but was snatched up by the Blue Jays. The Jays also designated one time top prospect Russ Adams for assigment.

The Reds have signed outfielder Jacques Jones and given him a ST invite. They did the same with first baseman Daryle Ward.

Breaking News: Sheets May Need Surgery

An MLB.com Hot Stove report indicates that the Texas Rangers rescinded a 2 year contract offer to Ben Sheets, after tests on his right elbow showed a torn flexor tendon. The Rangers felt surgery may be needed to repair the problem and quickly pulled out of negotiations with Sheets.

Sheets had been offered arbitration by the Brewers, but rejected it in hopes of gaining a big free agent contract. As it turns out, the Brewers may still have to pony up for the cost of Sheets' possible surgery. Brewers assistant GM Gord Ash said the team has been talking with the MLB front office to determine who would have to pay for the procedure.