Daily Friar 1.17.13

Busy day around MLB today as the World Baseball Classic rosters are being announced. Also there were a lot of moves made yesterday that need to be reported. It’s arbitration time, so news will be coming in probably every hour of someone getting a pay raise somewhere. Last night Will Venable got his, which leaves the Padres with seven more players to get done before the deadline. You will see a wide array of articles today from various sources. I did this so that we weren’t bogging down this post with one source (i.e. MLB.com), although I do have two from ESPN. Speaking of ESPN the Padre related article is an insider article (which I think is stupid). I personally don’t have an insider account, but I put it in today for those that might have it and they can enjoy it. Lots to get to today, so let’s do it: Submit articles and follow me on twitter Follow @M_Rennick Luke Gregerson is the lone Padre representative for the WBC – Padres.com “On Thursday, the U.S. roster was officially released and Gregerson — regarded as one of the top late-inning relievers in the game — was on it as the lone Padres representative on the squad.” Padres sign Venable – Union Tribune “Outfielder Will Venable signed a one-year contract Wednesday worth $2.675 million in 2013.” Padres window of contention – ESPN “This week, we’re taking a look at every major league team to determine its optimal year for contention over the next five years. This doesn’t mean this is the only year that the team can contend, but rather which year should provide it the best chance for a World Series title.” U.S. roster for WBC is star filled – MLB.com “Team USA announced its provisional roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic on Thursday morning and among the group are a National League Cy Young Award winner, three Most Valuable Players and numerous All-Stars.” Baseball Prospectus breaks down the new balk rule “Major League Baseball is considering a rule change that would prevent pitchers from keeping their feet on the rubber while faking a throw to third with runners on the corners.” Below are the biggest transactions from around the league yesterday Mariners trade for Michael Morse – ESPN “The Mariners added some much-needed power to their lineup Wednesday, acquiring Michael Morse from Washington in a three-team deal that moved catcher John Jaso from Seattle to Oakland.” Rangers lock up Matt Harrison with five-year deal – Fox Sports “The left-hander and the club agreed to a five-year, $55-million deal through 2017 that also includes a club option for 2018 according to a source. Harrison passed his physical on Wednesday.” Red Sox, Mike Napoli agree to a one-year deal - CBS Sports “The Red Sox have agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman. The deal, which contains performances bonuses, was first reported by WEEI’s Rob Bradford.”