Hot Stove

The Phillies and OF Hunter Pence have agreed to a 1-year, $10,400,000 contract. Pence hit .314 with 22 homers and 97 RBIs, a career-high, with the Astros and Phillies in 2011. They have also signed OF Juan Pierre (.279 2 homers 50 RBIs and 27 stolen bases in 2011) to a minor league deal. If there was any chance that Raul Ibanez would return for a fourth season, these deals close the door on that.

The Giants and INF Ryan Theriot have agreed to a 1-year, $1,250,000 deal. He hit .271 with 1 homer and 47 RBIs in 2011 and earned a World Series ring with the Cardinals.

The Washington Nationals have signed RHP Brad Lidge to a 1-year, $1,000,000 deal. He went 0-2 with a 1.40 ERA and was 1/25 in save opportunities in 2011.

The Oakland A's have signed OF Jonny Gomes to a 1-year, $1,000,000 deal. He hit .209 with 14 homers and 43 RBIs with the Nationals last season.

The San Francisco Giants have signed P Clay Hensley to a 1-year, $750,000 deal with a possibility to earn $300,000 in incentives.

And finally, longtime Yankees catcher and future Hall of Famer Jorge Posada has officially announced his retirement. He hit only .235 with 14 homers and 44 RBIs in 2011, switching between designated hitter and first baseman, while playing part of a game as a catcher and part as a second baseman. I am deeply saddened by this announcement but also relieved that he is retiring a Yankee. The 5-time World Series champion was the greatest ofensive catcher of the 2000s.