MLB roundup: Bronson Arroyo narrows his suitors, Pittsburgh DFAs Sands and Reid
The Twins and Reds are in on Arroyo while the Pirates make room for some signings of their own
As much as it can be considered a "sweepstakes", the chase for Bronson Arroyo is down to four teams including the Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins, per CBS Sports' Jon Heyman. The Reds' offer is for one year, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
Despite interest from other teams, the Reds aren't keen to trade Homer Bailey due to concerns about their pitching depth. This is one obvious reason for their interest in Arroyo.
Arroyo was just about a league-average pitcher last year, recording a 3.79 ERA in 202 innings. His primary value comes from his ability to eat innings; he’s gone over 200 innings eight out of the last nine years. The lone exception to that trend came in 2011, when he tossed 199 innings.
More Reds coverage: Red Reporter
Pirates designate Sands and Reid for assignment
To make room on the 40-man roster for Clint Barmes and Edinson Volquez, the Pirates designated Ryan Reid and Jerry Sands for assignment.
Reid made his major league debut as a 28-year old in 2013, recording a 1.64 ERA in 11 innings. Sands was acquired from the Red Sox along with Mark Melancon, Stolmy Pimentel and Ivan DeJesus, Jr. for Joel Hanrahan and Brock Holt. He never saw time in the majors for Pittsburgh and suffered through a tough minor league season, hitting .207/.311/.329 in Triple-A. Sands will be 26 years old heading into 2014.
More Pirates coverage: Bucs Dugout
Arizona signs Blanco and Hudson to minor league pacts
The Diamondbacks signed the battery of catcher Henry Blanco and pitcher Daniel Hudson to minor league deals, with both receiving invitations to spring training.
Blanco lands in a good spot with only Tuffy Gosewisch standing in the way of a backup job at the moment. Hudson will help the Diamondbacks restock their pitching depth after trading away Tyler Skaggs and David Holmberg earlier this offseason. Hudson is rehabbing from the second Tommy John surgery of his career and could appear in late 2014, though missing the entire season is a distinct possibility.
More Diamondbacks coverage: AZ Snake Pit
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