The Yankees held a press conference to introduce their new center fielder (and former rival) Jacoby Ellsbury.
MLB transactions roundup: Ellsbury introduced, Ortiz extension rumored
There is now photographic evidence: Jacoby Ellsbury is a Yankee.
Maddie Meyer
He will wear number 22 for the Yankees. He'll also face his former team, the Boston Red Sox, 19 times every season for the foreseeable future. Some fans might not like that much, but Ellsbury has been pretty graceful in the transition.
Ellsbury: "It was seven great years (in Boston); now I'm looking forward to the next seven years." pic.twitter.com/VBt8iYKzlw
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) December 13, 2013 Ellsbury purchased a full-page ad in the Boston Globe to thank fans. It reads:
Red Sox Nation,
Two World Championships and seven great years of memories.
To the fans of New England, teammates, and the many friendships made.
Thank you!
Jacoby
Ortiz, Red Sox could talk contract extension
World Series MVP and exemplary Bostonian David Ortiz would like to stay in the city through 2016. He told reporters that his agent will talk with the club about a one-year extension, but negotiations have not begun. Ortiz turned 38 in November, but despite his age, he put up one of the best seasons of his 17-year career with a 160 OPS+ and 30 home runs in 600 plate appearances.
The Red Sox would likely entertain the idea of adding a year to his deal, especially if he can continue to defy the natural aging curve and generate elite middle-of-the-order production.
Twins bring back Jason Kubel on a minor-league deal
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Jason Kubel is headed back to Minnesota, the team that drafted him over 13 years ago in the 12th round of the 2000 draft. However, he’s not guaranteed a spot with the Twins. It’s a one-year minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training. He played with the club through 2011, when he left for Arizona via free agency. He struggled there and was traded to Cleveland at the end of last season.
If Kubel plays well enough to break camp with the Twins, he could be a useful left-handed bat off the bench for a team that will likely rely on several young outfielders next season.
Braves sign Mat Gamel to a minor-league deal
After being non-tendered by the Cubs earlier this winter, former top prospect Mat Gamel has come to terms on a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves. Gamel was ranked 23rd on MLB.com's 2008 post-season prospect list, ahead of players like Giancarlo Stanton, Freddie Freeman, and Eric Hosmer. He tore his ACL in 2013, but if he can get healthy, and get his game back on track, he could see the big leagues again someday.
Rays send Glaesmann to Arizona to complete Bell trade
The Rays' acquisition of catcher Ryan Hanigan came at a pretty hefty cost -- they had to absorb Heath Bell and most of his contract. There was a player to be named later in the deal, and as the teams have announced, that player if minor-league outfielder Todd Glaesmann. As a third round pick in the 2009 draft, Glaesmann garnered high hopes from the Rays. He struggled early on in his career, but broke through with 21 homers in 2012. Last season in Double-A, Glaesman struggled again, but there is some promise due to the fact that he has occasionally been able to harness his considerable raw power.
Indians' minor moves
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The Indians have signed former Yankees second baseman David Adams to a minor-league contract, and extended Spring Training invites to Travis Banwart, Matt Carson, and Tyler Cloyd. It might be a long shot for any of the four to make it on the 25-man roster, but a solid Spring Training performance was enough for righty Bryan Shaw to see time at the major league level with the team last season.
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