As the qualifying offer free agent trio of Dexter Fowler, Ian Desmond and Yovani Gallardo continue to wait on a deal, there were a few transactions of note Saturday. Let's take a look at those and everything else that happened on an as-expected slow news day.
Arizona-Milwaukee trade
The Diamondbacks sent three players to the Brewers for Tyler Wagner and Jean Segura. Full details here.
Royals updates
The club announced that outfielder Travis Snider has been signed to a minor-league deal. The former first rounder is still only 27, so there's always the chance he's a late bloomer. He hit .232/.313/.350 with four homers in 265 plate appearances last season with Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The Royals are fine in the outfield with a Jarrod Dyson/Paulo Orlando platoon in right next to stars Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon. Thus, any production from Snider would be gravy.
Also, Salvador Perez confirmed his agent is working on a possible contract restructuring with the Royals (Royals.com). Remember, Perez signed a five-year, $7 million deal before 2012 that also has three club-friendly team options to run through 2019. He might be the most underpaid player in baseball, but it's worth mention that the Royals don't have to do anything. That they are shows their affection for Perez.
Farewell, Andruw
Well, we could have said goodbye to Andruw Jones after the 2012 season, but he finally will officially retire in the next few days. I took a look at his lopsided career.
Mariners news
The full transcript of GM Jerry Dipoto's press conference is available over at the Seattle Times. Die-hard Mariners fans should certainly go check that out on their own. The biggest takeaway is that after a busy offseason through the new year, Dipoto believes he is done making "significant moves" before spring training.
White Sox clutching draft picks?
General manager Rick Hahn spoke generally about losing draft compensation for remaining free agents (likely Desmond and/or Fowler) by saying the following (via the Chicago Tribune):
"The draft pick has real value," Hahn said. "A couple of million dollars worth of pool money, which allows you to be flexible with that draft pick or pay some forward or pay some back. … At some level, you balance the ability to improve this club versus the long-term impact that losing a pick like that would have."
Their 10th-overall pick in the first round is protected, but they would lose their next pick(s) in signing Fowler and/or Desmond.
And, well, that's about it. Told ya it was slow!
