- Not only has MLB become a model of labor peace in the sports world, but now it has the distinction of being the first major American sports league to implement blood testing for human growth hormone. According to the New York Times, the soon-to-be announced CBA will include an HGH testing program that will begin this spring and carry penalties on par with the current steroid policy.
- Clint Barmes is on the verge of becoming the latest light-hitting middle infielder to sign a multi-year deal. According to several sources, the Astros' short stop is close to signing a two-year contract with the Pirates. Omar Infante, Jamey Carroll, Mark Ellis, and Willie Bloomquist have all signed two-year deals within the past two weeks.
- Back-up and second-tier catchers have also been a relatively hot commodity this off season. The Pirates struck first with the signing of Rod Barajas, and since then, Jose Molina, Ryan Doumit, and Gerald Laird have all signed new deals. Even Kelly Shoppach has attracted several suitors. Considering the Yankees' organizational depth at catcher, perhaps Brian Cashman can take advantage of the heavy demand?
- After meeting with Carlos Zambrano earlier in the week, Theo Epstein stated that the volatile right hander would have to "earn his way back to being a Cub". Yesterday, he went about doing that the hard way. During an outing in Venezuela, Zambrano surrendered only one unearned run in five innings, but was forced to leave the game after being hit in the face by a line drive. If the Cubs and Zambrano can't get on the same page, will Epstein be able to find someone to take his $18 million salary? I've been advocating a Zambrano for A.J. Burnett swap for over a year.
- In other news from Wrigley, Epstein also recently met with Kerry Wood and expressed a desire to re-sign the reliever.
- Grady Sizemore's name has been mentioned as a potential reclamation project for several teams, but now it looks like he'll be returning to the Indians.