Indians sign erratic minor-league pitcher Weathers to contract
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(10:07 am ET) The Indians have signed right-hander Casey Weathers to a minor-league contract. He is a former first-round pick by Colorado. His fastball has been clocked at 100-plus.

His wildness has prevented him from thriving. The 29-year-old has walked 172 and fanned 206 in 179 1/3 innings during his minor-league career. He has yet to pitch beyond Double-A.

Report: Orioles won’t consider moving Britton into rotation
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(9:29 am ET) The Orioles are not considering moving closer Zach Britton into the starting rotation, according to MASNSports.com, which is citing the team’s six candidates for five spots and his brilliance out of the bullpen in 2014.

Britton, who was a starter until last season, posted a 3-2 record with 37 saves in 41 chances after assuming his role in mid-May. He was among three American League closers with 30 saves or more and a save percentage of 90 percent or better.

He was reaching nearly 100 miles an hour on his fastball, which has some calling for his return to the rotation next year.

Mariners trade Brandon Maurer to Padres for Seth Smith
by Sean d’Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(12/30/2014) The Mariners agreed to trade pitcher Brandon Maurer to the Padres in exchange for outfielder Seth Smith.

In 2014, the right-handed Maurer went 1-4 with a 4.65 ERA and fills the Padres’ need for bullpen help. The left-handed-hitting Smith hit .266 with 12 homeruns and 48 RBI in 136 games.

Mets’ Niese has no pain in shoulder as he begins throwing
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12/30/2014) Mets starting pitcher Jonathon Niese said Tuesday he started throwing about two weeks ago and has no pain in his throwing shoulder, according to MLB Network Radio. Niese has had shoulder problems a few times in his career and even missed some time in 2014 due to inflammation in the AC joint.

Niese, who has been the subject of trade rumors, enters the fourth season of a five-year, $25.27 million contract in 2015. Niese also has team options for 2017 ($10 million) and 2018 ($11 million).

Padres finalizing one-year deal for Josh Johnson
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12/30/2014) The Padres are working on finalizing a one-year deal with pitcher Josh Johnson and both sides anticipate a deal will get done, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

Johnson missed the 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery. The two-time All-Star is 0-1 with a 7.43 ERA in three career starts at PETCO Park.

Alex Gordon has wrist surgery, should be ready for start of season
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(12/30/2014) Royals left fielder Alex Gordon had surgery on his right wrist Tuesday, reports the Kansas City Star. The team said Gordon will make a full recovery “in plenty of time” for the 2015 season, the report said.

Gordon had been dealing with irritation since before the All-Star Break, but did not miss significant time, per MLB.com. He aggravated the injury during winter training sessions. The Royals did not give a specific timetable for Gordon’s recovery.

Gordon, 30, won the Platinum Glove as the league’s top overall defender and batted .266 with 19 homers and 74 RBI.

Indians invite two to spring training
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(12/30/2014) The Indians signed pitcher Jeff Manship to a minor-league contract and invited him to spring training, and also extended a spring training invite to infielder Audy Ciriaco, reports MLB.com.

Rays close to a deal with Asdrubal Cabrera
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12/30/2014) The Rays are close to a deal with infielder Asdrubal Cabrera, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

The 29-year-old Cabrera spent all of his career with the Indians before being traded to the Nationals in July. The two-time All-Star hit .241 with 14 home runs, 31 doubles and 61 RBI in 146 games in 2014. He has a career .268/.330/.409/.740 slash line over eight MLB seasons.

In 24 career games at Tropicana Field, Cabrera has a .237 average, two triples, three home runs, four doubles and nine RBI.

Mariners showing interest in Padres outfielder Seth Smith
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12/30/2014) The Mariners have shown interest in acquiring Padres outfielder Seth Smith, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. The Padres are seeking a power bullpen arm in return for Smith, who has been the subject of trade rumors.

Smith is under contract through the 2016 season and his contract includes a $7 million team option ($250,000 buyout) for 2017.

Report: Dodgers set to sign RHP Sergio Santos
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/29/2014) The Dodgers are expected to sign right-handed reliever Sergio Santos to a minor league contract, per the Los Angeles Times.

Santos collapsed with Toronto last season. He compiled a horrid 8.57 ERA in 25 games and walked 18 in 21 innings.