White Sox agree to deal with Emilio Bonifacio
by Sean d’Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(9:37 am ET) Pending a physical, the White Sox agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with Emilio Bonifacio on Monday, CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman confirms. The deal also includes a club option for 2016.

In 2014, Bonifacio hit .259 with 24 RBI and 26 stolen bases. He has the ability to play multiple positions in the outfield and infield.

Report: James Shields expected to receive $100 million
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/4/2015) Former Royals pitcher James Shields is expected to receive a five-year, $100 million deal, according to FoxSports.com.

Two executives believe Shields already has a five-year, $110 million offer on the table, but is looking for more money. His age, and the length of a possible deal, has scared off some teams. Shields’ agent, Page Odle, has not commented on the free-agent process. 

The 33-year-old is coming off a season in which he posted a 3.21 ERA over 227 innings. 

Report: Orioles have discussed Dodgers Andre Ethier
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/4/2015) The Orioles have had trade discussions for Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier, according to MASN.

The 33-year-old Ethier is owed $18 million over each of the next two seasons. He’ll earn $17.5 million in 2017. It’s a hefty contract for the Orioles to absorb, and it’s assumed the Dodgers would cover a portion of the deal based on the quality of player they receive for Ethier. 

Ethier hit .249/.322/.370 over 341 at-bats last year.

No deal imminent between Orioles, Colby Rasmus
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/4/2015) The Orioles are not close to a deal with outfielder Colby Rasmus, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The two sides have shown a mutual interest, but nothing is close. Manager Buck Showalter met with the 28-year-old outfielder on Saturday, but that didn’t change the situation. Rasmus is open to joining the team on a one-year deal in order to rebuild his value. He hit .225/.287/.448 over 346 at-bats last year. 

Orioles Dylan Bundy expected to start in Double-A
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/4/2015) Orioles pitcher Dylan Bundy is expected to start the year in Double-A, according to the Boston Globe.

The move was confirmed by general manager Dan Duquette. Bundy had Tommy John surgery in 2013, and made 18 starts in the minors last season. Bundy has been considered the team’s top prospect over the past three years. He’s considered to have top-of-the-rotation upside, and could work his way into the team’s rotation if he gets off to a strong start.

Report: Norichika Aoki seeking a three-year deal
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/4/2015) Former Royals outfielder Norichika Aoki is seeking a three-year deal, according to the Boston Globe. 

Aoki may want three years, but teams have been hesitant to add a third season to any contract offer. The Orioles are said to have interest in the 32-year-old outfielder as a possible replacement for Nick Markakis. The Giants also remain a possibility, according to the report. Aoki hit .285/.349/.360 over 491 at-bats. 

Report: At least seven teams in on James Shields
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/4/2015) Former Royals pitcher James Shields has talked to at least seven clubs, according to the Boston Globe.

The Red Sox, Cubs, Angels, Dodgers, Rangers, Blue Jays, and Giants have all at least talked to Shields, but his team has elected to keep conversations private. The Giants have backed off a bit after signing Jake Peavy, but the club remains interested. The 33-year-old Shields posted a 3.21 ERA over 227 innings last year. 

Report: Dan Uggla dealt with oculomoter dysfunction
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/4/2015) Nationals infielder Dan Uggla dealt with oculomoter dysfunction the past couple seasons, according to the Boston Globe.

Uggla saw major decline in his numbers after being hit in the head with a pitch back in 2012. Former major-league Marquis Grissom experienced a similar situation during his career, and recommened Uggla see orthopedist Robert Donatelli. Donatelli discovered the oculomoter dysfunction, which impacted his ability to see the ball when moving his head. Donatelli recommended a set of exercises for Uggla, and declared Uggla’s vision to be back to normal after two weeks.

The 34-year-old Uggla hit .149/.229/.213 over 141 at-bats last year. He’ll attempt to win a role with the Nationals during spring training. 

Giants assistant GM confirms interest in Ben Zobrist
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/4/2015) Giants assistant general manager Bobby Evans confirmed the team has interest in Rays infielder Ben Zobrist, according to MLB Network.

The two teams have been rumored to be discussing a deal for weeks, but this is the first time interest was confirmed by a member of either club. Evans said the Giants are staying involved for Zobrist, but are realistic about the possibility of a trade. The 33-year-old Zobrist is coming off a season in which he hit .272/.354/.395 over 570 at-bats.

Manny Machado to attend minicamp, Matt Wieters won’t
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(1/4/2015) Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, who’s recovering from knee surgery, is scheduled to attend a three-day minicamp at the team’s spring training complex next week, reports the Baltimore Sun.

Catcher Matt Wieters, who’s recovering from June elbow surgery, is rehabbing in Atlanta and won’t attend the minicamp, the report said. Wieters is still expected to be ready for Opening Day, though the team is seeking an experienced backup catcher as insurance, the paper said.