Padres, James Shields agree on four-year deal
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2:08 am ET) CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman confirms a report the Padres have agreed on a four-year deal with pitcher James Shields.

The deal was first reported by SB Nation would include an option for a fifth season, and worth between $72 million and $78 million, according to that report. Shields still needs to take a physical, which will likely push back the official announcement for a few days. 

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

The move completes the Padres overhaul this offseason. The team completely revamped in the outfield, adding Justin Upton, Matt Kemp and Wil Myers. Catcher Derek Norris and third baseman Will Middlebrooks also joined the club via trades.

Shields will join Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy at the top of San Diego’s rotation.

Mets’ Curtis Granderson hoping to bounce back this year
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1:46 am ET) Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson is hoping to bounce back this season, according to the New York Daily News.

In his first season with New York, Granderson hit .227/.326/.388, with 20 home runs, in 564 at-bats. Granderson acknowledged that he’s one of the more expensive players on the club, and that means he needs to produce better numbers moving forward. “You can’t hide behind that,” he said. “It’s up to me to deliver. I understand that. It doesn’t change the pressure I put on myself.” 

“I didn’t get the start I would’ve loved to have,” Granderson added. “Historically, I haven’t necessarily been a good starter.” In order to change that, Granderson worked with hitting coach Kevin Long early in the offseason. Long was credited with turning Granderson into a big-time performer when both men were with the Yankees. “I wanted to see [Long] before we got things going [at spring camp],” Granderson said. “The opportunity presented itself to get some work in and set forth how we want to be.” 

Granderson is entering the second season of a four-year, $60 million contract with the Mets. 

Report: James Shields decision expected on Monday
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1:15 am ET) Free-agent pitcher James Shields is expected to make his decision on Monday, according to Bleacher Report. 

Shields was expected to sign with a club either Sunday or Monday, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. The Padres were considered the favorite early on Sunday, with the Cubs seen as a possible threat. 

The 33-year-old Shields posted a 3.21 ERA over 227 innings with the Royals last season. It’s believed Shields will earn close to $20 million annually with his new deal. 

Athletics’ Jarrod Parker looking at June return
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/8/2015) Athletics pitcher Jarrod Parker is looking at a possible June return, according to MLB.com.

Parker underwent Tommy John surgery during spring training last season, and is working his way back. Manager Bob Melvin said the team will be careful with Parker, as this is his second time dealing with the surgery. 

Parker posted a 3.97 ERA over 197 innings in 2013. 

A’s pitcher A.J. Griffin not expecting to pitch in spring training
by Brandon Wise | CBSSports.com

(2/8/2015) Athletics pitcher A.J. Griffin is still rehabbing his arm from Tommy John surgery and is feeling good about his progress. If it was up to him, Griffin would be back on the mound already.

“I don’t think I’ll be pitching in any games in spring training, but I’m just excited to get back out there with the guys and be a ballplayer again,” Griffin said.

Griffin missed the entire 2014 season after suffering the elbow injury. He went 14-10 in 2013 with a 3.83 ERA and 171 strikeouts in 200 innings pitched.

“If you have to go through this,” said Griffin, “it’s good to have someone right there with you who’s going through the same thing. It’s been good to have him with me during the process.”

Athletics’ Sean Doolittle received PRP injection in shoulder
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/8/2015) Athletics reliever Sean Doolittle received a PRP injection in his left shoulder, according to MLB.com.

Doolittle is expected to miss the start of the season due to the injury, but received in the injection in order to alleviate inflammation and irritation. Doolittle told reporters on Sunday that he feels a lot better than he did a month ago due to the injection. He’s already started a strengthening program, but a timetable for his return is currently unknown. 

“Everything so far has gone really smoothly,” Doolittle said. “We’re optimistic, but we haven’t set a timetable because, based on what the doctors and trainers have said, every issue is kind of different. With PRP, it’s all about how your body reacts to it.”

Doolittle posted a 2.73 ERA over 62 2/3 innings last season. 

Marlins, Mike Dunn agree to two-year deal
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(2/8/2015) The Marlins and reliever Mike Dunn agreed on a two-year, $5.8 million contract, avoiding arbitration, reports the Miami Herald. He’ll earn $2.35 million this season, $3.45 million in 2016.

Dunn posted a 3.16 ERA in 75 appearances last season.

Athletics avoid arbitration with P Fernando Abad
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(2/8/2015) The Athletics and reliever Fernando Abad avoided arbitration and agreed on a one-year contract, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. Terms were not immediately known.

Abad had filed for $1.225 million, while the team had countered with $850,000. Abad went 2-4 with a 1.57 ERA last season, striking out 51 batters in 57 1/3 innings.

Several candidates to fill in for Sean Doolittle
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(2/8/2015) With Athletics closer Sean Doolittle slated to miss the start of the season with a slight tear in his rotator cuff, the team will look at several candidates to fill in, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

Newly-acquired Tyler Clippard and setup man Ryan Cook are the top contenders, with Eric O’Flaherty also a possibility, the report said.

There is no timetable for Doolittle’s return. Doctors believe Doolittle won’t need surgery, and have prescribed rest and a strengthening program, the paper said.

Marlins expect Jose Fernandez back between June 15 and July 15
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(2/8/2015) Marlins general manager Dan Jennings said starting pitcher Jose Fernandez, who had Tommy John surgery last May, should return between June 15 and July 15, reports MLB.com. Fernandez will throw off a mound when spring training starts.

“He will start his progression there,” Jennings told the website. “Then, there will be a rehab assignment.”