Joe Beimel seeking multi-year deal
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1:11 am ET) Former Mariners pitcher Joe Beimel is seeking a multi-year deal, according to the Tacoma News Tribune. 

The 37-year-old is coming off a season in which he posted a 2.20 ERA over 45 innings. Beimel reportedly had at least three teams interested in him in January, but the Mariners appear to have bowed out of the running. 

Report: Mets out on Phil Coke
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12:26 am ET) The Mets will not be signing reliever Phil Coke, according to ESPN.

The team had been pursuing the 32-year-old reliever, but opted not to hand out any more significant deals in the pen. Coke has been working out for teams recently, and has drawn interest. He’s one of the better lefties still on the market.

Coke posted a 3.88 ERA over 58 innings last year.

Angels’ Wilson altered offseason routine in hopes for more success
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12:11 am ET) Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson altered his offseason routine in order to bounce back in 2015, according to MLB.com.

“I didn’t have a good season,” Wilson said. “Some of my games were really good, and some of my games were really terrible. That’s the hard thing.” In order to combat that, Wilson threw nine bullpen sessions during the offseason to get an early start on his mechanics and location. 

When asked about what led to his down year in 2014, Wilson pointed to injuries. “I would advise myself to never pitch when I’m sick and never pitch when I’m hurt, because then I’m not any good,” he said.

Wilson went on the disabled list with an ankle injury in July. He was able to return in August, but said he didn’t fully recover until after the season. The 34-year-old is coming off a season in which he posted a 4.51 ERA over 175 2/3 innings. He led the American League with 85 walks.

Yankees’ Teixeira worked on ‘getting stronger’ during offseason
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12:02 am ET) Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira worked on “getting stronger” this offseason, according to the New York Post.

“This offseason, I got to go back to working out and getting strong,” Teixeira said. “That’s who I am. I’m a big, power-hitting first baseman and I have to be strong. Last year I wasn’t.” Teixeira tore a tendon in his wrist in 2013, and that limited his ability to get ready for the 2014 season. Teixeira said the biggest difference this offseason was that he didn’t have any limitations.

“The beautiful thing was there was no rehab,” he said. “Last offseason was all about rehab, and that’s not fun. This offseason has been all about getting my strength back, and I feel good.” 

The 34-year-old Teixeira hit .216/.313/.398 over 440 at-bats last season. He’s expected to open the season as the team’s starter at first. 

A.J. Burnett only wanted to pitch for the Pirates in 2015
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/19/2015) Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett had eyes for just one team this offseason, according to FoxSports.com.

Burnett called general manager Neal Huntington during the offseason, and told him he would only negotiate with Pittsburgh. Huntington wanted Burnett back, but admitted the situation was “awkward.”

“The last thing we wanted to do was insult him,” Huntington said. “At the same time, every dollar we can save in every contract we can re-allocate to another player who can make us deeper, a better club.”

Burnett admitted the money wasn’t an issue. He actually expected to make less coming off a 4.59 ERA. Burnett actually turned down a $12.75 million option from the Phillies, but was willing to sign with Pittsburgh for $8.5 million. 

Burnett had one of the finest seasons of his career with the Pirates in 2013. He posted a 3.13 ERA over 191 innings with the club. Burnett hinted that 2015 will be his final season, but doesn’t want any type of retirement tour. 

“Not a lot of players have a chance to finish up where they want,” the 38-year-old said. “I was lucky enough where Neal wanted me.”

Royals have watched Phil Coke, Alfredo Aceves recently
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/19/2015) The Royals have attended workouts of relievers Phil Coke and Alfredo Aceves recently, according to the Kansas City Star.

Kansas City is still in the market to add depth at the back of the pen. Coke, 32, posted a 3.88 ERA over 58 innings with Detroit last year. Aceves put up a 6.52 ERA in 19 1/3 innings with the Yankees. 

Dodgers will likely go with internal candidates at closer
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/19/2015) The Dodgers will consider their internal candidates when looking to replace Kenley Jansen at closer, according to the Orange County Register. 

General manager Andrew Friedman said the club will be “open minded” about free-agent options, but said he’s confident in the team’s internal options at closer. With Jansen set to miss between 8-12 weeks, it’s unclear where the team will turn. Brandon League is the only candidate currently on the club with a lot of closer experience. It’s not known whether he’ll get the first crack at the job.

League posted a 2.57 ERA over 63 innings last season. 

Athletics likely to open season with Tyler Clippard closing
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/19/2015) The Athletics will likely use Tyler Clippard as the closer to open the year, according to MLB.com.

With Sean Doolittle expected to be sidelined following a shoulder injury, Clippard is in line to take over the ninth inning role. Manager Bob Melvin seemed to agree, though he wouldn’t make the announcement official just yet. “We have several guys that have closed,” Melvin said. “I’m not going to say right now that [Clippard] is the closer, but he’s definitely a guy we’re looking to potentially be the guy coming out in the ninth.”

While Clippard has mostly been used as a setup man during his career, he did save 32 games with the Nationals back in 2012. He didn’t lose his job due to ineffectiveness, and has been solid in any role over his career. 

Clippard said he would take on whatever role the team asks. “Whatever role they want me to do, I will do wholeheartedly and embrace,” Clippard said.

The 30-year-old posted a 2.18 ERA over 70 1/3 innings last year.

Mets pitcher Buddy Carlyle has an out clause in contract
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/19/2015) Mets pitcher Buddy Carlyle has an out clause in his contract, according to Newsday.

Carlyle re-signed with the club in January on a minor-league deal. If he’s not in the majors by June, Carlyle can opt out of his deal and become a free-agent. The 37-year-old posted a 1.45 ERA over 31 innings with the club last year. 

Diamondbacks’ Chris Owings to miss 8-10 spring games
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/19/2015) Diamondbacks shortstop Chris Owings is expected to miss 8-10 spring games, according to MLB.com.

Owings is coming off shoulder surgery, and the team wants to play it safe with the injury. The 23-year-old is expected to open the season as the team’s starter at short. He hit .261/.300/.406 over 310 at-bats last year.