Hot Stove Digest: Jim Johnson returns to Braves on a one-year deal
Welcome to The Stew’s Hot Stove Digest, our daily rundown of MLB news, rumors and gossip for Hot Stove season. Here you’ll find a recap of all the day’s action and other fun stuff from around the Internet.
DONE DEAL: The Atlanta Braves, who have been trading away lots of players lately, bring one back. They’ve again signed relief pitcher Jim Johnson, who had a 2.25 ERA in 49 appearances last season for Atlanta before he was traded to the Dodgers and his season went south. In L.A., he had a 10.13 ERA in 23 appearances. This new deal is for one season and $2.5 million. [AJC]
DONE DEAL: The Boston Red Sox have reportedly signed veteran Chris Young, the outfielder, to a multi-year deal. He hits lefties well and ought to have fun against the Green Monster. [Fox Sports]
GOOD READ: The Chris Young deal gives the Red Sox flexiblity to trade one of their outfielders. Maybe for one of their more glaring needs, like a pitcher. [Boston Globe]
DONE DEAL: Brayan Pena, the former Cincinnati Reds catcher, gets $5 million over two years to join the St. Louis Cardinals as Yadier Molina’s backup. [Yahoo Sports]
HE’S HEATING UP: Zack Greinke’s market is “quietly heating up,” according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick. The erstwhile Dodgers starter is said to be seeking $30 million per year and shouldn’t have too much trouble getting it. [@JerryCrasnick]
HE’S ON FIRE: About 20 teams have expressed interest in Braves starter Shelby Miller, writes Jon Heyman. The Yankees, Marlins, Giants and D-backs are all mentioned as possible trade partners. [CBS Sports]
IT’S OFFICIAL: Jordan Zimmermann, baseball’s newest nine-figure pitcher, made his deal official with the Detroit Tigers, for whom he was the No. 1 target. [Yahoo Sports]
MONEY AIN’T A THANG: Johnny Cueto turned down $120 million over six years from the Arizona Diamondbacks. [The Stew]
THE FLYIN’ CLEVELANDER? The Indians are said to have the most interest in 35-year-old outfielder Shane Victorino, per WEEI’s Rob Bradford. [@Bradfo]
GOOD READ: Jay Jaffe explains why Ken Griffey Jr. is a lock for the Hall of Fame. Which, duh, but it’s a good read, trust us. [Sports Illustrated]
THE FORCE IS STONG: Sean Doolittle of the A’s talks about his “Star Wars” fandom and other interesting stuff with Adrian Garro. [Fox Sports]
JUST FOR FUN: Imagining Kobe Bryant’s Birmingham Barons baseball card. [Rookies App]
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
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Mike Oz is the editor of Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz
