Breaking News

Justin Upton is a star.

Apparently, so is Josh Byrnes. The GM reportedly has reached an agreement with the 22-year-old slugger for six years at around $50 million.

Contrary to what many people believe, Joey Votto is going to remain the Cincinnati Reds first baseman for a long time.

Some think that once Yonder Alonso is ready for the big leagues, he will play first and send Joey Votto to left field.

That is, of course, if you believe GM Walt Jocketty . Alonso has been working out at third base and the corner outfield spots in spring training.

With an overwhelming vote of 91 percent, The Association of Minor League Umpires (AMLU) will partner with Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO.

This partnership will now be known as AMLU/OPEIU Guild 322, the 322 representing three balls, two strikes, two outs.

The AMLU was created in 2000 as a way to protect the interests of everyone involved. Prior to ‘00, umpires did not have representation.

Clay Buchholz: His future's so bright he's gotta wear shades!

The first time I interviewed Clay Buchholz (back in 2007), I asked him if he envisioned getting involved with a particular charity when he made it to the big leagues (a la Curt Schilling and his commitment to ALS).

Clay told me that he absolutely intended to be involved with charities, especially those involved in the fights against cancer and / or Alzheimer’s disease (which claimed the life of his grandmother).

The Associated Press has reported that Liz Watson, the estranged wife of former Major League Baseball player Barry Bonds, has filed for divorce.

After an off-season full of speculation surrounding infielder Felipe Lopez signing with the St. Louis Cardinals, the deal finally became official on Friday.

The club agreed with Lopez on a one-year, $2 million contract with incentives on Friday, despite recent reports that the Cardinals weren’t looking to add another infielder before Spring Training.

So says Beckett:

"Speaking on CSNNE’s SportsNet Central Thursday night, Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett said he would most likely not negotiate a new contract with the Red Sox during the 2010 season, saying 'Probably not,' when asked if he would participate in any in-season talks.

No surprise here given the economics of the situation:

Lyle Overbay commented yesterday about how he is unlikely to return next season as a Blue Jay. He is in the last year of a deal he signed with the club in January of 2007, after he was traded to the Blue Jays from Milwaukee in 2005.

Overbay has been mentioned in multiple trade rumors this offseason, including a deal that would bring Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder to Toronto for him. Expect these rumors to continue up until the July 31st trade deadline.

The Braves have officially signed Dominican shortstop Edward Salcedo, one of the top unsigned prospects on the planet. Word is that he will start the year off in either Rome(A-) or Myrtle Beach(A+).