Ramblings: Iwakuma, Putz, Collins

Arizona Interested In Putz

• The Oakland Athletics and Japanese pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma are far away in negotiations, and the 30-day window that was granted for the sides to accept a deal does not seem to be long enough to sort out the problems.  Iwakuma has reportedly wanted a deal modeled after Barry Zito's absurd 7-year $126M deal, so there is no way Oakland will get to bring in the imported pitcher at the price.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks are said to be interested in reliever J.J. Putz.  Putz pitched last year for the Chicago White Sox, having a horrific ERA of 5.74.  Still, he was a lockdown closer for Seattle and might be able to bring some of that back with Arizona.
• The Mets have finally chosen a name for their newest manager: Terry Collins.  Collins last managed last for the Angels in 1999, and brings quite a bit of experience to the job.  New York will need it, as their team is in turmoil whether it be Francisco Rodriguez' off-the-field problems or the amazing amount of money owed to players such as Oliver Perez and an injured Carlos Beltran.

Ramblings: Feliciano, Upton

Could Pedro switch NY?

• Ken Davidoff of Newsday is reporting that the New York Yankees are interested in LOOGY Pedro Feliciano.  Feliciano is 34-years old and uses his devastating slider to get lefties out.  In 2010 he kept them to a .211 AVG, while righties crushed him at a .336 clip. 
• New Arizona Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers told the media that Arizona is open to trading outfielder Justin Upton.  He could very well just be trying to show the notion that "no-one is un   touchable" but Upton is a huge name to throw out there. He hit .273 with 27 HR and 18 SB last year as a 23-year old, and is in the 2nd year of his 6-year/$51.25M contract. 

Ramblings: Blum, Blue Jays

Blum moves to Arizona


• The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed infielder Geoff Blum to a 2-year deal worth about $2M.  Isn't a very good signing considering Blum is 37 soon to be 38 and hit .267 with 2 HR and 22 RBI in over 90 games.  Not a good start for new general manager Kevin Towers.
• It is thought to be the Toronto Blue Jays who are the favorite to land second-baseman Dan Uggla.  Toronto has made it clear that both current second-baseman Aaron Hill and outfielder Jose Bautista would shift to third if the Jays acquired a quality player.