Chris Carpenter signed a $3.45 million, one-year contract with Toronto on Wednesday. He will earn an additional $100K for each of 210, 218, and 225 innings pitched. The Jays were interested in attempting to sign Carpenter to a multi-year contract, but he went on the trade market when he balked at the idea. Nothing has happened to remove him from that market, and since he will likely soon be earning more than he's worth and Toronto has some talent available to fill the gap, I wouldn't expect him to stay above the border for much longer. He will certainly be gone when he reaches free agency after 2003.

Paul Abbott agreed to a one-year, $3.425 million contract with Seattle on Tuesday. This raise is far too large for a pitcher who received the best run support in the majors last year. I fully expect Seattle to have another good season in 2002, but they won't reach 116 wins again, and when the Mariners return to more realistic performances, Abbott's numbers will probably take the largest hit. Abbott made $1.7M last season, and based on his performance likely deserved less than a million dollar raise. As it is, on top of his base salary, he can earn $25K for 33 games started, $25K for 190 IP, $50K for 200 IP, and $75K for 210 IP.

On Wednesday, Placido Polanco signed a $1.75 million one-year contract with St. Louis. He's come a long way from the days when he was lumped with Craig Paquette in the category of "what do they have on Tony LaRussa to see this much playing time?". While his OBP really isn't impressive and most of his baseline statistics don't support his performance, his contact rate keeps his average high and he can field 3B, SS, and 2B. The Cardinals intend to start him in left field, so one would assume he also can field that position. For a utility player of his versatility this is a perfectly acceptable salary, though St. Louis is wise to stay away from an extended contract, as players of Polanco's ilk are prone to fast slips.

Minnesota signed David Ortiz to a one-year $950,000 contract on Tuesday. This salary is right in line with what he's currently worth. Ortiz broke his wrist early last May and that type of injury can depress an entire season, even if the player returns before the year is out. At this time he does not have a large platoon split, but he could easily develop one if the Twins put him in a platoon with someone like Matt LeCroy. Ron Gardenhire should make sure Ortiz receives full-time play, as that may be the only way Minnesota will ever truly be able to evaluate his potential.

Tim Crabtree agreed to a minor league contract with LA on Tuesday. This acquisition is interesting as Crabtree had shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff last July and isn't expected to be back until mid-season. Crabtree was never a dominant pitcher even before this injury, so the Dodgers would likely be much better off going with someone like Craig House for a mid-season bullpen replacement. However, if he's healthy I can see Crabtree's major league experience securing him a call-up, though they certainly shouldn't give him a shot at the closer's role.

Ron Villone signed a minor league deal with Pittsburgh on Tuesday. The Pirates made a great pick-up here. Villone showed significant improvement in his game last season pitching in Colorado and Houston of all places. Lefty pitchers tend to mature late, so he could just be hitting his stride. Pittsburgh is a good choice for Villone, as they should have room for him in their rotation for most of the season. I certainly expect him to receive a thorough tryout in Spring Training and think he has a good shot at making the roster.

On Wednesday the rumors of Rickey Henderson signing a minor league deal with Boston were confirmed. Henderson is a very interesting addition to the Red Sox. I generally like this acquisition as Boston was certainly in the market for a back-up outfielder and they upgraded their entire team by filling that role with a legend like Rickey. Rickey still has a lot of production left in Rickey and Joe Kerrigan, who has said he wants to improve the baserunning skills of the Red Sox, could hardly have a better mentor on the bench. I'd expect Rickey to receive at-bats at DH with Tony Clark and Brian Daubach and to occasionally spell Ramirez in the outfield, so that Manny can occasionally move to DH and rest his temperamental hamstring while staying in the lineup. Three-hundred or more at-bats wouldn't be unreasonable, though Rickey will be a much better asset to the team if Rickey is allowed to hit 9th than if the Red Sox decide to use Rickey near the top of the lineup.

Something had to give in Texas with all of their off-season pitching acquisitions and that something turned out to be Mark Petkovsek. The Rangers released Petkovsek on Wednesday. He was in the second year of a $4.9 million two-year contract, but cutting him was a much better decision than losing one of their young players on waivers. I would expect some team to sign him in the next few weeks, but not to anything more than a minor league contract. He should still be receiving his salary from Texas.