Mahay signs with the Royals

It was reported last night that the Kansas City Royals have signed lefty reliever Ron Mahay to a two-year, $8 million deal.

The Yankees were looking at him earlier this off-season, but he was rumored to be looking at a three-year, $12 million contract. $4 million for a left-handed specialist is way too much.

The Yankees learned from their past bullpen mistakes - giving multi-year deals to mediocre relievers - and signed LaTroy Hawkins to a one-year, $3.75 million contract.

Yankees interested in Mahay and Vizcaino

According to Bryan Hoch, the Yankees have contacted the representatives for Ron Mahay and Luis Vizcaino.

Mahay, a 36-year-old lefty, will probably receive a three-year, $12 million offer from the Yankees. I feel that three years may be a little too much, but the bullpen is need of improvement right now. Hoch also says that Vizcaino may seek Scott Linebrink money (four years, $19 million). If that's the case, I'd let Vizcaino find employment elsewhere.

Pre-trade deadline deals

A few trades were made today in advance of Tuesday's 4:00 p.m. non-waiver trading deadline.

Pending physicals, Texas Rangers 1B Mark Teixeira is on his way to Atlanta. Joining him will be RHP Ron Mahay. The Braves are sending rookie C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, minor league SS Elvis Andrus and two more prospects to Texas (source). From the same article, there is a rumor that the Braves are trying to acquire Kansas City Royals reliever Octavio Dotel for RHP Kyle Davies.

After Jose Valentin broke a bone in his leg, the New York Mets needed a second baseman. Today, they acquired Luis Castillo from the Minnesota Twins for two prospects (source). While Castillo doesn't steal many bases anymore, he is still a solid hitter (batting .304 this season) and is a three-time Gold Glove winner. Here is what one Met fan thinks of the trade.

The Cincinnati Reds have traded RHP Kyle Lohse to the Philadelphia Phillies for minor league LHP Matt Maloney (source). Lohse is 6-12 with a 4.58 ERA in 21 starts. Maloney is 9-7 with a 3.94 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 125 2-3 innings in AA.