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BRAVES NEWS
Nick Markakis Will Have Neck Surgery Tomorrow
Ever since the Braves signed Nick Markakis to the 4-year contract, we heard that he'd probably need surgery on his neck, and that surgery was part of the reason why the Orioles balked on offering him a longer deal. Now, the surgery date is official: It's tomorrow. Fortunately, Markakis will be ready for Spring Training, and here's hoping that he makes a full recovery and is 100% for the season ahead. Meanwhile, Markakis also received a $2 MM signing bonus, so there's that.
Varvaro Gets DFA'd; Is A Trade Coming?
Yesterday evening, the Braves hit us with a minor shocker by designating reliever Anthony Varvaro for assignment in order to make room for new signing Alberto Callaspo. However, Braves beat writer Mark Bowman soon openly speculated that Varvaro might be moved in a trade. Could this be a bigger part of a Justin Upton/Evan Gattis trade? We'll have to see.
Toscano Signing Could Be Up To 5 Years, $7.5 MM
The Braves finalized the Dian Toscano signing yesterday, and it's an extremely modest deal: 4 years, $6 MM guaranteed, with an option for another year worth $1.5 MM. Clearly, the Braves don't have galactic expectations for the Cuban outfielder, but if he turns out to be something more, then this could be a pretty lovely piece of business for the Braves. Meanwhile, here's what our old friend gondeee had to say about the signing over at ESPN's Chop County.
MLB NEWS
Yankees Bring Back Headley For 4 years, $50 MM
The New York Yankees have retained the services of 3B Chase Headley after snatching him up via trade last season, and they've done it with a relatively cheap deal. For 4 years and $50 MM, this is one of those rare deals where everybody seems to be happy. The player's happy to be staying in New York (clearly if he turned down $15 MM more from the Houston Astros), the team's happy to get him for a decent cost, and the fans of that evil, evil empire are happy that Headley's staying around.
Dodgers Sign Injury-Plagued Anderson To 1-Year Deal
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers have continued their active offseason by adding former Rockies pitcher Brett Anderson to a 1-year, $10 MM deal. It's not surprising that the Dodgers have only committed to 1 year of Anderson, considering the fact that this is a bit of a gamble. The Dodgers are either going to get a really decent 5th choice in the rotation or they'll get a guy who seemingly can't seem to stay on the field. We'll see what happens.