MLB Rumor Wire: Spring Training Whispers

There are quite a few rumors floating around the MLB now as Spring Training winds down.

This time of year the rumors vary from extensions to trades to line-up decisions. Let's take a look...

Joe Nathan

According to Buster Olney of ESPN and La Velle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune, a four-year, $45 to $46 million dollar deal could be announced as soon as today for the closer.

Minnesota has been trying to re-sign Nathan for the past few weeks and now Nathan's agent, Dave Pepe, is expected to speak to the club this afternoon or evening.

Nathan's current contract is worth around $6 million a year, which is considered low for a closer of Nathan's caliber.

Olney has said that he is surprised by the Twins' move. He thought that, with the re-signing of Justin Morneau this year, and Joe Mauer last year, a mid-market team like the Twins couldn't afford to re-sign a player like Nathan.

Does he not remember that Minnesota lost both Johan Santana and Torii Hunter?

Felipe Lopez

We have a second-base controversy brewing in our nation's capital. Felipe Lopez has made it clear that he will be the starting second baseman for the Washington Nationals, but word is now that Washington is going to go with Ronnie Belliard.

While Lopez might be the type to demand a trade, the Nationals' front office is determined not to be forced into anything. Or are they?

The Washington Post reports that the Nationals actively are pursuing a trade with the Chicago Cubs. There were Cubs' scouts spotted in the stands last Friday at Washington's game.

Miguel Cabrera 

Cabrera recently inked a monster eight-year, $153.3 million contract. Despite this high number, it was less than expected.

This new contract is the heaviest in Detroit history, and the fourth highest contract in the MLB.

Tigers' slugger Gary Sheffield thinks that this move indicates Detroit's dedication to winning:

"He's a future-type player," he said. "Anytime you can get a player with that amount of years on this team, you're looking at multiple championships."