MLB Free Agents 2012: Every Team's Hottest Rumor and the Latest Updates

Spring training is just two weeks away, folks, and I'm about to say something that I never thought I'd say this winter: the MLB free agency hot stove is still HOT. 

International free agents like Jorge Soler and Yoenis Cespedes are still looking for teams and among free agents with MLB experience, veteran arm Roy Oswalt is still without a team.

Just the same, it's been a busy couple of weeks in free agency as Prince Fielder signed a monster deal with the Detroit Tigers and Edwin Jackson recently settled for a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals.

Thus, for those of you who may have been busy during that time and out of the loop regarding free agency, let's take a look at some updated rumors surrounding each team.

Arizona Diamondbacks: No Breaking News to Report

In an online chat on MLB.com a few days ago, Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers stated that the team was most likely done with offseason moves for now. They already had a busy one, acquiring pitcher Trevor Cahill from the Oakland A's and signing outfielder Jason Kubel to a two-year deal to add some offense into the lineup.

Atlanta Braves: So Much Money to Spend, but Standing Pat

According to Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves set their player payroll budget at $94 million this year.  That leaves them with millions to spend on a top hitter like Yoenis Cespedes or Jorge Soler, who could definitely provide a spark to Atlanta's quiet offense.

Yet, the team has been very quiet this offseason and appears content to become a franchise built on one or two top hitters and some shutdown pitching. That being said, it's interesting how the Braves haven't used one of their surplus arms, specifically righty Jair Jurrjens, to try and acquire a top bat.

A lot can happen on this front over the next couple of months, so stay tuned.

Baltimore Orioles: Manny of Maryland?

Manny Ramirez is looking to make a comeback and according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Orioles are very interested in his services. Were he to sign with the team, it would reunite him with Dan Duquette, who brought him to the Boston Red Sox years ago.

That being said, it's time for another one of my classic Manny-hating tirades. Sure, the Orioles need offense, but are they so desperate that they would resort to an ex-roid boy like Ramirez? 

He'll come cheap but because of last year's positive drug test, he would have to sit out the first 50 games of the regular season and the Orioles are a team that needs immediate and consistent results.

Ramirez hasn't picked a team yet but should the Orioles be the winners of this sweepstakes, there's no telling how the scenario will play out.  Will he be the Manny of the mid-late '90s or will it be Manny Being Manny all over again?

Boston Red Sox: Slow Offseason to End on Oswalt High Note?

In a bizarre turn of events that started with both Terry Francona and Theo Epstein leaving the team, the Boston Red Sox have done next to nothing this offseason save for acquiring closer Andrew Bailey from the Oakland A's and trading Marco Scutaro to the Colorado Rockies. 

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, multiple agents met with the team's front office and left "frustrated" despite high praise of new GM Ben Cherington.

Given that, Cafardo also went on to say that the Red Sox should go after Roy Oswalt since they missed out on a potentially great deal in Edwin Jackson. It's no secret that the team could use some help in the back of the starting rotation and Oswalt could easily fill that void.

Yet, if I know the Red Sox, they won't pursue Oswalt until every other option is exhausted. Had they really wanted him, they could have signed him already. 

I understand that his injury-proneness is scary, but he's still a risk worth taking because when he's good, he's very good.

That being said, I still have Oswalt going to Boston. It's just a matter of when at this point.

Chicago Cubs: Concepcion the Cub

Cubs fans, meet the man who could possibly be the future ace of the pitching staff. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer just made a great move in signing Cuban lefty Gerardo Concepcion, just 18 years old and the winner of the Rookie of the Year Award in the 2010-2011 Cuban National Series.

He doesn't have much experience under his belt, but he has enough that the Cubs offered him a contract worth $7 million, and he hasn't even pitched in the majors nor the minors yet! 

He'll surely need some time to adjust, but the results could be great should he live up to his potential.

Chicago White Sox: Cespedes to the South Side?

According to ESPN's Jim Bowden, the White Sox are one of six teams in "serious negotiations" with Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. 

For those unaware of the Cuban phenom, he is being touted as a top five-tool outfielder who can simply do it all. The fact that he is just 26 years old makes him all the more attractive.

In the case of the White Sox, Cespedes could be just the cure for an offense that sputtered through the 2011 campaign.

But their outfield is kind of clogged. 

As of now, those three spots are occupied by the following: Alex Rios in centerfield, Alejandro De Aza in left, and Cuban stud Dayan Viciedo over in right. Viciedo is expected to be a beast and De Aza has similar potential, while Rios is coming off an off-year.

GM Kenny Williams hasn't been shy about trading some key players this offseason, having already done so to Carlos Quentin and Sergio Santos, so there's every reason to believe he'll do the same to one of the three incumbent starting outfielders. Rios could definitely bring in some top prospects, so maybe a deal can happen so that Cespedes can come to the South Side.

As in most cases we'll discuss today, we just have to wait and see.

Cincinnati Reds: Rounding out Rotation with Roy?

The Reds already made a big move this offseason, having traded top hitting prospect Yonder Alonso and pitcher Edinson Volquez to the San Diego Padres for pitcher Mat Latos. 

Yet, on Saturday, according to Ken Rosenthal, GM Walt Jocketty and his front office team "kicked the tires" on one Roy Oswalt but are not "actively pursuing" him.

Despite that report, let's not forget the lesson that the past two MLB free agency seasons have taught us: never count out the mystery team. Sure, the Reds may not be "actively pursuing" Oswalt, but that doesn't mean he can't help their young rotation.

Look at it this way. If the top veteran presence in your starting rotation is Bronson Arroyo, then there's a problem. Thus, don't count the Reds out of the Oswalt race just yet.

Cleveland Indians: Casey Kotchman Could Be Insurance

The Indians have had a relatively quiet offseason. Their only huge free agency move was the signing of first baseman and defensive wizard Casey Kotchman to a one-year deal worth $3 million.

This provides something of a controversy entering spring training, as the team already has Matt LaPorta slotted in at first. Yet, let's take a look at LaPorta. He only hit .247 last year with 11 homers and 53 RBI, his OBP a weak .299. On top of that, he played in just 107 games.

Kotchman hit .306 with 10 homers and 48 RBI in 146 games with the Rays last year and brings the toughness and consistency that the Cleveland lineup needs.

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer states that the Indians' plan is to play LaPorta every day and give him a shot to win the starting first base job in spring training, but I'm not too sure.

Given LaPorta's inconsistency over the years, it looks as though the first base job is Kotchman's to lose and, given his approach, I doubt that will happen.

Colorado Rockies: Matt Belisle Extended

The Rockies have had a busy offseason, having acquired Marco Scutaro from the Boston Red Sox and slotting him in at second base to signing Michael Cuddyer to play right field to trading Seth Smith to Oakland for pitcher Guillermo Moscoso. 

Yet, all previous moves aside, they probably made one of their most important ones this past Friday.

You see, GM Dan O'Dowd signed reliever Matt Belisle to a one-year extension. Belisle may just be a middle relief/setup guy, but don't poo-poo this deal just because of his role.

The fact is that he posted a 3.21 ERA last season and went 10-4 . . . out of the bullpen!  That's just plain ridiculous. 

Seeing as how the Rockies are one of those teams that is so close to becoming a contender, this extension could prove to be the difference-maker.

Detroit Tigers: Offseason Is Over...or Is It?

Following their signing Prince Fielder to a nine-year deal worth $214 million, I figured that the Detroit Tigers would be done spending money this offseason. 

Instead, according to Jim Bowden, the team could very well be in on Yoenis Cespedes.

It's certainly an interesting scenario as like the aforementioned Chicago White Sox, the Tigers' outfield is kind of crowded: Ryan Raburn/Delmon Young in left field, Austin Jackson in center and the talented Brennan Boesch over in right. 

The only realistic option, should Cespedes sign, would be to move Young into a DH role and bench Raburn.

On top of that, the Tigers are probably looking forward to the future and ace Justin Verlander's impending free agency after the 2014 season.

Thus, perhaps they'll bow out of the Cespedes race for the sake of saving money. Either way, this sweepstakes is one to watch closely.

Houston Astros: Livan for Leadership?

The Houston Astros underwent an ownership change this offseason, so there have been few moves in the free agency department as new owner Jim Crane is more focused on dumping some bad contracts in exchange for prospects.

Yet, early last week, the team signed veteran right-hander Livan Hernandez to a minor league deal. This is an interesting move as the team already has two decent veteran pitchers in Brett Myers and Wandy Rodriguez, though they both underachieved in 2011.

Still, Hernandez could prove to be a benefit to the pitching staff should he make the major league roster.  His experience will provide great leadership and mentoring to young arms like Bud Norris and Jordan Lyles, so you can't really go wrong. Plus, his status as an innings eater will be a big help.

Kansas City Royals: Bringing Cuba to KC

The Royals made one big move this winter, shipping outfielder Melky Cabrera to the San Francisco Giants for left-hander Jonathan Sanchez. Yet, GM Dayton Moore proved to not be done yet as he signed Cuban outfielder Roman Hernandez Jorrin to a contract.

Not much is known about the 22-year-old outfielder, except for the fact that he's a great hitter with an equally great arm. The Royals outfield is currently occupied by Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain and Jeff Francouer, so this is probably a signing with an aim towards future production.

Still, it could prove to be a great move as the Royals slowly work their way back into contention.

Los Angeles Angels: Awaiting Ayala?

The Angels already filled two major voids this offseason in signing Albert Pujols to add more power to the lineup and C.J. Wilson to add some more playoff experience to the rotation. 

At this point, GM Jerry DiPoto is looking to add some depth to his group of middle-relievers and Luis Ayala is on his radar.

MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez reports that the Angels and other teams have made offers to the 34-year-old, who posted a 2.09 ERA in 52 games with the New York Yankees last season, and that he is currently weighing his options.

He proved to be a great value last year, so there's no reason to believe this year will be any different.  Whichever team wins his services will surely benefit greatly from them.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Coffey, Anyone?

The Dodgers are looking to contend following a stellar second half of 2011, and their greatest need is another big bat to help Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier shoulder the load. 

Yet, it appears that GM Ned Colletti has chosen to go with giving the Boys in Blue a lockdown bullpen, which could be just as dangerous.

Enter Todd Coffey, power pitcher extraordinaire and the man Colletti just signed to a one-year deal worth $1.3 million, plus a club option for 2013. His mid-to-upper 90s fastball should provide some solid seventh or eighth inning work out of skipper Don Mattingly's bullpen and given his size and velocity, he might just have a shot at becoming Jonathan Broxton 2.0.

If he proves to be a solid piece of the bridge to possible closer Javy Guerra, then this signing could be one of the steals of the offseason.

Miami Marlins: From Havana, Cuba to Little Havana

Once again, we come back to Yoenis Cespedes and in this case, the very busy Miami Marlins.

This team has had an active offseason, having already signed three top free agents: closer Heath Bell, starting pitcher Mark Buehrle and shortstop Jose Reyes.

Mark J. Miller of Yahoo Sports reported on Friday that team management was "aggressively negotiating" with Cespedes and his agents. Given the Marlins' needs in centerfield, the Cuban defector and his five-tool talents could be a perfect fit.

The new stadium being in Little Havana won't hurt either, I imagine.

Milwaukee Brewers: Jose Veras and the Arbitration Case That Won't End

The Milwaukee Brewers traded infielder Casey McGehee to the Pittsburgh Pirates in December, receiving right-handed reliever Jose Veras in exchange. Veras appeared in 79 games last season, posting a 3.80 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 71 innings.

Entering arbitration, he was asking for $2.375 million while the Brewers were offering $2 million flat.  According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, there has been no progress in contract talks between both parties.

The fact is that a deal will ultimately be reached, either between both parties or by rule of an arbitrator. But the reality is that Veras is a middle relief guy and nothing more. Francisco Rodriguez will provide quality strikeout innings leading up to closer John Axford, so perhaps Veras will end up being traded again in the end.

Minnesota Twins: Could Varitek Be Headed North?

Earlier today, the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo took a look at free agent catcher Jason Varitek, who turns 40 in April and has spent his entire 15-year career with the Boston Red Sox. The sad truth is that Varitek's body is breaking down and his bat isn't as dangerous as it once was. 

With Boston already carrying Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Kelly Shoppach at catcher, not to mention prospect Ryan Lavarnway, the one-time captain of the team has two options: find a new team or retire.

Cafardo mentioned the Minnesota Twins as a possible fit for Varitek. Joe Mauer and Ryan Doumit occupy that position, but the Twins see Doumit more as a designated hitter. Given Mauer's injury history, a backup not named Drew Butera could be a better option.

Say what you want about Varitek, but his bat still has some pop. He hit 11 homers in 222 at-bats last year.

Given the Twins' need for offense, I say give him a shot.

New York Mets: Cheap Outfielders Wanted

The New York Mets are a complete mess, but they still have some money to work with even as their owners continue to be mired in Bernie Madoff drama. 

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, team management is on the hunt for an outfielder that hits from the left side of the plate and comes at a cheap price. In terms of pricing, the Mets are looking to spend no more than $1-2 million.

The Mets outfield appears to be set, as Jason Bay is in left and newly-acquired Andre Torres is manning centerfield. In right field, it appears that Lucas Duda will have a shot to compete for the starting job.

Still, given the disappointment of Bay and Torres being completely unpredictable, someone like Johnny Damon or maybe Raul Ibanez could prove to be a good enough presence in the short term. 

Damon hit .261 with 16 homers and 73 RBI for the Tampa Bay Rays in 150 games as an outfielder/DH last year, so he's definitely got some gas left in the tank despite being 38 years of age.

If the Mets can get those funds together, signing Damon could prove to be a good value signing and may even bring in some prospects at the trade deadline.

New York Yankees: Godzilla Returns?

Like the Mets, the Yankees are looking for some depth at designated hitter, as the current plan is to use that position as a revolving door of some sort. 

Yet, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, manager Joe Girardi would like to have another left-handed bat on the team, specifically someone like Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui.

The Yankees couldn't really go wrong with either man, as both were great during their time with the team and a homecoming of some sorts would be great. Damon can still play and Matsui had a fine second half, so the pop in the bat that they bring would be a welcome addition to the lineup.

Oakland A's: Manny Coming to Town?

One of the other teams interested in Manny Ramirez is the Oakland A's, continuing with the Moneyball philosophy of having players who are either young or over the hill, but both of whom are great at getting on base.

I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but it's time for some tough love: MONEYBALL DOES NOT WORK. 

It hasn't won a World Series thus far, so why stick with it? Just to save a few bucks?

Either way, not even signing Manny will be able to save the A's. So maybe it's time for GM Billy Beane to start looking for a new job.

Philadelphia Phillies: Saving Money for Next Year

Save for signing Jonathan Papelbon to a long-term deal, the Phillies have had a relatively quiet offseason. GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. is looking to keep the spending low so that next year he can break the bank to retain star left-hander Cole Hamels.

Long story short, no rumors to report from the City of Brotherly Love.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Small Market, Small Budget

The Pirates play in a ridiculously small market, and thus have little money to spend.

To give you a better idea, their two biggest free agent signings this offseason were that of infielder Clint Barmes and pitcher Erik Bedard.

More recently, they signed pitcher Brian Tallet to a minor league deal. Other than that, it's been a quiet winter in the Steel City.

San Diego Padres: Owings to SoCal

The Padres already made their big offseason move this year, trading Mat Latos to the Reds for Yonder Alonso, Edinson Volquez and prospects.  Last week, according to Ken Rosenthal, the team signed pitcher Micah Owings to a one-year deal worth just $1 million.

Owings only appeared in 33 games last year, but posted a 3.57 ERA with an incredible 8-0 record, mostly out of the bullpen. Thus, given the unpredictability of the Padres' rotation now that Latos is gone, Owings could prove to be a decent spot starter.

Oh, and let's not forget the fact that he's pretty good with the bat too.

San Francisco Giants: Saving Cash for Cain

The Giants have never really been a team of big spending, preferring to build from within. 

Such has been the case this offseason, as they have already signed rotation ace Tim Lincecum to a two-year contract and GM Brian Sabean has already stated, according to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle, that he will not pursue Yoenis Cespedes.

Instead, it appears that the team is taking a similar approach to that of the Phillies: save money this season so that they can re-sign Matt Cain next year as he enters free agency.

Seattle Mariners: Kuo's Headed Northwest?

The Seattle Mariners' primary focus should be revamping their offense that hit an MLB-worst .233 last year, but they seem to have another arm on the radar instead. 

According to Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times, lefty reliever Hong-Chih Kuo has drawn the attraction of GM Jack Zduriencik.

Kuo had an awful 2011, posting a 9.00 ERA in 40 appearances. Yet, in 2010, he was unbelievable with a 1.20 ERA and 0.78 WHIP.

A change of scene could be beneficial to the Taiwanese lefty, but it's a gamble just the same. Should it not pay off, it could only push the Mariners further into the cellar.

St. Louis Cardinals: Cora the Cardinal?

MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reports that the Cardinals are close to a minor league deal with veteran infielder Alex Cora, who hit .224 in 91 games for the Washington Nationals last year.

Cora is getting old at 36 and doesn't do much at the plate. But he could prove to be a good value pick for the defending World Series Champions. 

Incumbent shortstop Rafael Furcal is prone to injury and second baseman Skip Schumaker is hit or miss. Cora could provide some valuable depth in the infield should he make the team out of spring training.

With the Cardinals looking just as good as they did last year, this signing could make them better.

Tampa Bay Rays: Gliding by in Tampa

The Rays only made a couple of key signings this offseason, bringing back Carlos Pena to play first base and bringing in Luke Scott as the DH.  Other than that, manager Joe Maddon appears to be married to the idea of using his young core to make a big run at the AL East next year.

As a result, no rumors to report out of this part of sunny Florida.

Texas Rangers: Hamilton on Hold

The Rangers seem to be done with free agency this year and now they have bigger concerns. 

All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton recently relapsed in having some alcoholic drinks at a bar and as a result, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, talks of extending his contract are now on hold.

Sure, Hamilton is a great player to have on the team (albeit a bit injury-prone), but this instance could prove to be enough of a reason for the team to let him walk next offseason. 

The only reason this happened was because of Hamilton not having an "accountability partner," someone who keeps him from doing drugs or drinking alcohol, and no team wants to pay millions to keep someone like that on retainer.

I hope that the Rangers do ultimately bring him back. But just how this plays out remains to be seen.

Toronto Blue Jays: Could Manny Head North?

The last team that has interest in the controversial outfielder are the Blue Jays, whose offense is already stacked. Signing Ramirez would just be another big bat in the lineup but in the tough AL East, outscoring the opposition is key.

There's no telling how good Ramirez will be at his age and without PEDs, but we all know that all eyes will be on him come spring training, wherever he signs.

Washington Nationals: Welcome Back, Ankiel

The Nationals have brought back outfielder Rick Ankiel on a minor league deal, according to Amanda Comak of the Washington Times. 

The left-handed hitter hit .239 with nine homers and 37 RBI in 122 games last year and, despite it only being a minor league deal, he will have a shot at competing for time in center field alongside Mike Cameron and Roger Bernadina.

There's no doubt that Ankiel has his consistency issues, but the fact is that his power is undeniable when it's fully locked in. Keep in mind, he hit 25 homers in 122 games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008.

The Nationals are going to be a team to watch in 2012 and if they do make a run at either the NL pennant or even the NL East, Ankiel could easily prove to be an X-factor off the bench.