This weekend's biggest news could be pitchers who won't throw in the major leagues in 2014.
The Cardinals confirmed that RHP Jake Westbrook is retiring after 13 major league seasons. He was supplanted by younger pitchers last season, when he was 7-8 with a 4.63 ERA for the National League champions.
A 16-year veteran, RHP Ryan Dempster, told the Red Sox that he won't pitch this season. He said he was concerned about a neck injury and about spending more time with his family. Dempster is forfeiting an otherwise guaranteed salary of $13.25 million.
LHP Mark Mulder's attempted comeback with the Angels has been short-circuited by a ruptured Achilles tendon. The 36-year-old's comments seemed to indicate a realization that he won't pitch in the majors again.
-- When the season opens, Reds RHP Mat Latos may not be ready to pitch. He underwent surgery Friday to repair torn meniscus in his left knee. He isn't expected to resume throwing until Feb. 24.
-- Giants RHP Santiago Casilla will be throwing in the Dominican Republic for a while, until his visa problem is solved and he can return to the U.S. Also caught in the annual "visa problem" trap is Giants LHP Jose De Paula.
-- The most important player to avoid arbitration by agreeing to a contract was RHP Craig Kimbrel, who will receive $42 million guaranteed for the next four years, with the possibility of earning $59 million for five years. Atlanta is paying big bucks for pitchers, with also a new 6-year, $3.24-million contract with RHP Julio Teheran. There's also a visionary option for 2020.
Also avoiding arbitration:
Mariners 1B Justin Smoak, who signed a one-year deal for $2.63 million, with a team option at $3.65 million for 2015 if he has 525 plate appearances this season.
Smoak's virtual twin, Rangers 1B Mitch Moreland, agreed for this season at $2.6 million.
Athletics OF Josh Reddick, for $2.7 million this year.
Red Sox LHP Andrew Miller, with a 1-year contract.
-- The Indians won their arbitration case with RHP Josh Tomlin, who will receive $800,00 this season.
-- Texas also announced its 1-year contract with free-agent RHP Tommy Hanson, who would receive $1.2 million plus expenses if he could make the major league roster.
-- The Indians signed RHP Aaron Harang, who could work his way into their rotation, to a minor league contract. Also getting a minor league deal was RHP Josh Roenicke with the Nationals.
-- 2B/OF Emilio Bonifacio's strong winter league season earned him a contract with the Cubs. They plan to use him s a utility man. He played seven positions in 2013.
-- The Orioles claimed OF/2B Jimmy Paredes on waivers from the Marlins. RHP Suk-min Yoon doesn't officially have a contract, but he is in their spring training camp in Sarasota, Fla., and supposedly will have a 3-year contract once he passes a physical exam.
-- Second base seems to be a problem position for a number of teams. The Dodgers are hoping Cuban SS Alex Guerrero could be their starter. There are plenty of other options, with varying degrees of desirability: Chone Figgins, Dee Gordon, Justin Turner and Brendan Harris among them.
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Other sports:
The NBA remains off until Tuesday. You still have time to make player moves, even trades while the league and its stats are standing still.
You have more time with your fantasy hockey teams. NHL play resumes Wednesday, Feb. 26. You can be great if you don't procrastinate.
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