Hot Stove roundup: Balfour-to-Orioles called off
Beltran introduced at Yankee Stadium; veteran catcher Suzuki to Twins
There were some interesting twists and turns on the Hot Stove on Friday, especially in Baltimore.
The Orioles are still in search of a closer after the club's medical staff "wasn't satisfied" with 35-year-old Grant Balfour's physical exam this week.
The team planned to introduce Balfour on Friday at a news conference after reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $15 million contract. However, multiple sources have said that the issue was Balfour's surgically repaired right shoulder.
"I guess the good news is we have other options to look at as we continue to try to improve our ballclub. But this is a situation where the deal's not going to come together," Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said. "We would never say never or close the door, but we're going to turn our attention elsewhere for now, to look at some other options to try to staff our team and continue to build a contending team for 2014."
Here's a look at some of Friday's other news and notes from around the league:
• The Yankees introduced Carlos Beltran in a news conference at Yankee Stadium. Beltran, who signed a three-year deal reportedly worth $45 million, was joined by his wife, Jessica, and daughters, Kiara and Ivana. He'll wear No. 36 for New York.
• Kevin Youkilis , a 10-year Major League veteran, signed a one-year deal with the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball, according to MLBTradeRumors.com. Youkilis played in only 28 games for the Yankees last season, the fewest in his career.
• The D-backs and reliever Brad Ziegler agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension with a club option for 2016. According to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert, Ziegler will receive salaries of $4.5 million in 2014 and $5 million in 2015. The team also finalized a one-year contract with 36-year-old infielder Eric Chavez.
• The Twins agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.75 million with veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. The San Francisco Chronicle was first to report the signing.
• The A's signed first baseman Daric Barton to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration with their longest-tenured player. According to MLB.com's Jane Lee, it's Barton's second straight non-guaranteed contract.