Curt Flood was a successful MLB player who earned seven Gold Glove Awards, played in three All-Star Games, and won two World Series.  In 1970, after being traded to the Phillies against his wishes, Flood challenged baseball’s reserve clause, fighting it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Although Flood lost the court case, his step of suing MLB ultimately paved the way for reforms like the 1975 Seitz Decision, which granted baseball with free agency, a great benefit to everyone affiliated with the game.

Flood is considered by many to be the pioneer of free agency, but he paid a significant price for his contributions by sacrificing a flourishing MLB career for what he believed was right not only for him, but for all who played.

One of our readers, Blayke Tatman, a 7^th grader from Orange County, California, conducted a research project on Curt Flood for his National History Day Project.  To learn more about Flood and the history of free agency in baseball, stop by his website. You can also stop by his website and see what current players such as Gerald Laird and past players think about Flood, and what his decision to stand up against Baseball did for the game.

Eckstein has played ten Major League seasons with the Angels, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks and Padres. He is a lifetime .280/.345/.355 hitter with 35 HR’s and 392 RBI’s. He also has two World Series rings, one with the Angels in 2002 and one with the Cardinals in 2006.

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Last season Cabrera started off the year with the Indians before making his to the Bay and joining the Giants via the trade route.

In his career, Cabrera posted a .272 avg and had 123 home runs while posting a career .317 OBP.

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Pineiro spent the past two seasons with the Angels completing a two-year $16mm deal he signed prior to the 2010 season.

He went 7-7 with a 5.13 ERA last season and spent time on the disabled list because of shoulder tightness.

In 2009 with the Cardinals, Pineiro went 15-12 with a 3.49 era, his last time he was in the AL.

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Had the Angels not sealed the deal, Kendrick would be eligible for free agency for the first time in his career after the 2012 season.  The 28-year-old hit 2.85 with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs in 140 games in 2011 while earning a roster spot for the American League All Stars.

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We are proud to announce that our PRO Rumors Android app version 1.0 is available on the Android Market.  We spent a lot of time on the app’s design and functionality, and we are sure that you’ll love it.  To download the app for an introductory price of $2.99 you can click here.

Here are a few features:

– Push Notifications to get the latest news and rumors for your favorite MLB team

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We’re working hard to add more features, so if you have any questions or feature requests, please send an email to support@prorumors.com.  We promise to write you back.

Allan

Kendrick is coming off another solid season where he posted a .285 avg and had 153 hits in 537 at-bats. He also posted career highs in triples (6) and home runs (18).

Kendrick made $3.3mm last season, or about $21,568 for every hit (153) he accumulated.

Kendrick has not suffered any serious injuries but has been on the DL three times over the last three years for a left hamstring strain.

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Last season, Cantu hit .194 with the Padres in 155 at-bats. Cantu was designated in June by the Padres, and finished the season at Triple-A for Rockies.

Cantu is only a few years removed (2008) where he hit 29 home runs and 95 RBI’s while posting a .277 avg for the Marlins.

Cantu can play both corner infield positions and could provide depth at both of these positions.

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Rodney who had a year to forget, posted a 4.50 ERA with 28 BB and 26 strikeouts. Yes you saw that right, he gave up more walks than strikeouts. Rodney who made $5.5mm last season hasn’t seen a sub 4 ERA since 2006 when he posted a 3.52 ERA.

Angel fans will be happy that Rodney is not returning as the Angels gave Rodney $11mm over two-years and in return he posted a mediocre 4.37 ERA.

In comparison, the Angels gave Scott Downs less money, $5mm, last season and he went on to post a 1.34 ERA.

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Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports adds that Pujols’ deal could reach $254 million and Danny Knobler of CBSSports adds that Pujols has a full no-trade clause in his contract.

Pujols total contract value puts him just ahead of A-Rod (2001- 10yrs $252mm) and behind A-Rod (2008- 10yrs $275mm, re-negotiated part of 2001 contract) for the 2nd biggest contract in MLB history.

In 2003, Arte Moreno purchased the Angels for $182.5mm. Pujols alone make at least $70mm more than what Moreno paid for the franchise.

Pujols ($14,508,395 in 2011) hit .299/.366/.541 with 37 HR’s, 99 RBI’s, 105 runs and a .906 OPS. Pujols earned $392,118.78 for every home run he hit or $146,549.44 for each RBI he had or $60.959.64 for every time he got on base.

With the signing of Pujols, the Angels now have to decide what they will do with their other first basemans, Trumbo and Morales.

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The deal would be for $77.5 million over five years adds Jon Heyman of CBSSports. The deal includes a full no-trade first 2 years, then 8 teams he block a trade to each year after that.

The left hander had narrowed his choices down to the Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Angels. The Marlins were offering Wilson a six-year deal and also had no state tax,  which would allow Wilson to make more money. The Angels were only offering a five-year deal but had the draw of being Wilson’s hometown team.

Wilson ($7,000,000) was 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA in 223.1 innings throughout 34 starts for the Rangers in 2011. He got $437,500 for every won game, or $33,980.58 for every strike out. Wilson took the mound 34 times last season which means he earned $205,882 for every start.

In the last twenty-four hours, the Angels have spent around $331 million on three players (Pujols, Wilson and Hawkins).

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– A source close to  Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports reports that Albert Pujols will sign with the Los Angeles Angels for ten-years worth between $250 million and $260 million.  The deal includes a full no-trade clause.

– The Los Angeles Angels offered at least $210 million to Pujols according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports. The belief is, according to Heyman, that the Angels might have to be closer to $250 million to “win the day.”

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– The Houston Astros have hired Jeff Luhnow as their new general manager. (Brian McTaggart, MLB.com)

– The Pittsburgh Pirates have released Ross Ohlendorf. (Jenifer Langosch, MLB.com)

– John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle says the Giants are out on Carlos Beltran. Jon Heyman adds that Beltran’s market appears thin.

– Jimmy Rollins’ agent, Dan Lozano, and manager Charlie Manuel are saying that a deal between the Phillies and Rollins will get done.  (Jim Bowden, ESPN XM Radio).

– Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post says the Washington Nationals are now targeting Roy Oswalt.

– Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports reports that the Detroit Tigers are considered front runners to land veteran right hander Octavio Dotel. Rosenthal also adds that a NL team is also in the mix.

– The New York Mets are shopping Jonathon Niese according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. He adds that the Padres and Rockies are among the teams interested in him.

– Mark Buehrle has narrowed his choice to three teams and according to Juan Carlos Rodriguez of the Sun Sentinel the Marlins are one of them.

– The Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, the Arizona Diamondbacks are among the teams interested in Hiroki Kuroda according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports. He adds that the right hander may go back to Japan.

– According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Athletics will not move left handed pitcher Gio Gonzlaez during the Winter Meetings.

– The Kansas City Royals are looking for an utility infielder, and according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, they are considering Edgar Renteria and “several others.”

– The Cleveland Indians are interested in first baseman Derek Lee, and according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, they are waiting until after Lee decides if he’ll accept the arbitration offer from the Pirates.

– The Colorado Rockies are interested in trading for Edinson Volquez or signing free agents Hiroki Kuroda or Kevin Millwood according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. He adds that the teams has the money to make the next move.

– According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres are talking about a deal involving Huston Street.

– First baseman Carlos Pena said that he will not accept the Cubs’ arbitration offer according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.

– Sussan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle confirms that the Phillies are indeed interested in Gio Gonzalez, and adds that they are also interested in reliever Craig Breslow.

– According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports, Gio Gonzalez’s “known suitors” are the Tigers, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Reds and Phillies.

– Veteran short stop, Miguel Tejada, is working out in Fort Lauderdale and is hoping to get a Major League deal according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. He adds the the Orioles have no interest in signing him.

– According to the New York Post (via Guillermo Celis of ESPNDeportes), the New York Yankees are listening to offers for A.J. Burnett. He adds that the Yankees are willing to eat about $8 million of the $33 million owed to Burnett.

– The Detroit Tigers are apparently trying to make a strong push for left handed pitcher Gio Gonzalez according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

– Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports says that the Angels and Brewers are among the teams interested in Aramis Ramirez. He adds that the Phillies are no longer interested in the third baseman.

– Peter Gammons says that the Oakland Athletics are considering Josh Reddick and propects for Andrew Bailey.

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– Jim Bowden of ESPN.com is reporting that C.J. Wilson has selected the hometown Angels over the tax-free state of Florida. Terms of the deal are not yet known.

– According to sources close to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports, the Miami Marlins have offered Wilson a six-year deal. Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports adds that if the Angels don’t match the Marlins’ offer he’ll sign with Miami.

– Even though Wilson’s decision is not expected by later today or maybe tomorrow, Danny Knobler of CBSSports says that the Angels are “clear favorite at this point.”

– According to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com, the Los Angeles Angels are apparently closing in on Wilson. A source close to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com that the Angels are “ramping up efforts to sign Wilson, and they expect to get a deal done today.

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– Sources close to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports say that the Cardinals, Angels and an unidentified third team are in on Pujols.

– Bob Nightengale of USA Today confirms (as originally reported by Jerry Crasnick of ESPN) that the Marlins are out on the Pujols bidding.  However, three offers of $200+ million are on the table.

– Multiple sources close to Jim Bowden of ESPNxm say that the Marlins are chasing Mark Buehrle, Prince Fielder and C.J. Wilson, a sign that they could be moving on from Pujols.

– The St. Louis Cardinals improved their offer for Pujols according to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post Dispatch. The new offer is believed to be close to the $220 million over ten years. He also points out that this is not necessarily the team’s last offer.

– A source close to Jim Bowden of ESPNxm says that Pujols is down to two teams, the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals.

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The deal was first reported by Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports reports.

Hawkins will provide another quality arm at the backend of the bullpen to go along with Jordan Walden and Scott Downs.

Hawkins posted a 2.42 ERA in 48 1/3 innings while striking out28 batters and walking only 10.

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The A’s are “very willing” to trade him this winter. Yesterday, we learned that the Angels were inquiring about him, and last week, we learned that the Reds, Blue Jays, Mariners, Rangers and Red Sox were among the teams interested in him.

Bailey was 0-4 with a 3.24 ERA and 24 saves in 41.2 innings for the A’s in 2011.

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Yesterday, we learned that there are at least five teams, including the Rangers, in for “the hunt” of Wilson, and that one of them made a six-year deal offers.

Late in November, Wilson had dinner with Angels manager, Mike Scioscia, and their new GM, Jerry DiPoto. DiPoto also met with Wilson’s agent, Bob Garber, during the GM’s meetings in Milwaukee.

It is known that the left hander and the Angels have mutual interest. Wilson ($7,000,000) was 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA in 223.1 innings throughout 34 starts for the Rangers in 2011. He got $437,500 for every won game, or $33,980.58 for every strike out. Wilson took the mound 34 times last season which means he earned $205,882 for every start.

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The Angels offer though may not be enough as it is rumored that it may be less than the deal Jered Weaver singed during the season, five-year $85mm.

Morosi also adds that even with the signing of Jose Reyes and Heath Bell, the Marlins still have an offer on the table for Wilson.

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–According to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com, the Nationals have recently talked to the representatives for Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, though the level of their interest is not known.

– The Marlins have offered a six-year, $111 million offer to free agent shortstop Jose Reyes. (Enrique Rojas, ESPNLosAngeles.com)

– Manny Ramirez filed for reinstatement and teams including the Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics WILL NOT be interested (our apologies). (Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports and Buster Olney of ESPN.)

– The Mets have contacted Francisco Rodriguez.  (Jon Heyman, Sports Illustrated).

– The Reds have offered a managing position to Double-A Pensacola to Jim Riggleman.  He’s likely to accept.  (Jon Heyman, Sports Illustrated)

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Mathis who is known for his defensive ability and his game calling, became expendable when the Angels acquired Chris Iannetta from the Rockies earlier this week.

Mathis is now slated to back up J.P. Arencibia in Toronto. Mathis made $1.7mm (could have made $100k more for 110 and 120 games started) and again is arbitration eligible.

Mills, was the Jays’ fourth round pick in 2007. He has pitched in parts of the last three seasons for the Jays posting a 8.57 ERA. Mills projects as a possible middle relief left handed arm for the Angels bullpen or potential starting depth as he has options left.

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– Sources close to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports say that the Los Angeles Angels have met with free agent Aramis Ramirez and a contract offer is likely coming.

– Sources close to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Texas Rangers are optimistic about signing Mike Napoli to a multi-year extension.  He’ll be a free agent after the 2012 season.

– According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Milwaukee Brewers’ last formal offer to Prince Fielder was for five years and $100 million, and he says they could stretch it to six years and $120 million.

– The Baltimore Orioles are among the teams interested in veteran catcher Jason Varitek according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. He adds that he finds it hard to imagine Varitek leaving the Red Sox.

– Another veteran catcher, Jorge Posada, is still looking for a job, and according to Heyman, he inquired with the Mets. Heyman adds that the Mets are looking for a backup catcher so Posada won’t probably be among their candidates as they are looking for defensive minded catchers.

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The Marlins and Blue Jays are known to be looking for an experienced closer, but you can never count the Red Sox out who recently lost their closer. Another team that has to be in the mix is the Angels who are in need of bullpen help and are just north of where Bell currently lives at in San Diego.

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The Rockies will also trade catcher Chris Iannetta to the Angels for right handed pitcher Tyler Chatwood added Renck. Yesterday, we learned that the Rockies might be looking to deal Iannetta.

Hernandez hit .282/.341/.446 with 12 HR’s and 36 RBI’s in 298 AB’s for the Reds in 2011. Iannetta hit .238/.370/.414 with 14 HR’s and 55 RBI’s in 345 AB’s for the Rockies last season. Chatwood went 6-11 with a 4.75 ERA in 142 innings in 27 games, 25 starts for the Angels in 2011.

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