Oakland Signs INF Dallas McPherson

Athletics signed INF Dallas McPherson to a minor league contract.

The deal comes with an invitation to spring training. McPherson, who at one time was a highly touted prospect, has battled injuries throughout his career and is now 29 years old. He has 150 home runs and a .586 career slugging percentage in 608 minor league games but also carries a lousy .245/.298/.458 career batting line on the major league level.

Introducing 30 Prospects in 30 Days

Here at Taters and Gophers I will be previewing my top 30 MLB prospects of the up and coming 2010 season. I will be previewing what could be for some and and will be for others. I expect to be doing this on an annual basis. I hope that everyone would read my analysis and comment with their own thoughts and speculations as well.

Mets Have Money to Spend

Bill Madden of the New York Daily News says the Mets will have about $20 million to spend this offseason.

Madden says the Mets are certain to reduce their $147 million payroll and should be counted out of the Lackey, Holliday and Bay sweepstakes. Madden goes on to say that second-tier free agents should be their focus with priorities being left-field and two starting pitchers, naming Jason Marquis specifically. We’re not sold that the Mets will walk away from the premier free agents just yet.

Orioles Want to Bring Erik Bedard Back

Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun report that if Erik Bedard is healthy, the Orioles “would like nothing more” than to bring him back to Baltimore.

We’re a little skeptical of this, as Baltimore was none too pleased with Bedard’s attitude before shipping him out to Seattle. That said, Baltimore is in need of quality pitchers, and they’re targeting the right category in high-upside pitchers who aren’t married to signing with contending teams. The left-hander is thought to be out through April of 2010 as he recovers from a torn labrum and inflamed bursa.

If BoSox Sign Lackey, Buchholz is Gone

If the Red Sox sign John Lackey, it would allow the team to trade Clay Buchholz, says Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

Such a trade would only happen for a name like Adrian Gonzalez or Miguel Cabrera, of course. Boston could also use Casey Kotchman or Jed Lowrie as pieces in the deal. The club is in flux and could go one of many directions this offseason.

Gary Sheffield Wants to Play in 2010

Gary Sheffield is dedicated to playing in 2010.

Sheffield’s family wants him to reach 3,000 hits for his career (currently at 2,689) and Sheff wouldn’t rule out cranking 40 home runs next year. Delusional much? With the overall shift to younger players, Sheffield may not find the playing time he wants next year — certainly not for a drive to 3,000 over the next few years. Looks like Sheff will be forced into retirement kicking and screaming at some point.

Mets May Acquire OF Jose Guillen from KC

The Royals have identified the Mets as a possible trading partner for Jose Guillen, reports Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News.

The Mets would reportedly only consider Guillen if they miss out on Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. With $12 million remaining in the last year of the contract, the Royals would have to eat a significant chunk of salary to even get the Mets to return phone calls. If there’s a fit, the Royals would like a young outfielder in return and are eyeing Angel Pagan. We don’t see a fit here; the Mets can just sign a second-tier outfielder for short money and retain Pagan either way.

Nyjer Morgan Took 30 Swings, No Problem

According to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, Nyjer Morgan took 30 swings off a tee on Wednesday.

Morgan missed the last month of the season with a fractured left hand, however he is now feeling 100 percent, according to Ladson. The 29-year-old speedster batted .307/.369/.388 with three home runs, seven triples, 15 doubles, 42 stolen bases and 74 runs scored in 120 games between the Pirates and Nationals in 2009.

Josh Johnson Talks Broke Down

Talks on an extension for Josh Johnson broke down when the Marlins failed to guarantee a fourth year, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

“We disagreed on the years, which is fair,” Johnson’s agent Matt Sosnick said. “As far as our feelings are concerned, and I feel very strongly that this is true, that Josh either signs a long-term deal now with the Marlins, which is not going to happen, or he gets traded after this year and the Marlins can get some value back.”

Though Sosnick didn’t reveal specific dollar figures, he said the Marlins offered Johnson three years with an option for a fourth. According to the report, Johnson’s camp hoped the deal would at least match Zack Greinke’s four-year, $38 million contract. Johnson remains under team control through 2011.

Reds Made Offer to OF Laynce Nix

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said the Reds made an offer to Laynce Nix, however he opted to become a free agent.

“They still may take it,” Jocketty said. “But they want to see what’s out there. We weren’t comfortable with what the arbitration figure would be. With Gomes, we wanted to keep some protection. I still thinks there’s a chance we’ll get something done with him.” Nix, 29, hit .239/.291/.476 this past season with a career-high 15 homers, 26 doubles and 46 RBI in 309 at-bats with the Reds in 2009. It’s clear the Reds prefer Gomes, so Nix will likely latch on with another club.