Some Smaller Moves Going Around the League

Rockies

The Rockies are reported to have offered Catcher Nick Hundley a two year deal worth more than 6 million dollars. Hundley is a 31 year old catcher who spent most of his seven seasons with the Padres before being traded to the Orioles during the season last year. He finished last year with a .243 average, 5 home runs, and 19 RBI's. He is known for being a veteran leader, and a good defensive catcher, which will help a struggling Rockies staff that finished with the worst ERA in baseball last year. 

The Rockies main objective this offseason was to improve their pitching, and adding Hundley is a good start. Hundley is one of the best pitch framing catchers in baseball, which is something people take for granted. The Rockies play in a stadium that makes it impossible to sign free agent pitchers, and that only leaves trading as an option. Signing Hundley would mean the Rockies might be looking to trade power hitting catcher Wilin Rosario, who would bring them some pitching. 

Cubs

The Cubs have signed 34 year old Chris Denorfia on a one year deal pending a physical. Recently resigned catcher John Baker was really excited the Cubs made this move because Denorfia and Baker used to be great teammates on San Diego. Denorfia is a platoon outfielder which means he can play all three outfield positions. He is coming off a down year hitting .230, with 3 home runs and 21 RBI's. The .230 average, and .241 on base percentage are both career lows for Denorfia. I believe his he will be a role player, giving outfielders rest, play against left handed pitchers, and pinch hit against left handed pitchers. He will be a good asset for a team looking to make some noise this season. 

Reds

The Reds have traded for 37 year old outfielder Marlin Byrd, and the Phillies will be receiving 2013 fourth round pick pitching prospect Ben Lively. The Reds will also get a few dollars knocked off Byrd's contract for making the trade. Last season Byrd hit .264, 25 home runs, and 85 RBI's. Those numbers suggest that even that he is getting older, he still has plenty of life in the tank. The veteran outfielder will bring much needed right handed power, which the Reds were searching for this offseason. 

Ben Lively pitched most of the season in Single-A last year with a 10-1 record with a 2.28 ERA with 16 walks, 95 strikeouts in 79 innings pitched. He was moved up to Double-AA and played very well posting a 3-6 record, 3.88 ERA in 13 starts, walked 36 batters, 76 strike outs in 72 innings pitched. Lively is a promising young prospect, but don't expect him in the big leagues next season.