Games From Counsell Month

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Rodriguez, who was acquired on July 12 of last season in a trade from the New York Mets, had a mutual option worth $17.5 million dollars for next season declined by the Brewers shortly after the end of the season.

 

Toronto, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Toronto Blue Jays have signed pitcher Carlos Villanueva to a one-year contract worth $2.27 million, avoiding arbitration. In 33 games last season, his first with Toronto, Villanueva held a record of 6-4 with an earned run average of 4.04. He started 13 of those games, a career high for the right-hander.

 

Villanueva spent his first five seasons with Milwaukee and owns a career mark of 26-28 in 263 appearances, 40 of which have been starts. His career ERA sits at 4.28 and he has added six saves in 17 opportunities out of the bullpen.

 

Maier is the longest-tenured member on the Royals' 40-man roster and will start his 10th season in the organization. He was selected by the club with the 30th overall pick of the 2003 draft.

 

Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia Phillies have avoided arbitration with left-hander Cole Hamels, signing him to a one-year deal worth $15 million plus incentives. Hamels was 14-9 last season and pitched to a career-best 2.79 earned run average. He also finished fifth in National League Cy Young Award voting, with teammates Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee placing second and third, respectively.

 

Hamels, who earned $9.5 million last season, had signed a multi-year deal with the Phils in 2009, but left his last arbitration year open. He can become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

 

Valdez will earn $930,000, plus incentives, after batting .249 in 99 games last season. He also hit .370 with runners in scoring position.

 

Pittsburgh, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to a one-year deal with pitcher Jeff Karstens, thus avoiding arbitration. Karstens finished 2011 with a 9-9 record and a 3.38 earned run average, the best of his career, in 30 games -- 26 starts-- for the Pirates.

 

Milwaukee, WI (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Milwaukee Brewers have named former infielder Craig Counsell as a special assistant to the general manager. Counsell wrapped up a 16-year big league career in 2011 with the Brewers, for whom he played his final five seasons. He batted .178 in 107 games last year.

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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