Thanks to Rob for filling in for me today on the blog while I took a much needed break from baseball. A lot happened today, so here's a little recap to keep you current:

Yankees GM Brian Cashman issued this statement tonight..."We have preliminarily agreed to terms with Andy Pettitte on a contract to pitch for the New York Yankees, pending the passing of a physical examination. At this time, I will have no further comment." The deal is said to be in the range of $16 million.

The Kansas City Royals announced today the signing of reliever Octavio Dotel to a one-year contract for the 2007 season. "The back end of our bullpen was a major emphasis this off season and we've addressed this by acquiring Octavio," Royals Senior Vice President-Baseball Operations/General Manager Dayton Moore said. He is a guy we feel can be a top-flight Major League closer."

The Royals also signed left-handed pitcher John Bale to a two-year contract through the 2008 season the team announced today. "We are excited that John made a decision to sign with the Royals," Royals Senior Vice President- Baseball Operations/General Manager Dayton Moore said. He's a talented left-handed pitcher who is extremely versatile and will compete for various roles on our pitching staff." Bale, 32, spent the last three seasons pitching for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japanese Major Leagues. A versatile left-hander, Bale had served as a starter, middle reliever and closer for Hiroshima.

The St. Louis Cardinals today announced the signing of free agent pitcher Russ Springer to a one-year contract. Springer returns to St. Louis, where he played briefly in 2003 before spending the last three seasons with the Houston Astros. “Russ is someone we are very familiar with and have liked for some time,” said Cardinals Senior Vice President and General Manager Walt Jocketty. “He allows us to be more versatile out of the bullpen and adds another veteran presence to the relief corps.”

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Mike MacDougal on a three-year, $6.45-million contract that contains a club option for 2010, avoiding arbitration. Under terms of the deal, MacDougal, who was eligible to become a free agent following the 2009 season, will receive $1.50 million in 2007, $1.95 million in 2008 and $2.65 million in 2009. The White Sox hold a 2010 option at $3.75 million with a buyout of $350,000. MacDougal, 29, combined to go 1-1 with a 1.55 ERA (5 ER/29.0 IP) and one save in 29 relief appearances between Kansas City and the White Sox in 2006. He was 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA (5 ER/25.0 IP) in 25 outings with the Sox.

The San Francisco Giants have re-signed free agent pitcher Steve Kline to a two-year contract, club Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Sabean announced today. Kline, a 34-year-old southpaw, went 4-3 with a 3.66 ERA in a club-high 72 relief appearances with the Giants in 2006. "Bringing Steve back into the fold solidifies a major part of our bullpen puzzle," Sabean said. "It is certainly a huge advantage to have someone in the late innings that can take the ball everyday and consistently get tough left-handed hitters out."

The Oakland A’s officially announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent Mike Piazza on a one-year contract for the 2007 season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers officially that they have signed five-time All-Star outfielder Luis Gonzalez to a one-year contract, according to Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti. “Luis is a proven offensive threat who will solidify the middle of the order,” said Colletti. “He’s a champion on and off the field and his veteran leadership is a huge part of what he brings to the table.” Gonzalez, 39, has a .284 lifetime average with 331 home runs, 1,324 RBI and a .368 on-base percentage in 17 seasons with the Astros, Cubs, Tigers and Diamondbacks.

The Dodgers also officially announced that they have signed three-time All-Star right-hander Jason Schmidt to a three-year contract through 2009, according to Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti. “Jason is a top of the rotation starter who can dominate a game as well as any pitcher in the Major Leagues,” said Colletti. “He’s a proven winner and that’s something that’s very hard to find.” Schmidt, 33, has a 127-90 career record and 3.91 ERA over 12 seasons with the Braves, Pirates and Giants.

Third baseman Brandon Inge has agreed to a $24 million, four-year contract with the AL champion Detroit Tigers.

According to an industry source, the Orioles have reached a verbal agreement on a two-year deal with Oakland Athletics free agent Jay Payton, who will become the team's only right-handed hitting outfielder.

The Texas Rangers signed outfielder Marlon Byrd to a one-year contract Friday.

The Houston Astros announced today that the club has signed right-handed pitcher Brandon Backe to a one-year, $545,000 contract, plus incentives. The announcement was made by General Manager Tim Purpura.

Ken Harvey reportedly signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins, according to the Star Tribune.

Royals signed LHP John Bale to a two-year, $4 million contract. Bale pitched in Japan in 2005-2006.

Rangers signed outfielder Marlon Byrd to a one-year contract.

Mike MacDougal reached an agreement with the White Sox on a three-year deal worth $6.45 million.

Marlins signed outfielder Alex Sanchez to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

1b/of Ken Harvey reportedly signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins, according to the Star Tribune.
Believe it or not, Harvey was in the 2004 All Star game.

Buster Olney (ESPN) is reporting that Andy Pettitte will return to the Yankees on a one-year, $16 million contract with a $16 million player option for 2008.

The Dodgers signed right-handed starting pitcher Jason Schmidt, who had been with the Giants, to a three-year, $47 million contract. He made $10.5 Million in 2006.

Todd Walker agreed to arbitration with the Padres.
Scott Schoeneweis declined arbitration with the Reds.
Ron Villone declined arbitration with the Yankees.

Both pitchers are reportedly still seeking multi-year deals.