Marlins a possible destination for Pedro?

Free agent pitcher Pedro Martinez is believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract with the Marlins, according to ESPNdeportes.com. The Web site said the Marlins have spoken to Martinez's agent, and the two sides could meet next week.

Royals, Bloomquist have two-year deal

Infielder Willie Bloomquist have reached an contract with Royals believed to be worth about $3 million for the two years, MLB.com learned on Friday.

Bloomquist is expected to compete for the Royals' second base job with Alberto Callaspo, who finished last season as the regular at that spot.

Braves, Kawakami reach agreement

As MLB.com reported Friday night, Kawakami is expected to arrive in the United States on Sunday and prepare to finalize this deal with the completion of his physical on Monday. The Braves could make an official announcement on Monday or Tuesday.

Kenshin Kawakami is scheduled to undergo a physical in Atlanta on Monday. If all goes well, the Japanese right-hander will become the newest addition to Braves general manager Frank Wren's rotation-reconstruction project.

O's Close to Signing Zaun

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are close to signing free-agent Gregg Zaun to a one-year contract.

Unless another team enters the picture, the Orioles appear to have an open track to signing the veteran catcher by early next week.

Garciaparra's next stop in Philly?

In need of a right-handed hitter off the bench and some insurance for Pedro Feliz and Chase Utley -- with both coming off offseason surgery -- the Phillies have expressed interest in veteran infielder Nomar Garciaparra, FOXSports.com is reporting.

Red Sox sign Saito to one-year deal

The Red Sox continue to stay busy this offseason. On Saturday, they signed reliever Takashi Saito to a one-year contract with a club option for 2010, according to FOXSports.com. A Major League source confirmed the report.

Saito is the fourth player Boston signed this week. The team signed pitchers John Smoltz and Brad Penny and outfielder Rocco Baldelli. Like the trio, Saito is considered a low-risk, high-reward gamble. Last season, Saito missed a lot of time with a sprained ligament in his right elbow.

Red Sox Sign Mark Kotsay

According to Sean McAdam and Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald, the Red Sox reached an agreement with outfielder Mark Kotsay on a one-year deal worth $1.5MM plus incentives. Kotsay will back up Kevin Youkilis at first base and complement Rocco Baldelli as an extra outfielder.
Kotsay was one of few viable options at center field among free agents this year, but he still could not find a regular job.