The NL Central is beginning to crystallize into what we'll probably see going into the season, but that doesn't mean we're done. Over the past week, the Cubs have moved closer to settling the Theo Epstein compensation issue with the Red Sox (though I did just see a "no update" tweet scroll past as I'm writing this) as well as showing interest in Cuban Jorge Soler.
Elsewhere in the Central, the Brewers/Veras arbitration case was settled in the club's favor, and the Pirates have traded for A.J. Burnett from the Yankees, pending MLB approval and a physical:
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Red Sox, Cubs, Close to Settling Theo Epstein Compensation - MLB Daily Dish
The decision has been placed with MLB commissioner Bud Selig after the sides failed to come to agreement. They have been debating since October. Cafardo said that a Red Sox official told him that it will be settled "very soon." -
Jorge Soler Rumors: Cubs, Yankees, Phillies Among Interested Teams - MLB Daily Dish
Cuban defector Jorge Soler has generated a lot of interest, particularly from the Cubs and Marlins.
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Milwaukee Brewers Beat Jose Veras in Arbitration - MLB Daily Dish
Jon Heyman from CBS Sports is reporting that the Milwaukee Brewers have beaten relief pitcher in arbitration. Now Veras will make the $2 million that the Brewers offered for the 2012 season instead of the $2.37 million he requested. -
Chris Gimenez Opts For Free Agency - MLB Daily Dish
A likely landing spot for Gimenez is the Pittsburgh Pirates, reports Greg Johns of MLB.com. Even though Gimenez has cleared waivers, he cannot sign until Thursday at the earliest. -
A.J. Burnett Trade Completed, Pending Physicals And Approval From MLB - MLB Daily Dish
The deal is complete, pending physicals and approval from the commissioner's office, according to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The Pirates will be paying $5 million in 2012 and $8 million in 2013 for Burnett's services, for a total commitment of $13 million, as Kovacevic adds. -
Pirates Win Arbitration Over Garrett Jones; Avoid Arb with McGehee - MLB Daily Dish
The Pittsburgh Pirates have won their arbitration case with Garrett Jones and will only have to pay $2.25 million, according to the team. Jones was most recently mentioned in a potential trade for A.J. Burnett from the Yankees, but the Pirates were reportedly cold on the idea.
MLB Complete Organizational Charts: NL Central - MLB Daily Dish
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