Two Feet Shy of a Blizzard Notes: Rumor Season, Player News; Three Weeks to Camp, Yay

While u were shovelin’ and shiverin’:

• Michael Duarte of NBC Sports – LA throws a big log into the hot stove: “Sources: Dodgers having ‘active and ongoing discussions’ with Pirates for Starling Marte. They’ve discussed a deal in previous weeks as well. Not known what other players are involved, or if teams are close to a deal.” LA has been rumored to be shopping Joc Pederson, so speculate away, although the Pirates have no replacement on tap for Marte, so rate this rumor as a shot in the dark.

• Even more of a long shot: Latino sportswriter Hector Gomez tweeted that “Several reports suggest that the Pirates could be the mystery team that would be interested in Manny Machado.” Be still, my heart.
• Jeffrey Cupp from Rumbunter takes a look at SS Erik Gonzalez; he finds him to be a pretty solid add, especially if he embraces the launch angle revolution.
• John Dreker of Pirates Prospects lists the Pirates non-roster invitees to camp and evaluates their chances of coming north with the club.
• Per Jon Heyman of Fancred, the Dodgers, Giants, Angels, Phillies and Rays are among teams in on Josh Harrison. MLB Trade Rumors has more on J-Hay’s suitors.
• RHP Dario Agrazal, 24, cleared waivers after being DFA’ed last week when Aaron Slegers was claimed, and has been outrighted to Indy. Though he’s now off the 40-man, he still will be an NRI in camp. Once a hot prospect, he’s been an injury magnet the past two seasons.
• The Cubs signed once-upon-a-time Bucco RHP Rob Scahill to a minor league deal.
• The versatility thing is catching on in the Central – the Reds RHP Michael Lorenzen, who tossed it pretty well last year (4-2-1/3.11), wants to play some OF, too. Why? ‘Cause he went 9-for-31 at the dish (.290 BA) with four homers last year and would like to get a few more AB’s.
• Pitchers and catchers report to Bradenton on February 12th; position players on the 17th. It’s almost time…