Baseball

Cabrera had asked for $5.2 million when figures were exchanged, while the Indians countered at $3.75 million, so they settled a little above the midpoint. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported earlier Friday that little progress had been made between the two sides, but evidently they closed ground in a hurry, allowing the Tribe to avoid their first arbitration hearing since 1991. Both sides are interested in a long-term extension, but for now they'll settle for the one-year pact. Cabrera is slated to hit free agency after the 2013 season.

We last heard that the Pirates were willing to cover $8 million of the $33 million remaining on Burnett's contract but that a deal could probably go down if they were willing to cover a little more. The Yanks have asked for Garrett Jones in the deal, but that request was rejected by the Bucs. It's a straight salary dump trade that's likely to net very little for the Yanks in return. Both teams report for spring training in less than two weeks, so if they iron something out, it will likely happen sometime over the next week or so.

Kubatko says it's a major league deal and is pending a physical. It's not clear how much the contract is for, though some reports say there could be an option tacked onto the one-year deal. Ayala posted a 2.09 ERA in 52 appearances with the Yankees last season, which was his first decent year since 2007. He'll presumably serve as a setup man for Jim Johnson. The signing of Ayala and recent acquisition of Matt Lindstrom would seem to make it unlikely that the O's will re-acquire Koji Uehara.

The Yankees have asked for Garrett Jones in the deal but were rebuffed by the Pirates. It would just be a salary dump, as they want to clear some payroll space in order to re-sign Eric Chavez, as well as add some depth at DH, likely in the form of Raul Ibanez. It doesn't seem like a deal is particularly likely at this point, but it does sound like it's still on the table.

Molina is currently slated to become a free agent after the 2012 World Series, and apparently plans to treat any negotiations that might take place between then and now with an unsentimental attitude. "They let Albert [Pujols] go," said the 29-year-old catcher. "It's business for the team, too. It's out of my hands." Regarded as the top defensive catcher in baseball and an improving hitter, he would likely attract a ton of interest on the open market.

The Bucs are said to like the idea of bringing Burnett aboard, but Olney says they won't trade Jones to make it happen and thus there is "no traction" for a deal at this time. Jones, 30, posted a .243/.321/.433 slash line with 16 home runs and 58 RBI last season and is expected to start at first base for Pittsburgh in 2012. The Yankees seem doubtful to find a legitimate suitor for Burnett.

Gordon requested $5.45 million and was offered $4.15 million by the Royals when arbitration figures were exchanged last month. The two sides took about three weeks to find a middle ground, and are expected to continue negotiating toward a multi-year deal up until the start of spring training. Gordon, 27, is currently under team control through the 2013 season.