D-backs unlikely match for Nick Johnson
With the D-backs looking for a veteran first baseman, there are some that have speculated free agent Nick Johnson would be a good choice. While that may be the case, it seems unlikely given that there has been significant interest in him.Foxsports.com reported recently that the Mariners, Giants, Mets and Yankees all had interest in Johnson, who will be looking for a multi-year deal.With a little more than $10 million to spend and a more pressing need in the starting rotation, don't look for the D-backs to be in the bidding for Johnson. -- Steve Gilbert

Barajas "unlikely" to return to Jays
Now that the Blue Jays have addressed their need at shortstop, the top priority -- other than settling that whole Roy Halladay situation -- is figuring out who will be behind the plate in 2010. Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos indicated that it is looking doubtful that free agent catcher Rod Barajas will be back. Toronto still plans on offering him arbitration. "My understanding is that there's significant interest in him and it seems as though he's got a very good opportunity to get a multi-year deal," Anthopoulos said. "So, it's probably unlikely that we'll be able to see him back here." Barajas is a Type B free agent, so the Jays

Blue Jays sign Alex Gonzalez
Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos said on Wednesday night that he was still searching for a starting shortstop. On Thursday, Toronto announced that it had signed shortstop Alex Gonzalez to a one-year contract with a club option for the 2011 season. He will earn $2.75 million in 2010 and could make another $2.5 million the following year. Gonzalez gives the Jays a second defensive-minded shortstop, along with veteran John McDonald, who signed a two-year deal worth $3 million on Wednesday. Strong "D" at the position will be important in helping make up for having Edwin Encarnacion in place as the starting third baseman. Gonzalez hit .238 between stints with the Reds and Red Sox l

Marlins options for Johnson
Conventional wisdom has it that the Marlins will wind up trading Josh Johnson now that negotiations for a multiyear deal fell through. Before everyone jumps the gun on what the future holds, ask yourself, "When do the Marlins do anything conventional?" What history has shown us about the franchise is they don't walk in step with everyone else in the league. They often go against the grain, and they have enjoyed success doing it their way. Johnson's agent, Matt Sosnick, recently told MLB.com:  "The strategy the Marlins have used has been good for the Marlins. They've been competitive almost every year with less." Indications are the Marlins would be perfectly wil

Jays' search for a starting shortstop ongoing
Despite re-signing veteran shortstop John McDonald to a two-year contract on Wednesday, the Blue Jays are still actively searching for a starter at the position. Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos said McDonald's role is "undefined" heading into the season. Toronto has a free agent in shortstop Marco Scutaro, but Anthopoulos noted that talks with him have "stalled more than anything." If the Jays do retain Scutaro, it would likely have to be with a one-year deal, according to the GM. That one-year deal likely means the Jays are only going to offer Scutaro arbitration. Since Scutaro is a Type A free agent, the Blue Jays would receive two compensatory picks in the 2010 First-Year Playe