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

While u were scrapin' 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.

Pirates fans and MM rumors... (image via The Talisman)

• 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. Alas, we suspect both rumors are based on thin air; one sounds like a floated balloon and the other doesn't have much of a leg to stand on.
• 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...