Nationals sign Max Scherzer to seven-year deal

The deal is for $210 million, and details reveal Scherzer will receive $35 million in each of the three final years of his contract. Even with deferred money, a contract that big for that much seems like way too much for a 30-year-old pitcher. Then again, he's a Boras guy. I think the Nats overpaid.

Astros trade Dexter Fowler to Cubs

Going the other way are Luis Valbuena and pitcher Dan Straily, whom the Cubs received in the Jeff Samardzija trade. Valbuena's departure means a chance for Kris Bryant to be the Cubs starting third baseman come Opening Day. George Springer is assumed in the article to take over center field for the Astros, but the team went ahead and signed Colby Rasmus to a one-year deal.

Ichiro signs one-year deal with Marlins

At 41 years old, Ichiro's days as an everyday player are pretty much over, but he'll provide a reliable lefty bat off the bench as well as serve as a fourth outfielder. He is a .317 hitter over 14 major-league seasons. He needs 156 hits for 3,000; including his Japan days, he has 4,122 hits.

Brewers trade Yovani Gallardo to Rangers

The Rangers look to be healed up from last year's injury-fest and acquired a solid starting pitcher to bolster their rotation. In return, the Brewers get three minor leaguers: Corey Knebel, Marcos Diplan, and Luis Sardinas.

Selig: St. Louis is "the best baseball city"

Color me shocked. Of course, many people agree St. Louis has a very knowledgable and loyal fan base...just ask Mayor Francis Slay.

Cubs sued over stadium renovations

Wrigley Field is currently undergoing some renovation which will add new signs and electronic scoreboards that won't be ready before Opening Day, and now rooftop owners are suing the team because these new additions would be obstructing the view from the rooftop bleachers.

Ernie Banks passes away at 83

The baseball world became a little less joyful when "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks passed away late Friday night, eight days from his 84th birthday. Those who knew him would say he was a great ballplayer and an even better human being. Condolences poured in from all teams and numerous players and Hall of Famers on Twitter. We should as well and extend our sympathies to the Banks family and the Cubs family, such as our colleagues at Bleed Cubbie Blue.