Concussions and Football

Over the last year I've been reading more and more about former NFL players trying to sue the NFL for their concussions which some of claimed have led to brain damage. I have sat back for awhile and thought about this for a year and I've come to the conclusion that the former players have no reason to sue the NFL and it's owners. I know some of you may think I am being heartless by saying that but I have some reasons for my beliefs and that statement.

REASON 1
Professional athletes know all the risks when you start playing a sport. No one puts a gun to their head and forces to them to play. If they truly love the game and are not in it for the money then you will take the risks for the thing you love. If you don't love the game then get out and find a new career

REASON 2
Technology is far more advance then it was 20-30 years ago. These days if players get a concussion they don't play unless they pass all the concussion tests. To me, if you knew back then you didn't feel right then you shouldn't have been on the field in the first place.  I feel bad for those players who ended up with brain damage because technology wasn't as advanced as it is today.

REASON 3
If everyone who got injured or got disabled sued their sport they played in there would no sports. If a high school or college athlete got injured in their sport should they be able to sue that institution? No, because again thats the risk you take for the love of the game you played. If you don't love the game and are not willing to take the risks then you don't play the game.

I do think that NFL and each team should donate some money to concussion and brain damage research to show that they care about the players contributions to the sport and their teams. It's not easy sometimes being an athlete but they know the risks and it's also very had for people to feel sorry for them when they are entirely too overpaid and the average Joe doesn't even have health insurance. If I made the money they were making I would be a really good health insurance policy.

I will be curious to see what comes out of these lawsuits. I honestly think any judge would be foolish to rule in favor of the former players. If they do rule in favor of the former players it's going cause a lot of chaos, and a lot of money. Stay tuned for more on this touchy and controversial issue.

Interview with "Amazing" Nate Mattson

As I reported a few days ago the amazing career of "Amazing" Nate Mattson came to and end after fifteen years. I had the opportunity to interview Nate on his past, present and future in regards to pro wrestling. I'd like to personally thank Nate for taking the time to answer my question. Without further delay, ladies and gentlemen I give "Amazing" Nate Mattson

Growing up what made you want to decide to want to be a pro wrestler and who were your influences?
N8: I started watching WWF on Saturday morning when I was 10 years old. I caught Saturday Night's Main Event and I was hooked. I didn't have cable TV so I would go to my friend's house to catch WCW Saturday Night at 6:05 and AWA was still on then also. In High School I saw a commercial for a local independent promotion (Midwest Territorial Wrestling) and started going. Al Snow was the champion, but the undercard wasn't that impressive. I saw those guys and said if they can do it, so can I! I found an ad by Percy Pringle III promoting a book about getting into the business, so I ordered it and found a list of pro wrestling schools. I almost went to Al Snow's Body Slammer's Gym, but found the Can-Am Wrestling School through a former boss of mine. From the beginning, my top 3 influences have always been Randy Savage, Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart.

Describe your training and some of the people you trained with?
N8: The Can-Am Wrestling School was like Boot Camp! Hundreds of squats, sit-ups, push-ups, bumps, and ring torture every session, twice a week for almost 7 months. That was before you even learned to lock-up. The exercises weeded out the ones who weren't cut out for the business. Eventually we learned all the basic holds and moves, taught to us by Coach Scott D'Amore, "Irish" Mickey Doyle and the late "Canadian Destroyer" Doug Chevalier. I came in on my own, but I remember Chuck Wagon and Gutter coming in later on. I trained mostly with the established guys like Bobby Clancy and Otis Apollo and sometimes Rhino would come in to show us new stuff. 

When did you feel like you knew you were going to be successful?
N8: It took a number of years to get to that level of "success" on the independent circuit. I was 19 starting out and most of the top guys back then were mid to late 30's. I paid my dues and lost every match for over a year. When it was time for me to move up the card, when the promoters and veterans felt I was ready, then I started to get a push here and there. That was to keep me humble and prepare me for the big matches down the road. 

Who was your first match against and decribe what it was like being on a show for the first time?
N8: I wrestled my trainer the Canadian Destroyer on 11/24/1996. It was a TV taping for Border City Wrestling in a small gymnasium in Canada. I remember it being very cold in the building and hard to warm-up. I was a clean-cut babyface with Kurt Cobain-like hair in my eyes. We chain-wrestled, I gave some armdrags, a cross bodyblock and threw a few dropkicks. In the end, I got caught with his Canadian Dream sleeper hold and he put me out for real! Doug was hard to hear while wearing his mask, and I missed a few things, but overall I felt like a pro wrestler.

 
In the state of Michigan, who were your top five wrestlers that you enjoyed being in the ring with and briefly describe why?

N8: Some of my best matches have been in Michigan. The DBA and I go way back, and we've wrestled each other about a hundred times! I loved working with him and his dad "Sweet Daddy" Malcolm Monroe (RIP) early on. CK3, although from Ohio, is probably my toughest opponent, hands down. Our feud in the IWR days was a highlight for me. Jimmy Jacobs is easily my favorite to work with. I first met him when he was 15 and started out as a referee. Zach Gowen and I have had many good matches over the years. My heel work and his handicap made for some interesting stories. My student Chris Sabin was always a pleasure doing business with. I will always be proud of what he's done, he's so good it's sick! The best part is watching these guys start out and see them progress as performers. They are all tough as nails and true professionals. 

Outside of Michigan, who were your top five?
N8: I have wrestled all over the Midwest, down South and on the East Coast. MDogg-20 Matt Cross, Johnny Gargano, Jason Bane, Nigel McGuinness and Mr. Insanity all gave me super good matches. There's really a lot of talent out there who I had a blast working with like CJ O'Doyle, Kirby Mack, Robbie E, Ricky Landell, Monsta Mack, Aaron Draven, Gregory Iron, John McChesney, Tyler Black, the list goes on.

Who was your favorite WWE/TNA wrestler past or present that you got to wrestle?
N8: So many to choose from, really. Chris Sabin and I wrestled the Road Warriors Hawk and Animal 3 times in one weekend. I worked with CM Punk in TNA. I learned a lot from Sabu, Jerry Lynn and Christopher Daniels. If someone came in and really felt like tearing the house down, I enjoyed working with them.

Just a couple of the many titles Mattson won in his 15 year
career.

You had 40 plus titles in your fifteen year career, is there one that stands out the most?
N8: All the singles titles meant different stages of my career. The NWA Michigan Jr. Heavyweight title meant that I was ready to be a featured act. I was able to work with Logan Caine, Ricco Rodriguez, Tommy Rogers and Marty Jannetty early on and learn. After that I started getting more exposure and working outside of Michigan. The CAPW Jr. Heavyweight title opened the doors to more opportunities. JT Lightning started booking me against top guys like Bobby Blaze, Chris Hamrick and Julio Dinero because I was starting to get it. After that the IWR started up in Detroit and took over. I wrestled everyone on the roster as IWR Champion and even held the King of the Indies title 6 times. In XICW I held the Midwest title twice, beating guys like Spike Dudley and Buff Bagwell. I defended the World-1 Great Lakes Openweight title against the likes of Shark Boy and Colt Cabana. The one title that meant a lot to me was defeating Petey Williams for the BCW TV title. It meant that my mentors thought I was decent enough to represent their promotion, which was a huge honor. 

The Phenomenal AJ Styles and Amazing Nate Mattson

If there is one match that stands out as your favorite which one is it?
N8: I would have to say my match with AJ Styles in 2002 was possibly my favorite. I was really coming into my own and developing my heel character, and I had a pretty solid cruiserweight style. My confidence was growing and I felt very comfortable working with someone as talented as AJ. We had never worked before, and we tore it up for 15 minutes, going back and forth. My second favorite match was with Rhino just recently, and everything just flowed. I've had a number of matches with Sabin that stand out as well, including a tag match with Truth Martini versus the Motor City Machineguns that went 30 minutes in Chicago.

Do you have any favorite road stories?
N8: One night Sabin, Truth and I were going to work for Ted DiBiase and do a run-in on Sting. After the event, Sabin won a Spider-Man plush doll from a toy crane machine at a restaurant. We went to the hotel, and Sabin decided to challenge Spidey to a match. It was a wild brawl that went all over the room, until Spider-Man, all 6 inches of him, hit a Tornado DDT on Sabin and pinned him 1-2-3!

Name Association: Describe the person in a sentence or less. 

Truth Martini: Brother. So many great memories, he's the only wrestler I want speaking at my Eulogy. 

Scott D'Amore: Reality Check. He never sugar-coated anything and offered no guarantees, I respect his honesty. 

Jimmy Jacobs: Passionate. One of the hardest working talents in our business, always adapting to change. Zach Gowen: Inspirational. One of the best to ever step foot (see what I did there?) inside the ring, my hero. The Motorcity Machine Guns: Sabin and Shelley are seriously the best to come out of MI, proud to call them my friends.

How hard was the decision for you to retire?
N8: I came this close to quitting 2 years ago when I broke my ankle. Injuries affect real life, you can't work you don't eat. I still felt I had a lot to accomplish at that time, and I think I achieved what I set out to do. I have had some of my best matches since then, worked for major companies, been on TV and made a music video. I wouldn't say that I'm retired, I'm just not wrestling any more. It's not like I'm getting a gold watch or a pension. I wrestled for 15 years, almost every weekend, working hundreds of matches with some of the best wrestlers in the United States and Canada. The only time I took off was when I broke something. I loved every second between those ropes, and the good outweighs the bad. Everyone has to call it a day at some point, might as well go out before a serious injury affects my health, family and future.

What are your future plans in pro wrestling?
N8: Thankfully, I still have a bright future in wrestling. PWO Wrestling out of Ohio has hired me to work as a backstage agent, assisting with the TV product. I'll also maintain my on-screen persona as well, managing my good buddy "Big Bear" Benjamin Boone. CLASH Wrestling has asked me to stay on as an advisor and possibly do some commentary on their DVDs for Smart Mark Video. I will most likely be working with Metro Pro Wrestling, running their locker room and mentoring young wrestlers coming up.

Do you have any advice for the young guys in pro wrestling right now?
N8: Be yourself, personality goes a long way. Don't burn bridges, be professional and learn proper etiquette backstage. If you don't know how to do something, it's okay to ask for help. Know your limitations. Arrogance and cockiness do not belong in the locker room, check your ego at the door. Keep your ears and eyes open, pay attention and LISTEN. Respect is huge in our business and it can only be earned by hard work and humility. 

Any final thoughts?
N8: I'd like to thank Scott D'Amore, Gene Austin, Doug, Bobby Lee, JT Lightning (RIP), Jeff Kavanaugh and all the promoters that encouraged me early on. Guys like Jimi V and Steve Nixon for showing me the ropes. Veterans like Tommy Starr, Mike Kelly, Woody Lee, Rock Stevens (RIP), Skull Ganz and Professor Maxwell for all the pep talks and welcoming me to the business! Friends like CK3, Brian Gorie, Eddie Venom, Gutter, Bump-N-Uglies, Danny Daniels and so many others for all the fun times, ridiculous moments and matches. I have done way more than I ever imagined I would, and my time in wrestling was the most fun I've ever had. Thank you all for caring about what I have to say, it really means a lot. Now that was AMAZING!

Nate Mattson said it best, his career was indeed amazing! However just because Nate is no longer wrestling that doesn't mean you can't see his great in ring ability. You can watch matches, interview and promos of Nate Mattson at his YouTube which is http://www.youtube.com/user/N8Amazing Thank you once again Nate for your accomplishments and all that you gave to pro wrestling especially the state of Michigan.

Planning the Wrestlemania 28 Card

This time of year a lot of rumors go around about who is wrestling who at Wrestlemania and what matches are going to take place. We already know The Rock will be taking on John Cena in Miami. I honestly think a lot of people don't care about Rock vs.Cena and so you will have to build a solid card behind it. It's so easy to predict the winner in the match it's ridiculous. People want to see wrestling again, not a match where each wrestler does five moves and calls it a night. This year's Wrestlemania needs to be big, and not because of Cena and The Rock. It needs to be big to show the world the best matches and talent they can possibly give.  If I writing the card for Wrestlemania here is what it would look like:

-WWE Championship- CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho
-World Heavyweight Championship- Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett
-The Rock vs. John Cena
-The Undertaker vs. Kane
-Big Show vs. Shaquille O' Neal
-Triple H vs. Alberto Del Rio
-Intercontinental Championship-Goldust vs. Cody Rhodes
-Rey Mysterio vs. Hunico (fake Sin Cara)
-10 man Money in the Bank Ladder Match- Randy Orton, Zack Ryder, The Miz, Sheamus, R-Truth, Jack Swagger, Christian, Ted Dibiase, Santino Marella, and Dolph Ziggler
-Triple Threat Tag Team Championship Match- Air Boom vs. The Uso's vs. Epico/Primo
-Preshow- Diva's Battle Royal for the Diva's Championship.

Now here are some of my reasons. First and foremost, no one cares about the Diva's or long segments and promos at Wrestlemania. People want to see wrestling which is what last years Wrestlemania lacked sorely. A lot of people want to see Triple H vs. Undertaker again but I don't. If this truly is his last Wrestlemania he needs the face the character and person whose had the most involvement with him during his career which is Kane. I have also heard Mick Foley would like to go against the Undertaker which wouldn't be all bad if it were a Hell in a Cell.

As far as Triple H goes at Wrestlemania, I strongly believe he should wrestle Alberto Del Rio to really see if Del Rio can hang in a main event match with the best in business. ADR has had a lot of chances this year but something isn't clicking and I think a feud with The Game would help his career in so many ways.

The next thing I would do is bring back and have a star studded Money in the Bank Ladder match and add the stipulation that it has to be cashed in before the Money in the Bank PPV which would definitely shake somethings up. Speaking of stars, Shaq is in negotiations with WWE to wrestle the Big Show. I think this would be good for drawing purposes but for the last year I've heard Kevin Nash vs. Big Show which would be awesome because they have actually had some great matches in WCW in the past.

Finally the two big championship matches. The Miz and John Cena was a horrible main event last year and WWE needs to make up for it with two pure wrestling matches. I've heard Jericho is coming back to face Punk which would be awesome because both are great on the mic, and have great charisma. Wade Barrett is long overdue for the World Heavyweight title and I think he and Daniel Bryan could steal the show.

The WWE needs some high flying action in Miami because that's what the latino's like which is why Rey Mysterio vs. Hunico would be great. Hunico was the 2nd Sin Cara and is a good high flyer. The triple threat tag match would also give the crowd high flying action because all three teams can fly. Not to mention the WWE Tag titles are usually overlooked and hardly defended at Wrestlemania anymore.

The oddball match people are wondering about it Cody Rhodes vs. Goldust and the reason I suggest it is because Goldust(Dustin Rhodes) wants to wrestle at Wrestlemania one more time and have his last match against his brother. They have never went one on one during their stints together in WWE. It would be special and for kicks throw Dusty in as the special guest referee.

For all you WWE fans out there, this is what my card would look like and I think it would be great if it actually happen. If you were planning Wrestlemania 28 what would you do? Post your comments below.

Spreading the Word for Wings Contest

Anyone who likes the Hollywood's World of Sports Facebook page up until it hits 1000 qualifies to be entered into the contest for a 25 dollar gift certificate to Buffalo Wild Wings. Share the page, spread the word and invite your friends to join the page. Once we hit 1000 I will randomly select a winner.  There won't be a winner until we hit a 1000 so the more people that like this page the close you are to a free meal at Buffalo Wild Wings.

2011 NFL Week 16 Predictions

I skipped the playoff picture this week because it's too confusing right now and this next week will either set things in stone or make it more confusing so here are my predictions for week 16. Hopefully I will get a good Christmas present out of this and be right on all of them. I am trying something new this week the team that is in bold letters is the team I am picking to win. Merry Christmas Everyone!

THU, DEC 22
Houston at Indianapolis 8:20 PM NFL

SAT, DEC 24
Oakland at Kansas City 1:00 PM CBS
Jacksonville at Tennessee 1:00 PM CBS
Miami at New England 1:00 PM CBS
Arizona at Cincinnati 1:00 PM FOX
Denver at Buffalo 1:00 PM CBS
St. Louis at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM FOX
NY Giants at NY Jets 1:00 PM FOX
Minnesota at Washington 1:00 PM FOX
Tampa Bay at Carolina 1:00 PM FOX
Cleveland at Baltimore 1:00 PM CBS
San Diego at Detroit 4:05 PM CBS
Philadelphia at Dallas 4:15 PM FOX
San Francisco at Seattle 4:15 PM FOX

SUN, DEC 25 

Chicago at Green Bay 8:20 PM NBC 

MON, DEC 26
Atlanta at New Orleans 8:30 PM ESPN

Here are the odds Vegas.com:

National Football League
Time		Caesars- Hilton	MGM- Mirage	Stations
Dec. 22	Houston
5:25 p.m.	at Indianapolis
Favorite		HOU	HOU	HOU
Point spread		-6	-6	-6½
Total		40o/u	40½o/u	41o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 24	Oakland
10 a.m.	at Kansas City
Favorite		KAN		KAN
Point spread		-1		-1
Total		42o/u	42o/u	42o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 24	Denver
10 a.m.	at Buffalo
Favorite		DEN	DEN	DEN
Point spread		-3	-3	-3
Total		42½o/u	42½o/u	43o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 24	Jacksonville
10 a.m.	at Tennessee
Favorite		TEN	TEN	TEN
Point spread		-7½	-7½	-7½
Total		40o/u	40o/u	40o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 24	Arizona
10 a.m.	at Cincinnati
Favorite		CIN	CIN	CIN
Point spread		-4½	-4½	-4½
Total		40½o/u	40½o/u	40o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 24	Miami
10 a.m.	at New England
Favorite		NWE	NWE	NWE
Point spread		-10	-10	-10
Total		49o/u	49½o/u	49o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 24	Cleveland
10 a.m.	at Baltimore
Favorite		BAL	BAL	BAL
Point spread		-13	-13½	-13½
Total		38½o/u	39o/u
Total money line		-110	-110
Dec. 24	N.Y. Giants
10 a.m.	at N.Y. Jets
Favorite		NYJ	NYJ	NYJ
Point spread		-3	-3	-2½
Total		46o/u	45½o/u	46o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 24	Minnesota
10 a.m.	at Washington
Favorite		WAS	WAS	WAS
Point spread		-6½	-6½	-6½
Total		44o/u	44o/u	44o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 24	Tampa Bay
10 a.m.	at Carolina
Favorite		CAR	CAR	CAR
Point spread		-7½	-7½	-7
Total		48o/u	48o/u	48½o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 24	St. Louis
10 a.m.	at Pittsburgh
		Point spreads have not been posted for this contest
Dec. 24	San Diego
1:05 p.m.	at Detroit
Favorite		DET	DET	DET
Point spread		-2½	-2½	-2½
Total		52o/u	52o/u	52o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 24	San Francisco
1:15 p.m.	at Seattle
Favorite		SFO	SFO	SFO
Point spread		-2½	-3	-3
Total		38o/u	38o/u	38o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 24	Philadelphia
1:15 p.m.	at Dallas
Favorite		DAL	DAL	DAL
Point spread		-2	-2	-2½
Total		50½o/u	50½o/u	51o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110
Dec. 25	Chicago
5:30 p.m.	at Green Bay
Favorite				GNB
Point spread				-12
Total				45o/u
Total money line				-110
Dec. 26	Atlanta
5:35 p.m.	at New Orleans
Favorite		NOR	NOR	NOR
Point spread		-6½	-6½	-6½
Total		53o/u	53½o/u	53o/u
Total money line		-110	-110	-110

"Amazing" N8 Mattson Retires

Michigan' finest from L to R: Jimmy Jacobs, Truth Martini,
N8 Mattson, and Zach Gowen

Tonight I found that one of the men I respect a lot in the wrestling business and someone I have had the pleasure of talking to  and have gotten to know a little bit has retired due to injuries. His journey began on November 24th 1996 and he never looked back. He is one of the all time greatest pro wrestlers ever on any kind of scene.Before I begin talking about his resume here is is a statement Pro Wrestling Insider released:

"N8 Mattson, a long time fixture in the Mid-Western independent scene, announced that he was retiring effective immediately, having wrestled his final match against Kid Hybrid on 12/9. Well liked in that area, Mattson was trained by the Can-Am Wrestling School and was very involved with helping a number of local talents improve and network. He was very influential in the early careers of the Motor City Machineguns as well. Mattson wrote on his Facebook Page that he would be working backstage for Metro Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Ohio but was done as an in-ring performer."

Anyone who ever made it big in wrestling out of Michigan the last 15 years had to go through N8 Mattson. He just that good. Here are some of the men he has wrestled in his time:

Petey Williams, Chris SABIN (Mattson trained) Charlie Haas, Shelton Benjamin, Zach Gowen, Truth Martini, Jimmy Jacobs, Shark Boy, Alex Shelley, Shannon Moore, Sabu, Bobby Roode, Marty Jannetty, AJ Styles, Nigel McGuinness, Colt Cabana, Shark Boy, Simon Diamond, Spike Dudley, Pat Tanaka, Jerry Lynn, Buff Bagwell, Cody Deaner, Matt Cross, Chance Prophet, and Robbie McAllister

Mattson has wrestled for WWE and TNA countless times and has held over titles in his fifteen year career. His contributions to Michigan Independent Wrestling are endless. Nate Mattson's career in the ring might be over but he still has a place in pro wrestling with lots of opportunity to mentor younger wrestlers and give them lessons from the knowledge he has acquired.

My personal favorite memory of N8 Mattson dates back to January 2010 at CWM's Anniversary show. He was taking on Tommy Titus for the CWM Heavyweight title. I had the privilage to commentate that match as it went down and witness one of the best matches that Grand Rapids, Michigan has ever seen. He is one of the most polite, respectful and kind people I've been able to get to know. 

I am hoping to bring you an interview on his thoughts of what he's done in his career. For now, I tip my hat to the Amazing N8 Mattson and say thank you for a career and a job well done. We will always remember just how Amazing you were and still are. 

Thoughts on WWE TLC

Tonight at WWE TLC the movement into the future begin. The movement of putting titles on the best wrestling has returned. The show started off with Zack Ryder capturing the United States Title which now makes me believe Dolph Ziggler will by competing for the World Heavyweight or WWE Title soon.

Air Boom defeated Epic and Primo to keep the tag team titles in a match that showcased a lot of high flying action which people use to enjoy when WCW was around. I truly believe they need to bring back the Cruiserweight Title and have a solid division

We were also treated to Jack Swagger and Sheamus,  and in my opinion will be feuding over a title someday. Wade Barrett may have lost to Randy Orton but he proved he belongs and showed he can be a main eventer tonight. The young guys really proved themselves and stepped up big tonight. There is hope for the future after all and that's something to look forward to.

From future main eventers to past ones I have to say Kevin Nash and Triple H had a pretty intense match. People can complain how slow it was but it was methodical and I love how it ended. Speaking of endings I can't believe they gave The Big Show the title after nine years only to lose it two minutes later to Daniel Bryan. I am happy a pure wrestling talent has the title now but it was just shocking.

In the main event CM Punk retained his WWE Title against the Miz and Alberto Del Rio. Punk and Bryan are showing the wrestling audience what pure wrestling is all about. It's not robotic, do your same three moves and pose for 10 minutes. It is an art and they bringing the art back to the forefront. Notice I say they are bring back the art and there was no John Cena tonight.

This was a solid end to 2011 and a solid pay-per-view where the younger talent was in the spotlight. Hopefully younger talent will be in the spotlight much more in 2012.

Baseball Off-season Moves as of 12/16/2011

In the last two weeks since I've reported off-season moves, a lot has happened so here is a run down of all the major moves that have been made in baseball.

-Miami Marlins agreed to terms with RHP Heath Bell on a three-year contract. Also agreed to terms with SS Jose Reyes on a six-year contract and LHP Mark Buehrle.
-Detroit Tigers agreed to terms with RHP Octavio Dotel on a one-year contract. Also traded RHP Ryan Perry to Washington for RHP Collin Balester.
-Los Angeles Angels agreed to terms with 1B Albert Pujols on a 10-year contract and LHP C.J. Wilson on a five-year contract.

-Milwaukee Brewers agreed to terms with SS Alex Gonzalez, C George Kottaras and 3B Aramis Ramirez on one-year contracts. Also acquired RHP Jose Veras from Pittsburgh for 3B Casey McGehee.

-Minnesota Twins agreed to terms with OF Josh Willingham on a three-year contract.

Those are just some of the highlights in the last two weeks. Keep checking back for more as Spring Training gets closer.