Bronson Arroyo is close to finalizing a three-year contract with the Red Sox, according to the Boston Globe.  The total value of the contract will be something like 12 MM, which is a bargain considering his career ERA+ (100, exactly average), age, and apparent durability.  Heck, that contract would be a bargain for an above-average reliever.

What's the downside for Arroyo?

I, for one, would find this sort of loyalty refreshing but for two facts:

1. Why is this happening with Red Sox, who can actually afford to pay market price for pitching?
   
2. Major league clubs are about as loyal as that one guy you know who is totally not loyal.

The Toronto Star takes a look at the Jays' increased payroll.  Verdict: they're pretty much at their limit and should probably forego Bengie Molina.  

Speaking of Molina, it appears he - or his agent - overplayed his hand when he declined the admittedly lowball offer (6 yrs/18MM) the Mets gave him.  The Dodgers may offer him a one-year deal, which would make no sense given their current catcher situation.  The Yankees reportedly had interest in signing Molina, but now they deny, deny, deny.  Flirts.

The Braves have no closer.  They've struck out on Kyle Farnsworth, Trevor Hoffman, Bob Wickman, Todd Jones, and now Danys Baez.  I understand that they also can't get a date to the NL East formal this spring.  If Mazzone were still around, they would probably resurrect Billy Koch or, hell, Dan Quisenberry to post a sub-2.00 ERA and 55 saves.  Now...we'll see.