Morning Marquee: Melky Cabrera signs with the White Sox

The city of Chicago has become an “anything you can do, I can do better” town in baseball this winter. After the Chicago Cubs made some great moves signing Jason Hammel, Jon Lester and Miguel Montero, the White Sox had to have their say. After acquiring Jeff Samardzija and David Robertson to go along with Zach Duke and Adam Laroche, both teams had made an indelible mark on the off-season. But the Sox weren’t done.

The White Sox have come to an agreement with slugger Melky Cabrera on a three-year deal at an estimated $43 million, pending physical. The signing of Cabrera helps finish an already impressive array of acquisitions, and has helped speed up the process, putting a contending team on the field, at least on paper. Dayan Viciedo likely becomes the odd man out in the outfield, but it’s not yet known if the Sox will try to move him.

The Red Sox have made it clear the Justin Masterson will be a starter in his return to Boston. A reliever for the Sox before being traded to Cleveland in 2009, injuries mae for a difficult 2014 campaign as he was dealt to the Cardinals midseason, and eventually left off the playoff roster. Masterson signed a one-year deal for $9.5 million, with $2.5 million in incentives.

Here are some of the other stories you may have missed:

‘Melky Cabrera agrees with White Sox to three-year deal’ – Southside Showdown

‘Red Sox say Masterson will start’ – ESPN.com

‘Should the Cubs pursue Marlon Byrd?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Chicago Cubs looking at Phillies’ Ben Revere’ – Cubbies Crib

‘What are the Yankees waiting for?’ – Call to the Pen