Unfortunately, he struggled in the second half (hitting under .270 with just four homers in 150 at-bats), and the back once again became an issue, forcing Helton to shut it down early in September.

He averaged 25 homers a season for the Orioles between 2008 and 2010 before a shoulder injury last season required surgery that prematurely ended his campaign.

A second round pick by the Halos in 2005, PJ has never made it past High-A, and missed most of the past two seasons because of a shoulder injury. He’s always been about speed, but simply has never made enough contact to take advantage of his wheels.

The Cardinals were supposedly interested, but that’s been downplayed recently. Some think the Yankees may still go after him, but they are worried about his wonky back, and so far haven’t really made any overtures in his direction. Of course, Boston could definitely use Oswalt, and the fact that he could be had with a one-year deal makes acquiring him a lot more palatable.

To be honest, Tallet’s career has pretty much been in free fall since his excellent 2008 season, and he’ll be lucky to get a minor league deal this year. Needless to say, at the age of 35, he’s highly unlikely to ever wind up on a cheat sheet ever again.

The Yankees are running out of time to reach an agreement with Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima.

Pitchers and catchers report in less than two months… is there a sweeter phrase in the English language? Well, we suppose “less than one month” is sweeter, but you get the idea.