The Japanese Softbank Hawks released Bryan LaHair. The 31-year-old former big-leaguer is now a free agent and could elect to return stateside. LaHair was an MLB All-Star only two years ago, slashing .259/.334/.450 in 2012 while manning first base for the Cubs. Of course, he rode a blazing hot first half onto the roster and fell apart after the All-Star break, causing the Cubs to give up on him last winter. He'll have to settle for a minor league pact.