Big moves in store during MLB’s winter meetings?
Posted by Todd KaufmannMLB Baseball December 3rd, 2008With Major League Baseball just five days away from the annual winter meetings (Dec. 8th), taking place in Las Vegas, how many big trades or free agent signings will we see?
If you don’t think there will be a lot of big moves made during those few days, here are some things that may change your mind on that.
The San Diego Padres have been in discussions with the Chicago Cubs about a 3-way deal, which also could include the Baltimore Orioles, to send Jake Peavy to the Cubs. The Padres had discussions with the Atlanta Braves a few weeks ago, during the General Managers Meetings in San Diego, but the two teams couldn’t agree on the players that would be sent to San Diego. Don’t count out the Braves from jumping back into the race and also keep an eye on the Dodgers as well, though I think they’re the longest shot at this point.
Manny Ramirez is a free agent, the Dodgers have already offered him arbitration but look for the New York Yankees to possibly make a big play for him.
Who is gonna be the team to land C.C. Sabathia? There are a lot of teams that are likely to offer him a lucrative deal worth over $100M.
Are the Angels looking to lock up 1st baseman Mark Teixeira to a 6-year deal? Reports say they are worried about his left knee, which underwent athroscopic surgery back in 2007, but the Angels are rebutting that report saying there are “no concerns” about it.
All-Time Saves Leader Trevor Hoffman is a free agent after the Padres declined to offer their long time closer arbitration. A move that, more than likely, signals the end of “Hells Bells” ringing in downtown San Diego.
What about Adam Dunn after not being offered arbitration by the Arizona Diamondbacks? If you know you’re getting 40 HR’s, 100 walks but 200 strikeouts, is $14M worth the price?
Some other big names to watch are closer Francisco Rodriguez, who’s apparently seeking a 5-year deal, A.J. Burnett, one of the better arms on the free agent market, Ben Sheets who apparently is being courted by Astros’ ace Roy Oswalt and Rafael Furcal, despite his injuries is still a viable option at shortstop and is still a menace with his speed on the base paths.
Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan has a ranking of the top free agents on the market right now, so if that doesn’t get you salivating for the movers and shakers next week, I don’t know what will.
Let the Hot Stove begin and let the rumors fly….
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Comment by Kyle Eslick on December 3rd, 2008:
Although when I write about baseball I try to remain neutral, I am a lifelong Cubs fan. As a result, I am watching the Peavy deal probably the closest.
I love Peavy as a pitcher, but haven’t decided yet how well he would fit in the Cubs rotation. What do you think? Would we be better off spending money elsewhere? (Bullpen, position players, etc.)
Comment by Todd Kaufmann on December 3rd, 2008:
I think Peavy would be a great addition to any starting rotation, Cubs especially. Chicago, in recent years, have suffered from a lack of starting pitching depth and adding a young gun like Peavy gives them an ace they haven’t had since Kerry Wood was actually healthy.
Here’s the concern I have on both sides. The Padres need Jake Peavy if they ever want to make it back to the World Series, he is the face of the franchise especially since they seem to be parting ways with Trevor Hoffman. If they do trade Jake, they better get a whole lot in return. One name that came up when the Padres/Cubs rumor started was former Notre Dame wide receiver, turned pitcher, Jeff Samardzija but his agent has already said that he’s not waving the no-trade clause.
Jason Stark had an article out today saying that he doesn’t believe Chicago can pull any deal of this magnitude until their sale is either finalized or they have a deal in place for a new owner.