We finally get the Winter Meetings kicked off today, and with the cold setting in, it’s time for some deals to heat things up.  

I’m interested in a few key situations, and how they’ll pan out during the meeting.

First of all, the big fish, Roy Halladay.  With all the rumors swirling around lately, it seems like a deal is in the air, especially if he’s not going to accept a trade once the season begins.  

The Blue Jays can learn a lot from the Johan Santana deal a few years ago.  The Twins waited and then had to settle for the Mets offer which looking back was not the best offer on the table.  Instead of playing tug-of-war with the Yankees and Red Sox, they need to make a good quick decision.  We all know Roy’s got to go, but not getting the right prospect will return cost the Blue Jays big in the future.

I’m also interested in the Matt Holliday scenario.  If the Cardinals can’t sign Holliday, then who else is out there for the Cardinals to sign to protect Albert Pujols? 

Holliday has already proved he’s up to the task, so the Cardinals need to have a better plan if they decide to pass on Holliday.  Is there one out there?  I’m not so sure there is.

Then there is John Lackey, the only true ace available as a free agent.  In his career he’s proven himself as a big game pitcher, a number one-starter, and a durable arm.  What team out there won’t want to sign him?

Hot Stove is going to be jam-packed tonight – Braves Manages Bobby Cox and Cubs Manager Lou Piniella will join us together from Indianapolis.  The Braves have been busy in the offseason already, so we’ll have plenty to talk about with two of the greatest managers out there.

Hot Stove airs tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday live from the Winter Meetings headquarters in Indianapolis from 6-8pm ET. We’ll have interviews and team updates throughout each show. – Dan Plesac