Tagged: Winter Meetings
12/11 Hot Stove – Thing’s Things
The Winter Meetings came and now their gone with only a few teams really making moves to help themselves going into 2010.
Big surprise that the Yankees didn’t just sit back on their laurels and enjoy their Championship; they went out there and got the first real centerfielder they’ve had since Bernie Williams. Curtis Granderson will be a dangerous player for them, especially in Yankee Stadium.
To try and climb out of the gutter in the AL East, the Orioles made a move. By getting Kevin Millwood, the Orioles have a veteran guy who will help a young rotation mature. Millwood learned from some of the greats in Atlanta when he was a young guy, and now he can pass his knowledge along to Jeremy Guthrie, Brian Matusz and Brad Bergesen.
The Phillies went out early – like signing Raul Ibanez last year – and got their guy at the hot corner. Placido Polanco solidifies the powerful Phillies infield for the next three years. I really thought Adrian Beltre was going to be the guy, but I guess they just thought he wasn’t consistent enough even though I think he’s plays good defense.
The Astros made a little noise by signing Pedro Feliz, who is an upgrade offensively and defensively from Geoff Blum. They also went out and traded for Matt Lindstrom.
Here’s the thing about Lindstrom: I don’t know if they are planning to have him replace Jose Valverde, but he’s he same type of guy, just not as good. He has a good fastball, but nothing to back it up with.
On the Network today, we’ll have much more to talk about on Hot Stove at 6:00 p.m. ET. Baseball’s Seasons 1993 is on at 4:00 p.m., and I’ll take a little look at it. It was something of an eventful year for me. – Mitch Williams
12/9 Hot Stove – Winter Meetings Day Three
It’s day three of the Winter Meetings and after surviving three long days there have been a few surprises. The first surprise being that the Yankees were able to obtain a young, affordable, power-hitting centerfielder without parting with any player who had a significant impact on their championship-winning club.
This is a shift in the old Yankees philosophy of just picking up big-name free agents. The Yankees now do more than just spend. They identify a need and fill it! Pronto!
As for the other team in New York, there has been little buzz. The Mets are a team desperate to improve in many areas, yet to improve in any area. The aggressiveness they showed last winter would come in handy this offseason.
Some people around here thought Randy Wolf would be a good fit for the Mets. They didn’t get it done, and now one of my favorite players to chat with has a three-year deal to pitch in Milwaukee.
Just as they were before the trade deadline, Roy Halladay trade rumors are swirling here in Indy, but surprisingly there has been no substantial rumors involving Adrian Gonzalez. Padres new GM Jed Hoyer is either extremely discreet or he has decided to keep the face of the franchise in place.
Last surprise, after three days of eating steaks, my cholesterol is still under 200! Gotta run. Almost time for dinner. I’m thinking steak. Again. – Matt Yallof
12/7 Hot Stove – The Left Wing
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
MLB Network 