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Week in Review: 11/16 - 11/22

By Steve Adams [November 23, 2008 at 5:19pm CST]

More trades and a few signings over the past week, let's dive right in:

The Royals continued their busy offseason when they acquired Coco Crisp from the Red Sox in exchange for Ramon Ramirez. Crisp gives the Royals some much-needed OBP and speed, but I don't understand why the Royals are breaking up one of their strengths from 2008 by trading away their bullpen. If Moore can find a way to trade for some more established bullpen help, I'll like this trade a lot more. I give the edge to the Royals in this deal, but you have to like the flexibility this gives Boston with their pitchers. Here's some additional reactions.
The Cubs opened up the checkbook and re-signed Ryan Dempster to four-year, $52MM contract this week. I honestly thought Dempster would sign for much more than this wherever he wound up, as it's only $4MM more than Carlos Silva received in 2007. Dempster put up a great 2008, but it's hard to imagine him repeating those numbers for 2009. I wasn't a Dempster believer, so it'll take a strong repeat in 2009 to convince me that this is a good signing. Additional reactions on this one here.
The Giants signed Jeremy Affeldt to a two-year, $8MM deal. I'm not as much of a fan of Affeldt as Tim is, but this is still a nice, surprisingly affordable signing. If Affeldt gets a shot at starting, as suggested in these additional reactions, I like the move even more, though I understand the importance of San Francisco improving their 'pen.
Mike Mussina officially retired this past week. Moose went out on top after finally getting a 20-win season. Congratulations to Mussina on an great career.
One guy who's not retiring is Pedro Martinez. He told the media he'll pitch in 2009 this week. Does he have anything left though?
Philles fans got some disastrous news this week, when it was reported that Chase Utley will be on the shelf for 4-6 months following hip surgery. How will this affect their moves in the offseason?
The White Sox signed Cuban third baseman Dayan Viciedo to a four-year, $11MM contract. I absolutely love this signing for the Sox. The potential for a bat of his quality and that price are outstanding.
It's five years or nothing for A.J. Burnett. So far, no one's stepped up with that kind of offer. Who's going to make the offer?
The Cubs are looking at Mark Teahen to fill their right field vacancy. Will they part with Sean Marshall in order to get him?
The Astros need to trim payroll, and are looking at moving both Ty Wigginton and Jose Valverde.
The Twins are still talking with Casey Blake, and making progress, though no formal offer has been issued yet. Minnesota is one of eight clubs with interest.
Orioles Notes: While they're not major names, the Orioles signed Brad Hennessey and Donnie Murphy to minor league deals this week, and are looking at Cesar Izturis to play shortstop for 2009.