The Winter Meetings kicked off yesterday, and if you didn't have time to keep up with everything, that's understandable. Here's a recap of everything that's gone down from last night through the authoring of this very post:
- We'll start with the transaction news: Boston's acquisition of Adrian Gonzalez became official. The Padres will receive Casey Kelly, Anthony Rizzo, Reymond Fuentes, and a player to be named later for their elite first baseman.
- The Brewers' and Jays' swap of prospect Brett Lawrie and Shaun Marcum became official as well. Milwaukee beefed up its rotation by trading a prospect who was likely blocked. The Brewers said they're willing listen on any of their players in the right deal, including another of their top prospects — center fielder Lorenzo Cain.
- The Diamondbacks had a huge day; in addition to trading Mark Reynolds to Baltimore in exchange for David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio, they also signed Melvin Mora to a one-year, $2MM deal and found their likely closer in J.J. Putz, who inked a two-year, $10MM deal with a club option. They also have an offer out to Mike Hampton.
- The Pirates are looking to improve their rotation, as they're close to a deal with lefty Scott Olsen, and agreed to sign Kevin Correia to a two-year deal worth $8MM. More money than I thought he'd get, but I don't mind the Correia signing, personally.
- The Padres agreed to terms with San Diego native Aaron Harang on a one-year deal that will guarantee the big righty $4MM. He's a reasonable candidate to rebound in San Diego.
- Seattle signed 17-year-old Dominican shortstop Esteilon Peguero for $2.9MM. It's a huge bonus, but he's one of the most advanced offensive prospects in Latin America.
- The Athletics did not reach an agreement with Japanese righty Hisashi Iwakuma. Iwakuma was said to be seeking too much money. Oakland will again pursue him when he is a free agent in 2011.
- With all of that in mind, let's look at offers that might happen and deals that might get done: The Twins offered Tsyoshi Nishioka a multiyear deal believed to be three years at an annual salary of $3MM-$5MM.
- Adrian Beltre is reportedly seeking a five-year deal worth more than $70MM, though he lost a suitor today due to the Red Sox acquiring Gonzalez.
- If you're thinking there's going to be a firesale in San Diego, think again. The Padres will not trade All-Star closer Heath Bell.
- In the wake of Washington's surprise signing of Jayson Werth to a mammoth contract, Josh Willingham is now more likely to be moved than ever.
- Despite having their rotation filled out, the Dodgers are looking to bring back Vicente Padilla. Some reports say it would be in a bullpen capacity, while others have suggested a rotation spot.
- Russell Martin may have had a bad season in 2010, but good catching is hard to find, and he'll have plenty of suitors to choose from.
- The Astros have made both Matt Lindstrom and Jeff Keppinger available, while the Cardinals are out on Jason Bartlett and shopping Brendan Ryan and his stellar glove around.
- The Rockies seem willing to spend big this offseason. They've locked up Troy Tulowitzki for ten years, signed Jorge de la Rosa, and reportedly made an informal seven- to ten-year offer to Carlos Gonzalez.
- That's not the only rumored extension we heard about today. We also learned that Albert Pujols, Trevor Cahill, and Dan Uggla will be considered for extensions as well.
- The Red Sox are interested in Magglio Ordonez, and reportedly would be willing to give up a draft pick for Scott Downs, but not Grant Balfour. They're also in on Matt Guerrier.
- Six teams have shown interest in Koji Uehara, including Baltimore, Boston, Minnesota, Seattle, Milwaukee, and St. Louis.
- Hopefully you haven't had your heart set on acquiring Justin Upton, because it looks like the D'Backs won't be trading him after all.
- The Nats, Cubs, and Brewers are among the teams who have called the Dodgers about James Loney.
- A pair of former All-Stars is looking to get back into MLB after sitting out a season or two: Chien-Ming Wang is seeking a Major League deal, while Joe Crede is looking for an opportunity to play as well. Meanwhile, here's the latest on another free agent who's missed a few seasons, Brandon Webb.
- Curious to see the latest news on the biggest free agents and trade targets left on the market? No problem. Cliff Lee could see up to seven years, Carl Crawford could benefit hugely from Jayson Werth's deal, the Royals want Travis Snider and Kyle Drabek for Zack Greinke, the Dodgers keep coming up in Prince Fielder rumors, Paul Konerko's talks with Chicago could put him in line for a $12.5MM salary, and here's the latest on Carl Pavano, who could return to the Twins.
Obviously, we can't link to everything that's happened the past few days, but hopefully that's got you caught up to speed for the most part! MLBTR will continue to have around-the-clock coverage of the 2010 Winter Meetings, including overnight coverage once again throughout the duration of the meetings, so feel free to stay up late with us!
