The season ended for most of the teams in the league one week ago today, and since then two more clubs have been eliminated in the Division Series. By this time next week, just four teams will be left standing. Here's what happened over the last couple of days…
- Milwaukee kicked off the week with a few relatively unsurprising moves. First, they announced that manager Ken Macha will be returning in 2010. Next, they re-signed closer Trevor Hoffman to a one-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2011. Hoffman will earn $8MM next season.
- Some clubs have already filled us in on what issues they'd like to address this offseason. The Phillies would like to upgrade their backup infielder, while Nationals GM Mike Rizzo wants to add an assistant GM and a farm director before anything else. The Mets said they will be players for top free agents, and the Brewers, plagued by a NL worst 5.37 starter's ERA in 2009, hope to add two arms to their rotation, possibly using prospect Mat Gamel as trade bait. The Rays, on the other hand, are unlikely to bring in a closer this winter, instead opting for several relievers that can handle high-leverage spots.
- A few players had their options for 2010 exercised. Brian Moehler and the Astros each picked up their part of the righty's mutual option, while the White Sox picked up the options on reliever Matt Thornton and starter Freddy Garcia.
- Plenty of other players also became free agents this week. The Marlins released Scott Proctor and Dave Davidson, the Padres released Cliff Floyd, Shawn Hill, and Cha Seung Baek, and DeWayne Wise declared free agency,
- The Mets and Red Sox officially completed the Billy Wagner deal, with the Amazin's receiving prospects Chris Carter and Eddie Lora in return. The Jon Garland trade was completed this week as well, with the Diamondbacks getting infielder Tony Abreu from the Dodgers. One trade that was not completed this week was a potential Milton Bradley deal, although the Cubs were pushing Tampa Bay to get one done quickly. Chicago might not even trade him anyway.
- Bobby Abreu said that he wants to remain with the Angels next year, ditto Orlando Cabrera and the Twins. We also learned that Rick Porcello dropped agent Scott Boras in favor of Alan Hendricks.
- Here are the latest projected Elias rankings, courtesy of Eddie Bajek. You can also check out MLBTR's list of non-tender candidates.
