Archives for December 2013

With one full day of the WInter Meetings in the books, let's get caught up on everything that went down..

Transactions:

• Roy Halladay is retiring from baseball.
• The Marlins inked Garrett Jones to a two-year, $7.75MM deal.
• The White Sox signed right-hander Felipe Paulino.
• The Indians signed David Cooper to a big league deal.
• The Mets made their signing of Curtis Granderson official.
• Mark Prior officially retired and he may join the Padres' front office.
• The Marlins officially announced the signing of catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
• The Astros released Eric Thames so that he can pursue an opportunity in Korea.

Rumors:

• The Marlins are telling teams they will trade Logan Morrison shortly.  A number of clubs have been connected to the 26-year-old.
• The Yankees and Braves are among the teams that have shown interest in Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija.  One report indicates that it's unlikely that he'll end up in Atlanta, however.
• A possible deal between the Blue Jays and Rangers hit a snag.
• The Mariners, Rangers, and Dodgers are the three most serious suitors for Rays ace David Price at this time.  The M's believe that they could land Price if they were willing to include Taijuan Walker, but they're not willing to part with him at this time.
• The Mets are exploring trades involving Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy.
• The Twins are making a push for Bronson Arroyo.  The Pirates also scheduled a meeting with Arroyo's agent.
• Chances of a Mark Trumbo trade are increasing and a dozen teams are in on the Angels slugger.
• The Nationals are eyeing J.P. Howell and Scott Downs.
• The Twins are in on Rajai Davis but the Orioles are out.  He's nearing a deal with someone, but we don't know who just yet.
• If Masahiro Tanaka wants to make the jump to MLB, the Rakuten Golden Eagles may simply honor his wishes.
• The Indians are open to fielding Justin Masterson trade pitches.
• The Mets have kicked the tires on Chris Perez.
• The Orioles checked in on the availability of Ethier and fellow Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, but there were issues with the amount of salary that the Dodgers were willing to absorb.
• Shin-Soo Choo talks are reaching a critical stage with the Rangers and D'Backs among the clubs in the mix.
• The Pirates approached the Jays about Adam Lind, but talks quickly fizzled when Toronto countered by asking about Neil Walker.
• Astros starter Lucas Harrell is drawing some trade interest.
• The Red Sox feel like they have a good chance of retaining Stephen Drew since his market hasn't developed as he might have hoped.
• The Padres have interest in Scott Downs, among other southpaw relievers.
• Jamey Wright is choosing between the Rays and Dodgers.
• The Phillies are actively shopping Domonic Brown.
• The Orioles aren't expected to go after a high-priced starter.
• The Mets have had internal discussions regarding Cesar Izturis and plan to meet with his agent in the coming days.  They're also unlikely to sign Bartolo Colon or Bronson Arroyo.
• The Orioles met with Nelson Cruz, who is also a possible fit for the Mariners and Rangers.  The Rangers are comfortable with having Cruz back on a two-year deal, he wants three.
• The Tigers are talking to free agents but GM Dave Dombrowski says they aren't in on the "big, big ones:.
• The Nationals may or may not be shopping Danny Espinosa, depending on who you ask.
• The Giants like Brett Gardner of the Yankees but a deal doesn't seem likely.
• The Indians, who are in the market for a closer, have spoken to Grant Balfour.
• The Cubs are looking to the trade market in their search for relievers and have eyed both Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen of the Nationals.
• The Indians and Orioles have interest in Jason Hammel.  MLBTR's Tim Dierkes learned that a dozen teams are in the mix.
• The Brewers are making Corey Hart a priority.
• The Rangers are still open to dealing Elvis Andrus even after trading Ian Kinsler, but it's a longshot.
• The White Sox are looking to move a starter.
• The Orioles are one of many teams with some interest in Johan Santana.
• Matt Kemp probably won't be headed to the Red Sox, the Dodgers remain in discussions with four teams on trade possibilities involving him or Andre Ethier,
• The Rockies want a reliever and they've shifted their focus from the free agent market to the trade market.