Baseball Blogs Weigh In News & Rumors

One year ago today, the Astros hired Jeff Luhnow to be their new GM. Luhnow, who had spent the previous few years in the Cardinals front office, has led a massive rebuilding effort in Houston during his first 12 months on the job. Here's the latest from the baseball corner of the web in the wake of the Winter Meetings.

• The MLB Nation interviewed Orioles prospect L.J. Hoes.
• Rising Apple thinks the Mets should have traded David Wright.
• Know Hitter says the Mets need to trade R.A. Dickey right now.
• Amazin' Avenue explains what Dickey means to the Mets.
• Monkey with a Halo looks at the Angels' options post-Zack Greinke.
• Lasorda's Lair thinks the Dodgers should hand Clayton Kershaw a blank check.
• River Ave. Blues says the Yankees have four ways to replace Alex Rodriguez.
• Rays Colored Glasses wonders if now is the time to trade James Shields.
• KC Kingdom says Shields is not an ace.
• Wahoo's on First thinks the Indians might be asking too much for Asdrubal Cabrera.
• Puckett's Pond and Crashburn Alley analyzed the Ben Revere trade.
• Sports Jerks analyzed the Mike Napoli signing.
• The Giants Cove wrote about San Francisco's three recent signings.
• Capitol Avenue Club says the Braves should trade Eric O'Flaherty.
• U.S.S. Mariner listed some potential short-term fixes for the Mariners.
• Dodgers Nation wondered what it would be like if 2012 free agency was like 2004.
• Yanks Go Yard wonders if the Yankees are damaging their brand.
• Through the Fence Baseball looked back at the history of the Winter Meetings.

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On this date in 2007, the Rays officially signed Troy Percival to a two-year contract worth $8MM. The veteran right-hander pitched to a 4.89 ERA with 34 saves in 57 innings for Tampa. As our Transaction Tracker shows, Percival was the only free agent pitcher signed to a multiyear contract under Andrew Friedman prior to Joel Peralta's recent two-year pact. Here's the latest from around the web…

• MLB Injury News says the Rays set the standard with Evan Longoria's extension.
• Capitol Avenue Club analyzed B.J. Upton's contract with the Braves.
• Puckett's Pond likes the Denard Span–Alex Meyer trade for the Twins.
• The True Fan's Sports Blog wrote about Michael Bourn in the wake of the Span and Upton moves.
• Know Hitter says Torii Hunter will have a big impact for the Tigers.
• Over the Monster says there are reasons for the Red Sox to trade and keep Jon Lester.
• I-70 Baseball wrote about the Wil Myers trade rumors.
• Seedlings to Stars thinks Myers is being undervalued.
• Kings of Kauffman and Rany on the Royals wrote about recent payroll comments made by Royals owner David Glass.
• Pro Ball NW makes a case for the Mariners to sign Nick Swisher.
• Cole on L.A. thinks Asdrubal Cabrera could be a fit for the Dodgers.
• Yanks Go Yard muses about the Yankees and Josh Hamilton.
• Call to the Pen isn't a fan of Jonathan Broxton's new contract.
• Halo Hangout wonders if the Angels should pursue R.A. Dickey.
• Shutdown Inning wrote about Scott Feldman's time with the Rangers.
• Talkin' Sox with Dan covered some recent Red Sox moves and rumors.
• Blogging Mets analyzed the 2013 Hall of Fame ballot.

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Hot stove shopping has yet to resemble Black Friday shopping, which is officially underway across the country. Here's the best from the week that was on the baseball blogosphere…

• Over The Monster compared the Dodgers-Red Sox blockbuster to the Blue Jays-Marlins blockbuster.
• Amazin' Avenue makes a case for the Mets to trade both David Wright and R.A. Dickey.
• Rising Apple says J.P. Arencibia is a potential trade target for the Mets.
• Bay City Ball looked at a potential long-term contract for Buster Posey.
• Baseball Jerks listed some potential landing spots for B.J. Upton.
• Meanwhile, Infield Shift says Upton is a good fit for the Braves.
• Royal Blues mused about a potential blockbuster involving the Royals.
• McCovey Chronicles wrote about the Giants and Ichiro Suzuki.
• Lasorda's Lair wrote about the Dodgers and their interest in Kyuji Fujikawa.
• Wahoo's on First listed three potential trades for the Indians.
• Baseball Time in Arlington breaks down the Rangers' payroll situation.

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It was a busy week at MLBTR as the Blue Jays and Marlins agreed to a landscape-altering, 12-player blockbuster trade that still has yet to be made official. Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is catching major heat from fans and fellow owners while the Blue Jays are suddenly right in the thick of the AL East race. Here's the best of the week that was.

The Blockbuster

• The Blue Jay Hunter broke down the blockbuster trade.
• House of the Bluebird wrote about the trade and what it means for Toronto.
• Fish Stripes wrote about the impact the deal could have on luring free agents to Miami.
• Marlins Diehards analyzed the financial impact of the trade for the Marlins.
• MLB Reports dissected the blockbuster deal.
• Sports of Boston wrote about the trade and its impact on the Red Sox.
• Halos Hangout wonders about the Angels making a trade like the Marlins.

The Rest of Baseball

• Lasorda's Lair thought about the Dodgers rotation with Hyun-Jin Ryu.
• True Blue LA analyzed the Dodgers' payroll from 2011-2014.
• Rays Colored Glasses wonders if Justin Upton is worth it for the Rays.
• Call to the Pen wrote about the small market for Josh Hamilton.
• I-70 Baseball asks whether Joakim Soria should stay with the Royals or go.
• Central Valley Sports Talk listed from offseason targets for the Athletics.
• Bleacher Nation wrote about an advantage the Cubs have this offseason.
• KC Kingdom says Scott Baker was a missed opportunity for the Royals.
• FanSpeak created a pitching blueprint for the Orioles.
• DRays Bay wonders what the Rays payroll will be next season.
• PhoulBallz wrote about superstitions and the minor leagues.

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As we wait for the GM Meetings to wrap-up in California, here are some links from the week that was around the baseball blogosphere…

• Lookout Landing interviewed Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, basically.
• Baltimore Sports & Life penned an open letter to Orioles GM Dan Duquette.
• Capitol Avenue Club wrote about Braves GM Frank Wren and building a bullpen.
• The True Fan's Sports Blog listed six big name trade candidates.
• District on Deck explains why the Nationals are better without Michael Bourn.
• Call to the Pen says an Elvis Andrus-for-Jacoby Ellsbury swap makes sense for the Red Sox.
• Sports of Boston broke down the Red Sox's options with Ellsbury.
• BoSox Banter took an in-depth look at Boston's outfield options.
• Royals Review wonders if Ervin Santana is damaged goods.
• Bay City Ball wrote about a fair contract for Marco Scutaro.
• Wahoo's on First wonders if the Athletics would be a trade fit for Asdrubal Cabrera.
• The Beanball says Juan Pierre makes sense for the Mets.
• Rising Apple wonders what will happen now that the Mets parted ways with Jason Bay.
• MLB Injury News thinks Bay could be a fit for the Reds given their medical staff.
• Halo Hangout thinks the Angels should buy out Vernon Wells.
• NASORB created an offseason plan for the Mariners.
• Puckett's Pond wrote about the Twins' problem at catcher.
• Baseball Jerks put together an offseason buyer's guide for the Twins.
• House of the Bluebird previewed free agency for the Blue Jays.
• Bleacher Nation wrote about the Cubs and the upcoming Rule 5 Draft.

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On this date in 1999, Ken Griffey Jr. officially asked the Mariners for a trade. The Kid hit .297/.387/.613 with an average of 44 homers from 1993-1999, then was dealt to the Reds in February 2000 for Mike Cameron, Brett Tomko, Antonio Perez, and a minor league pitcher. Here's the latest from baseball's blogosphere…

• Blue Jays Plus interviewed left-hander Brett Cecil.
• McCovey Chronicles issued an apology to Giants GM Brian Sabean.
• Puckett's Pond wonders if GM Terry Ryan can right the Twins' ship.
• Kings of Kaufman doesn't feel Ervin Santana is an upgrade for the Royals just yet.
• MLB Injury News wonders if Santana has a hidden injury.
• South Side Sox explains what Jake Peavy's new contract tells us.
• MLB Reports lists three reasons why Josh Hamilton could sign with the Brewers.
• Call to the Pen wrote about the Angels' trying to move Dan Haren and Vernon Wells.
• Lasorda's Lair doesn't want the Dodgers to trade Andre Ethier.
• Baseball Time in Arlington chimes in on the Rangers' interest in David Ortiz.
• Twinkie Town wonders if the Twins can really fix their rotation in one offseason.
• Over The Monster analyzed the Red Sox's history of long-term contracts.
• Blogging Mets examined the Mets' potential 2013 payroll.

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On this date in 1998, Mike Piazza signed what was then the most lucrative contract in baseball history. The backstop inked a seven-year, $91MM contract to remain with the Mets just a few weeks before he was scheduled to become a free agent. Had he hit the open market, Piazza could have very well become the first $100MM player in baseball history. Here is the latest from around the baseball blogosphere…

• Baseball Nation says Giants GM Brian Sabean is underrated.
• Sports of Boston broke down the John Farrell trade/hiring.
• Over The Monster wonders why the Red Sox chose Farrell.
• The Cornell ILRSBS Blog analyzed the Farrell trade.
• Baltimore Sports & Life wonders if the Orioles' coaching staff will remain intact.
• Yankees Fans Unite says the Yankees must look into moving Alex Rodriguez.
• Disciples of Uecker doesn't buy into the Brewers reported interest in Josh Hamilton.
• Royal Revival looked at Kyle Lohse as a free agent target for the Royals.
• Wahoo's on First thinks the Indians should look into acquiring Coco Crisp.
• Rays Colored Glasses wonders if the Rays will trade for Alfonso Soriano.
• Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness thinks Yunel Escobar could be a fit for the Dodgers.
• Phillies Nation says the Phillies should pursue Eric Chavez this winter.
• Blogging Mets looked at how the Mets could rebuild.
• Climbing Tal's Hill analyzed some of the Astros Rule 5 Draft eligible prospects.
• Seedlings to Stars wrote about baseball prospect turned NFL player Russell Wilson.
• The Knuckle Blog analyzed nine-figure contracts.
• Orioles Nation examined the accuracy of WAR during the 2012 season.

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On this date in 2009, catcher Kenji Johjima opted out of the final two years of his contract with the Mariners and forfeited $16MM. He was reportedly unhappy with his reduced playing time and headed home to Japan. Johjima, the first Japanese-born catcher in MLB history, hit .303/.352/.507 with 28 homers for Hanshin Tigers in 2010, but knee and elbow problems limited him to just 62 games over the last two years. The Japan Times reported last month that he will retire after this season due to the injuries. Here is the latest from around the web…

• South Side Sox expects the White Sox to be part of the Alex Rodriguez talks this winter.
• Meanwhile, South Side Showdown doesn't expect the ChiSox to acquire A-Rod.
• Wahoo's on First wonders if the Indians could make a deal for A-Rod.
• Halo Hangout thinks the Angels may be a suitor for A-Rod.
• Amazin' Avenue looked at the cost of signing David Wright to an extension.
• Lone Star Ball says the Rangers failed to make meaningful upgrades at the trade deadline.
• Over The Monster wrote about the idea of trading Jacoby Ellsbury.
• Rising Apple thinks Shin-Soo Choo and Josh Willingham could be fits for the Mets.
• Royals Review wants the Royals roll the dice on Dan Haren if he becomes available.
• Blue Jays Plus wonders where Ricky Romero will end up next season.
• Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness wrote about some outfield options for the Dodgers.
• Lasorda's Lair wonders if the Dodgers will bring Juan Rivera back next year.
• Cole on LA graded the 2012 Dodgers.
• FanSpeak looked ahead to the upcoming Nationals' offseason.
• Redleg Nation broke down the Reds' payroll and contract situations.
• Burning Dowm the Yard says that Orioles manager Buck Showalter deserves an extension.

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For the first time in baseball history, all four LDS series will go the full five games. The Tigers and Giants advanced to the LCS round yesterday while the Yankees-Orioles and Nationals-Cardinals will sort out their series later today. Here is the latest from around the blogosphere…

• Rum Bunter interviewed Pirates manager Clint Hurdle.
• Wahoo's on First explains why the Terry Francona hiring matters for the Indians.
• Puckett's Pond thinks the Twins may be placing too much faith in GM Terry Ryan.
• Baseball News Source says Josh Hamilton and the Rangers won't have a happy ending.
• MLB Injury News wrote about Hamilton's unique free agency.
• Halo Hangout thinks the Angels should restructure Dan Haren's contract.
• Sodo Mojo wrote about the Safeco Field fences being moved in.
• Lookout Landing mused about a new contract for Felix Hernandez.
• Rays Colored Glasses wondered if the Rays could acquire Dexter Fowler.
• Red Sox Post listed some trade partners for Jacoby Ellsbury.
• Sports of Boston looks at some ways to fix the Red Sox.
• Crashburn Alley wrote about the Phillies' problem at third base.

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The Braves, Cardinals, Orioles, and Rangers will make baseball history later today, when they participate in the first ever Wild Card play-in games. The winner of the NL match-up moves on to face the Nationals while the AL winner will advance to play the Yankees. Here is the latest from around the baseball blogodome…

• M.C. Antil wrote about a first impression made by Chipper Jones.
• MLB Reports wrote about the Indians' decision between Terry Francona and Sandy Alomar Jr.
• Wahoo's on First explains why the Indians should not fire GM Chris Antonetti.
• Phillies Nation isn't sure that Ryne Sandberg is the answer for the Phillies.
• 85% Sports looks at what Dan Haren is worth on the open market.
• Rays Colored Glasses wonders if James Shields has made his last start as a Ray.
• Discipline of Uecker looks back at the career of Ben Sheets.
• Kings of Kauffman thinks it's the perfect time to covert Joakim Soria into a starter.
• MLB Injury News says Mike Adams' injury might have cost him a long-term contract.
• Blue Jays Plus believes it's time for GM Alex Anthopoulos to get Toronto into the postseason.
• Rising Apple wrote about some players the Mets may trade this offseason.
• U.S.S. Mariner says it's time for the Mariners to raise payroll.
• Climbing Tal's Hill goes back to review the Mark Melancon trade.
• Seedlings to Stars wrote about the good and bad of Julio Teheran.

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