The most exciting time in the baseball offseason is upon us with next week’s annual Winter Meetings (December 7-10, Indianapolis, IN). The Winter Meetings is where we start to see teams shape their rosters for the upcoming season. The meetings are filled with plenty of rumors as general managers and agents from all of baseball convene and discuss free agents and trade possibilities.
Last year’s meetings were rather slow compared to previous years. The biggest talk of last year’s meetings was the near trade of San Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy (currently of the Chicago White Sox) to the Chicago Cubs. The state of our economy played a big role in teams not being as aggressive at last year’s meetings, which led to many notable free agent signings later in the offseason, such as outfielder Bobby Abreu with the Los Angeles Angels.
This year’s meetings should provide plenty of rumors and interesting story lines. Several general managers, including Chicago Cubs’ GM Jim Hendry, feel that this offseason’s trade market will be filled with plenty of possibilities. Some players and teams that are sure to be discussed at next week’s meetings include:
Roy Halladay (Toronto Blue Jays) – Halladay is the biggest name on the trade market. Halladay is an elite pitcher who most consider to be one of the best in all of baseball. He has heard his name in trade discussions since last year and has let the Blue Jays know he is unlikely to resign with them after he becomes a free agent after the 2010 season. The Blue Jays are sure to command a large return in exchange for Halladay’s services. The Red Sox’s pursuit of Halladay has been discussed this offseason.
Milton Bradley (Chicago Cubs) – It’s no secret that the Cubs-Bradley marriage is headed for a quick divorce. Bradley had a disappointing season for the Cubs that was filled with plenty of antics. Bradley was suspended by the Cubs for the final two weeks of the season for conduct detrimental to the team. Bradley got off to slow start with the Cubs and never seemed to fit in with his teammates. Plenty of players were outspoken in not wanting Bradley to return to the Cubs next season. Unfortunately for the Cubs, Bradley was signed last off season to a 3 year deal worth 30 million dollars, which makes the market for him very limited. The Cubs are expected to eat most of Bradley’s contract in any possible trade. The biggest rumor going around is a swap of bad contracts in the form of a Bradley for Pat Burrell trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Bradley’s name will come up several times next week.
Jason Bay (Boston Red Sox) & Matt Holliday (St. Louis Cardinals) – Bay and Holliday have been linked to each other in many discussions this off season. Both are viewed as the prized hitters in the free agent market and ironically both play the left field position. Bay has rejected the Red Sox’s initial offer and his time in Boston long term is questioned. The Red Sox are said to be interested in Holliday should they fail to resign Bay. Holliday is super agent Scott Boras biggest client this offseason and the price tag for Holliday is sure to be high. Both players are sure to receive plenty of interest with the picture becoming a little more clear on their potential landing spots at next week’s meetings.
Detroit Tigers - Are the Detroit Tigers having a fire sale? That is the question being asked in Detroit. The current economy is especially hitting the city hard and that has expanded to its baseball franchise as well. The Tigers have plenty of interesting names that are sure to command the eye of several GM’s if the Tigers are truly willing to trade. Players such as Curtis Granderson (CF) and Edwin Jackson (RHP) have been the most discussed this off season. Miguel Cabrera (1B) has even been discussed as possibly being available for the right price. The Tigers will be an interesting team to watch next week.
Those are just a few of the things to watch at next week’s meetings. The Hot Stove is sure to be on fire next week, but like last year, I expect to see quite a few quality players available after the meetings as general managers try to look for bargains. Jerry Crasnick of espn.com gives us an idea of who some of those players may be.
What do you guys think? Will this year’s meetings be full of activity? Which of these players or teams are bound to make the most noise next week?
I think the meetings will be a lot like last year. The economy is still bad and season ticket sales have most likely gone down even more. GM’s are not going to want to part with their “cheap” talent for an over priced contract. I think there will be even more tightening of the belt this off season.
I agree with Andrew. Not many teams have money or players they’re willing to spare. The yankees which are normally a big player in free agency and trades have set themselves up pretty well for a couple of years. Adding someone like halliday is just the kind of star overkill they’re famous for so it wouldn’t surprise me if they did it but, they don’t need much.
I agree with Andrew… its gonna be a non-eventful couple of days. So what do you say chez, we going down there and getting a job?