The first day of the 2009 Winter Meetings is officially in the books. Day One was relatively quiet as there weren’t many noteworthy trades or signings to report as of yet. However, there were a few rumors and signings that made their way around Indianapolis on Monday.
Blockbuster 3-way trade? – According to Foxsports.com, the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Detroit Tigers have discussed a possible three-way trade that would be the biggest news of the meetings’ so far. While the teams are still discussing which players are part of the deal, the biggest names being discussed in the proposed deal are Tigers’ Curtis Granderson (CF) going to the Yankees, Tigers’ starter Edwin Jackson (RHP) going to the Diamondbacks, and Diamondbacks starter Max Scherzer (RHP) going to the Tigers.
Rays Enter the Halladay Talks? – The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly interested in trading for Toronto Blue Jays Roy Halladay (RHP) with B.J. Upton (CF) and prospect Wade Davis (RHP) the possible trade bait for the Jays. However, Marc Topkin writes that the Halladay rumor is “preposterous” and that the Rays were merely checking in on the trade talks for Halladay.
Milton Bradley Rumors – ESPN Chicago’s Bruce Levine reported that the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals discussed a potential swap of Bradley (OF) involving starter Gil Meche (RHP). However, both Cubs and Royals officials have denied any discussions. ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark reports that the Cubs have been approached by two more teams besides the Rays and Rangers with interest in trading for Bradley. The most likely trading partner for the Cubs remains the Rays with Pat Burrell (OF) coming to the Cubs in exchange for Bradley.
Brad Penny to the Cardinals – MLB.com’s Matthew Leach writes that Brad Penny (RHP) has signed a one year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals worth $7.5 million pending a physical. Incentives could make the deal worth $9 million for this season. The Cardinals are looking to Penny to replace the expected free agent departure of starter Joel Pineiro (RHP) in their rotation.
Randy Wolf to the Brewers - SI.com’s Jon Heyman tweeted that the Milwaukee Brewers are the leaders in the Randy Wolf (LHP) free agent sweepstakes. The Brewers are expected to wrap up a 3-year deal with Wolf by the end of the meetings.
Adam Everett resigns with the Tigers – John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press reported that Adam Everett (SS) resigned with the Tigers for a 1-year deal. Espn’s Buster Olney tweeted that the deal is for $1.55 million.
Pudge to the Nationals – According to Yahoo’s Tim Brown, the Washington Nationals have signed Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez (C) to a 2-year deal worth $6 million. Pudge is ready to take his game back to the NL where he is expected to be a mentor to the Nationals bounty of young pitching led by 2009 No. 1 draft pick, Stephen Strasburg.
Day One of the Winter Meetings is typically the slowest of the four day annual event as most teams are just starting to arrive and begin discussions. The rest of the week should continue to produce its fair share of rumors with some sure to raise eyebrows.
Stay tuned to AmateurGm.com this week for more on the major happenings from Indianapolis as I plan to recap each day’s trades, rumors, and signings.
thanks for the update Ryan
3-way deal is now a formality. Huge deal.