Business picked up in Idianapolis on day two of the Winter Meetings. One blockbuster trade is all but completed and more rumors and signings were announced along the way. Here is a recap of Tuesday’s news:
3 Team Blockbuster Completed – The rumored 3 team deal between the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and Arizona Diamondbacks is all but completed pending physicals. The Tigers have dangled the names of Curtis Granderson (CF) and Edwin Jackson (SP) this offseason and have now traded away their services in the same deal. This is a good deal for all three teams, however, I really like the return the Tigers received back in the form of Max Scherzer (SP) and Austin Jackson (CF). This was the biggest news to come from today’s meetings.
Milton Bradley Update - According to the Chicago Tribune’s Paul Sullivan, the Cubs are close to completing a deal for Milton Bradley (OF) possibly as soon as Wednesday. The Chicago Sun Times’ Gordon Wittenmeyer agrees with Sullivan and even brings up the possibility of Bradley going to a “mystery team” in the AL. It’s anybody’s guess as to who the “mystery team” could be. The Cubs seemed to be making progress on Tuesday in their attempts to rid themselves of Bradley. My guess is Bradley ends up with the Tampa Bay Rays for Pat Burrell (OF).
Rangers Interested in Josh Johnson - T.R. Sullivan reported that the Texas Rangers offered top prospects Justin Smoak (1B) and Neftali Feliz (RP) for Florida Marlins ace Josh Johnson (SP) on Tuesday. Surprisingly, the Marlins were not interested in the Rangers’ package and are intent on keeping Johnson next season. That would have been quite an impressive return for the Marlins. FOXSports.com also reported the Rangers interest in Florida Marlins infielder Jorge Cantu.
Teahen Signs a New Deal with the White Sox – Utilityman Mark Teahen signed a new 3 year deal worth $14 million with the Chicago White Sox. Teahen was acquired by the Sox in exchange for Chris Getz (2B) and Josh Fields (3B) earlier this off season. The Sox are hoping they found a diamond in the rough in Teahen as he struggled to fulfill his potential in the majors after coming up through the Kansas City Royals system. Teahen is projected to play third base.
Bobby Crosby to the Pirates – Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates are on the verge of signing former 2004 AL Rookie of the Year Bobby Crosby (SS). Crosby is expected to sign a 1-year deal worth $1.5 million. The Pirates hope Crosby is a viable alternative to current shortstop, Ronny Cedeno, next season.
Ross Gload to the Phillies – The defending NL Champions have signed the versatile Ross Gload to a two-year deal to shore up their bench, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki. Gload led the league in pinch hits last season and is able to play first base and both corner outfield positions. The deal is expected to be for two years.
Gammons Leaving ESPN – On Tuesday, the news hit off the field as well with the announcement that ESPN’s own Peter Gammons has decided to join MLB.com and the MLB Network at the completion of the Winter Meetings. This is a huge loss for the ESPN baseball community as Gammons has moved to their biggest rival with his knowledge and expertise. It will definately be odd to see Gammons on MLB Network next season instead of ESPN.
Day two of the Winter Meetings was a step up from Monday as teams started to make some progress and increased discussions with other teams. I am sure activity will pick up as we enter into the final stages of the meetings. Stay tuned!
That is surprising about the Marlins not taking that offer. They probably think they will get a better deal next year for him.
Just a few questions:
So if Tehan plays 3rd where does Bacon play? Shortstop like he did in college?
Whats wrong with Ronny? They dont need Crosby.
Why would anyteam in their right mind want Milton?
I didn’t even know that Ross Gload was still alive. What is that signing all about?
The Marlins know what they are doing, and Josh Johnson has alot of upside, they can get alot more than an unproven prospect and neftali perez. Am i wrong?
Any insight would be appreciated. Love the updates ryan, keep them coming!
They are moving Beckham to 2nd.
Thanks for the clarification Andrew!
Alex lets face it Ronny Cedeno sucks and will never be anything but a backup in this league. I finally accepted that I was wrong with my love for Matt Murton as he now is playing in Japan. While I agree Josh Johnson has a bright future, this would be only time the Marlins could get both a top pitching and hitting prospect in return for his services. I do like Johnson though and I think the Marlins lock up Johnson long term, which would beneficial to them.
Milton Bradley is perfect for Tampa because they get rid of pat’s contract and get milton for almost free…I’m just not sure where they would use him because zobreist, crawford, and bj do work in the outfield. Unless crawford gets traded milton will be a sub/dh. Could work out well for them…Milton has alot to offer when his head is screwed on straight…apparently the soap opera called the cubs was too much for him.
I think bradley works well in a situation where he can DH. On the rangers in ’08 he was the Dh most of the season and he had a ton of RBI’s but his hammy’s were hurt all the time. That’s part of the reason I was surprised that the cubbies wanted him cause he had to play the field. If he goes to Tampa Bay he can DH or play outfield. I think the Rays are gonna put Zobrist at second since they traded Iwamura which would potentially open a spot in right…. or I could be entirely wrong. I still think Bradley is better as a DH though.
Josh Johnson is a stud and maybe the Marlins think he can dominate again this season and if he doesn’t get injured at all he’s even more valuable to other teams because he’s proven to win, stay healthy, and he’s only a year older. Cheezer we know the marlins aren’t gonna sign him long term. They’re the marlins.