MLB Winter Meetings 2014: Latest Rumors and Speculation

After weeks of embers burning in the underbelly of sports discourse, Major League Baseball's hot stove should leap to the national forefront this week with the beginning of the annual winter meetings in San Diego. 

Thursday, Dec. 11

Giants Reportedly Pursuing James Shields

The defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants are looking to make a splash in free agency, and there is no question that signing former Kansas City Royals ace James Shields would qualify as precisely that.

According to Alex Pavlovic of The Mercury News, the Giants have turned their attention to bringing in a complement for reigning World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner atop their rotation in the form of Shields:

"

Giants are focused on James Shields right now, still trying to add frontline pitcher to rotation.

— Alex Pavlovic (@AlexPavlovic) December 11, 2014"

With Jon Lester off the market and Max Scherzer figuring to command a massive contract, Shield may very well be the most attractive arm remaining in free agency.

Shields will be 33 years of age on Opening Day, but he is experiencing the best stretch of his career as he hasn't posted an ERA above 3.52 in any of the past four seasons. He is also a former All-Star, and he is coming off an excellent 2014 campaign that saw him go 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA and 180 strikeouts.

He also has a ton of postseason experience, which is perfect for a perennial contender like the Giants. Although offense will continue to be a question mark for San Francisco, landing Shields would very likely keep it among the NL's elite.

Twins Bolster Rotation With Ervin Santana

A lack of dominant pitching has been the Minnesota Twins' biggest weakness in recent years, but they took a step toward changing that Thursday.

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, the Twins inked 32-year-old veteran Ervin Santana to a four-year deal that will pay him $13.5 million per season:

Santana has really come on in recent years as he revitalized his career with the Kansas City Royals in 2013. He had another solid campaign last year as a member of the Atlanta Braves with a 14-10 record, 3.95 ERA and 179 strikeouts.

The Twins got a great season out of Phil Hughes in 2014, which means they now have a formidable pitching duo at the top of their rotation. Although it feels like they aren't quite ready to contend for the AL Central crown, they have a chance to be a surprisingly strong team next season.

Reds Send Mat Latos to Marlins

The Cincinnati Reds' starting rotation was weakened by its trade of Alfredo Simon to the Detroit Tigers, but it took an even bigger hit a short while later when the Reds also dealt potential ace Mat Latos.

According to SportsCenter, Latos was jettisoned to the Miami Marlins in exchange for a pair of young players, including pitcher Anthony DeSclafani:

Latos started only 16 games due to injury last season, but he was extremely productive in three campaigns with the Reds as he had an ERA of 3.48 or less in each of his three years in Cincinnati.

The Marlins already have a stable of impressive, young arms, and the 27-year-old Latos looks like a fine addition. Miami still has work to do in terms of building a strong lineup, but the pitching is already in place.

As for the Reds, this move certainly feels like an admission that they may not be playoff contenders in 2015.

Tigers Acquire Alfred Simon from Reds

On the heels of sending starting pitcher Rick Porcello to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, the Detroit Tigers acted quickly Thursday to find a replacement.

It didn't take them long to land one as they acquired righty Alfredo Simon from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for shortstop Eugenio Suarez and pitcher Jonathon Crawford, according to the Tigers' official Twitter account:

Simon was a surprise All-Star for the Reds last season as he posted a 15-10 record with a 3.44 ERA. He struggled late in the year, however, and he is already starting to get up there in age at 33.

The Dominican pitcher had just 19 career starts prior to the 2014 campaign and had never thrown more than 115 innings in a season, so it is entirely possible that racking up 196 innings took its toll on him,

Detroit is hopeful that he will be able to handle a heavy workload better with one year of starting experience under his belt. If he doesn't, then the Tigers could be in trouble from a rotation depth standpoint outside of David Price and Anibal Sanchez.

Red Sox Deal Yoenis Cespedes to Tigers for Rick Porcello

Boston Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes' name has come up plenty in trade speculation at the winter meetings, and it looks as though his short stint in Beantown has come to an end.

According to C.J. Nitkowski of Fox Sports 1, the Red Sox will ship the Cuban star to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for starting pitcher Rick Porcello:

"

Told Cespedes to Detroit, Porcello to Boston is done.

— CJ Nitkowski (@CJNitkowski) December 11, 2014"

Jon Morosi of FoxSports.com adds that Detroit will also receive a pitching prospect in the swap:

Per Alex Speier of WEEI.com, the Tigers picked up 28-year-old pitcher Alex Wilson in the deal as well:

Since trading Porcello will leave a void in the Tigers' rotation, Morosi reports that they also have a second trade lined up to acquire a replacement starter:

The Red Sox picked up Cespedes from the Oakland Athletics ahead of the 2014 trade deadline in exchange for pitcher Jon Lester. With that in mind, Boston was essentially able to parlay Lester, who signed with the Chicago Cubs, into the younger and cheaper Porcello.

Cespedes hit 22 home runs and racked up 100 RBI last season. The 29-year-old slugger should be a great complement to the likes of Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and Ian Kinsler in Detroit's already-potent lineup.

Porcello, who will be 26 years of age on Opening Day, is coming off his best MLB season by far. He went 15-13 with a 3.43 ERA, and he figures to improve a Boston rotation that looked quite barren prior to Thursday morning.

With Porcello and Wade Miley joining Clay Buchholz and Joe Kelly, the Red Sox may now have enough depth to contend in the AL East.

Padres Acquire Matt Kemp from Dodgers

Outfielder Matt Kemp's name has come up often in trade talks over the past year, but it was never clear if the Los Angeles Dodgers ever had any real intentions of moving him. If reports are accurate, though, they are prepared to ship him away to a divisional rival.

According to Kirk Kenney and Dennis Lin of The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Dodgers will send Kemp and catcher Tim Federowicz to the San Diego Padres for catcher Yasmani Grandal and pitchers Joe Wieland and Zach Eflin.

In addition to that, the Padres will receive a hefty sum of money in order to offset part of Kemp's large contract, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:

As things currently stand, however, the trade must still be approved by the league, per Nightengale:

If it goes through as expected, this will go down as one of the splashiest moves by the Padres in recent memory. Kemp is a two-time All-Star who finished as the runner-up for the NL MVP Award in 2011. He has been plagued with injuries ever since, although he bounced back in that regard in 2014.

The 30-year-old outfielder hit .287 with 25 home runs and 89 RBI, which are numbers that would make him the cornerstone of San Diego's lineup.

Los Angeles has an intriguing package coming back the other way, especially due to the inclusion of Grandal, who hit 15 homers last season.

The Padres would obviously be getting the best player in this trade, but the Dodgers had a crowded outfield that needed to get sorted out, and they are in line to receive a pretty solid return as well.

Dodgers Replace Dee Gordon With Howie Kendrick

Many were skeptical when the Los Angeles Dodgers shipped All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon to the Miami Marlins Wednesday night, but it turns out that they had a plan in place all along.

After acquiring pitcher Andrew Heaney as part of a package for Gordon and pitcher Dan Haren, the Dodgers turned around and shipped Heaney to the Los Angeles Angels for another All-Star second baseman in Howie Kendrick, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com:

The 31-year-old Kendrick is coming off one of his best seasons as he hit .293 with seven home runs, a career-high 75 RBI and 85 runs. He also posted his best ever mark in terms of WAR, per ESPN Stats & Info:

This deal gives the Dodgers a reliable hitter with some pop who can slot in somewhere near the top of the batting order. As for the Angels, they get a 23-year-old pitcher with a ton of promise.

As pointed out by ESPN.com's Jim Bowden, the motivating factor behind this deal was likely the fact that Kendrick will become a free agent next season:

Heaney will be around for a long time to come, especially if he develops into the type of pitcher most expect. This trade undoubtedly benefits the Dodgers more immediately, but Heaney may make the Angels winners over the long term.

Red Sox Reportedly Acquire Wade Miley from Diamondbacks

Just hours after becoming a hot name on the trade market, starting pitcher Wade Miley was reportedly shipped from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Boston Red Sox early Thursday morning.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com, the D-Backs will receive a pair of young pitchers in Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster:

The deal has yet to be officially announced, though, and Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart claims that nothing has been completed, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:

As things currently stand, though, the trade appears imminent and the crux of it will be Miley for De La Rosa and Webster, according to Nightengale:

Miley is a 28-year-old lefty with an All-Star appearance on his resume. Although the 2014 season was the worst of his career with a 4.34 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, his 183 strikeouts in 201 innings are promising in terms of his development into a top-of-the-rotation pitcher.

Both De La Rosa and Webster had a handful of starts for the Red Sox in 2014 with varying degrees of success. With Arizona in a rebuilding mode, though, it certainly makes some sense for it to pick up a pair of pitchers who could be in its 2015 rotation.

If even one of them turns out to be a solid starter at the MLB level, then the Diamondbacks may very well win this trade due to Miley's volatility.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Marlins Acquire Dee Gordon, Dan Haren From Dodgers

The Dodgers' trade for Rollins was far from their only move Wednesday. The team also moved on from All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon and starting pitcher Dan Haren, trading them to the Miami Marlins for reliever Chris Hatcher and three prospects.

Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald had trade details:

Gordon, 26, emerged as one of the most exciting middle infielders in baseball last season. The former top prospect hit .289/.326/.378 with two home runs and 34 RBI. He added an MLB-high 64 steals and 12 triples, using his elite speed to create runs batted in for the middle of the order.

Haren, 34, went 13-11 with a 4.04 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. The veteran righty will be playing for his fourth team in as many seasons. He'll make $10 million in 2015 after exercising his player option in October. That said, he's also indicated he will retire rather than pitching anywhere other than Los Angeles. We'll see.

The impetus for the trade is undoubtedly to infuse youth in the Dodgers' system. Andrew Heaney, who made his big league debut last season, came into 2014 as one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. The lefty went 0-3 with a 5.81 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in seven appearances, though that sample isn't indicative of his skill set.

Hatcher, 29, is a fine middle reliever who struck out 60 batters in 56 innings last season. He won't move the needle much but can certainly add bullpen depth.

Kike Hernandez, 23, is a promising utility player who split his rookie campaign between Houston and Miami. He hit .248/.321/.421 with three home runs and 14 RBI in 121 at bats. He'll most likely settle into a second base role long term if he becomes an everyday player.

Dodgers Trade for Jimmy Rollins

After years of near-deals and rampant speculation, the Philadelphia Phillies have finally moved on from shortstop Jimmy Rollins. ESPN's Buster Olney reported the Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers have come to terms on a deal for Rollins, though compensation was not announced and neither team has confirmed the trade:

Rollins, 36, has spent his entire career with the Phillies. Drafted in the second round of the 1996 draft, Rollins has been a mainstay in the organization and one of the best shortstops in baseball. He's the franchise's all-time leader in hits (2,306), doubles (479), and he's second in games played (2090) and stolen bases (453).

While many saw him as a potential lifer, the Phillies' downswing in the standings made his departure inevitable. Philadelphia has posted consecutive 73-89 seasons after a decade-long stretch of non-losing campaigns, with its aging, expensive roster being chief among the problems. 

Rollins remained mostly productive in 2014, hitting .243/.323/.394 with 17 home runs and 55 RBI but will likely be nearing the end of his career by the time the Phillies are able to compete. By trading him now they recoup some level of value before it's too late.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, needed a replacement for the departed Hanley Ramirez.  

Orioles Pursuing Yoenis Cespedes?

After losing outfielder Nelson Cruz to the Seattle Mariners, the Baltimore Orioles are in the market for a replacement. According to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com, the O's could look to acquire Boston Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes in a trade:

The Red Sox acquired Cespedes in a trade with the Oakland Athletics ahead of last season's trade deadline, but there is no guarantee that they will keep him since there is just one year remaining on his contract.

Last season was arguably Cespedes' best as he hit .260 with 22 home runs and a career-high 100 RBI. Although his numbers don't quite measure up to Cruz, the 29-year-old Cuban star would seemingly be a great fit in Baltimore.

With that said, Boston obviously won't give him away for nothing, especially to an AL East rival. It will likely cost the Orioles quite a bit to pry him from the Red Sox, but Cespedes is definitely an option worth exploring.

Diamondbacks Shopping Wade Miley and Mark Trumbo?

The Arizona Diamondbacks appear to be a team in transition, which is a notion bolstered by rumors that they are interested in potentially moving a pair of their top players.

According to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, the D-Backs have been listening to offers for both starting pitcher Wade Miley and slugger Mark Trumbo:

Miley is a 28-year-old southpaw who made the All-Star team as a rookie in 2012. He has a career ERA of 3.79, although his play dipped last season as he went 8-12 with a 4.34 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. He did have a career-high 183 strikeouts, however, which suggests that a bounce back could be possible.

While Miley certainly appears to be on the block, Nick Piecoro of AZCentral.com is reporting that Trumbo's status is somewhat unclear:

After three consecutive seasons with at least 29 home runs with the Los Angeles Angels, Trumbo struggled in his first campaign as a Diamondback. Injuries limited him to only 88 games, and he hit just .235 with 14 homers.

Trumbo is versatile enough to play the outfield, first base and even some third base, so there is no question that the Diamondbacks figure to receive some offers if they make him available.

Sergio Romo Picking Up Steam

With several of the top relievers being plucked from the market, Sergio Romo may be the next big domino to fall.

The 31-year-old righty has spent his entire seven-year MLB career with the San Francisco Giants, serving as a closer, setup man and essentially every possible role in the bullpen. He lost his position as closer in 2014, but he bounced back and was spectacular during the Giants' run to a World Series title.

Due to the former All-Star's versatility and track record of success, any number of teams would likely love to have him. According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com, though, the Giants and Detroit Tigers are the two most interested clubs currently:

The Giants essentially know what they're getting with Romo, and there is obviously a comfort level between the two sides. Detroit, however, is a team that has been searching for answers at the back end of its bullpen, and it may view Romo as a potential closing option.

Both teams look like World Series contenders in 2015 and they would both benefit greatly from landing a reliable arm like Romo.

Astros Aiming to Bolster Bullpen

The Houston Astros may not win a ton of games in 2015, but they are taking steps to ensure that they will be far more proficient at protecting leads.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Houston agreed to a three-year contract with 30-year-old reliever Luke Gregerson Wednesday:

Gregerson is coming off a spectacular 2014 campaign with the Oakland Athletics that saw him post a 2.12 ERA. There is no question that he will provide a major boost to Houston's bullpen, but the 'Stros didn't not stop there.

Per Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the team has also completed a deal with 34-year-old righty Pat Neshek:

Nightengale adds that the Astros are likely to ink the 2014 NL All-Star to a two-year pact.

Neshek has battled injuries for much of his career, but he has bounced back in a big way over the past three seasons. The 2014 campaign was Neshek's best as he put up a 1.87 ERA in 71 appearances with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Now that Neshek is secured, Houston will have one of the most formidable bullpens in the American League with Neshek, Gregerson and Chad Qualls residing at the back end.

Mets Pitcher Dillon Gee Garnering Interest

There are plenty of hot names available in the pitching ranks both via free agency and trade, but perhaps no hurler is generating more buzz right now than New York Mets righty Dillon Gee.

The 28-year-old starter is coming off an up-and-down season that saw him go 7-8 with a 4.00 ERA, although injuries played a role as he was limited to just 137.1 innings.

Some organizations clearly like what they saw out of Gee in 2014 when he posted a 3.62 ERA, however, as six teams have shown some interest in acquiring him, according to Andy Martino of The New York Daily News:

While not all six teams have been identified to this point, Jon Morosi of FoxSports.com has found that the Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins and San Francisco Giants are among his suitors:

It is unclear what the Mets may ask for in return, but they have a surplus of pitching that includes reigning NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom, the returning Matt Harvey, youngster Zack Wheeler, Jon Niese and a number of high-profile prospects such as Noah Syndergaard.

Provided the offensively starved Mets can get some help in the hitting department for Gee, it would certainly make sense to strike while the iron is hot.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Reds Shopping Aroldis Chapman?

Fresh off a disappointing 76-86 campaign, the Cincinnati Reds were expected to make changes this winter. Shopping Aroldis Chapman? That comes as a surprise to even the most ardent Reds supporter.

Joe Frisaro and Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reported Tuesday that the Reds have opened themselves to calls regarding the All-Star closer. The Miami Marlins were offered as a potential destination, though it's unclear whether the two sides have had any discussions. Frisaro and Sheldon indicate the Reds are looking for an outfielder in return.

Chapman made 36 saves in 38 opportunities in 2014, finishing with a 2.00 ERA and 0.83 WHIP. His 17.67 strikeouts per nine innings is the best rate in baseball history for a pitcher who threw at least 40 innings. In 252.2 MLB innings, Chapman has struck out a ridiculous 430 batters.

As for why the Reds would look to make a move, it's simple: They're selling high and are probably headed toward a rebuild. With the Cubs spending their way to contention and the Pirates and Cardinals looking like playoff outfits, Cincinnati may see the writing on the wall for 2015 and a little beyond. Jettisoning Chapman two years before he hits free agency allows them to reap the largest possible reward.

Pirates to Re-Sign Francisco Liriano

Outside of elite options such as Jon Lester and Max Scherzer, Francisco Liriano was one of the best starting pitching options on the open market. That option is no longer on the table, though, as the electric lefty has opted to remain with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

According to Robert Murray of MLB Daily Rumors, the two sides have come to terms on a three-year, $39 million contract:

The Bucs typically don't spend big in free agency, so keeping a player like Liriano at a fairly reasonable price is a major coup.

The 31-year-old star enjoyed two resurgent seasons in Pittsburgh, including a 2013 campaign that saw him go 16-8 with a 3.02 ERA. Liriano's ERA inflated slightly to 3.38 in 2014, but he still has all the makings of an ace for the Pirates in 2015 and beyond.

Cubs Nearing Deal for Miguel Montero

Much of the talk at the Winter Meetings has focused on free agency, but the Chicago Cubs have finalized a significant trade.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs are expected to acquire catcher Miguel Montero from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for a package of prospects:

Bruce Levine of 670 The Score offered the finalized deal:

Montero has spent his entire nine-year MLB career in the desert, and he has been named to the NL All-Star team on a pair of occasions during that time.

The 31-year-old native of Venezuela is coming off a down offensive campaign as he hit just .243 with 13 home runs and 72 RBI, although that was a significant improvement over his awful 2013 season at the plate.

Chicago also has 27-year-old backstop Welington Castillo, who hit 13 homers and drove in 46 runs this past season. Adding Montero to the platoon would give the Cubs a solid combination, and he will undoubtedly be a steadying presence for some of the team's younger pitchers as well.

Yankees Making Progress on Chase Headley?

While the New York Yankees have been uncharacteristically quiet in free agency to this point, rumors are starting to circulate that they could be emerging as the favorites to land third baseman Chase Headley.

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the fact that the San Francisco Giants are unwilling to give Headley a four-year deal means that the Yanks' chances of retaining him are improving.

Per ESPN's Buster Olney, the Yankees have shown a willingness to display more flexibility than the Giants in terms of inking Headley:

Headley struggled last season while with the San Diego Padres, but his offensive production improved significantly in the Bronx as he hit .262 with six home runs and 17 RBI in 58 games. He is also an elite defender, which is something New York is lacking on the infield.

The impending return of Alex Rodriguez obviously muddies the waters to some degree, but the Yankees should be able to find regular at-bats for Headley at third, first base and designated hitter if they manage to bring him back.

Red Sox Targeting Justin Masterson

The Boston Red Sox have already made waves this offseason by bolstering their offense with the signing of infielders Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. With that in mind, the Sox have predictably shifted their focus toward pitching.

According to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe, the Red Sox have offered a one-year contract to the 29-year-old righty:

Masterson pitched for the Red Sox in 2008 and 2009 before being dealt to the Cleveland Indians. Although Masterson received an All-Star nod in 2013, he dropped off considerably last season as he posted a 5.88 ERA between the Indians and St. Louis Cardinals.

Since Masterson is coming off the worst campaign of his career, he has all the making of a good buy-low candidate. Red Sox manager John Farrell has a way with pitchers, and it will be interesting to see if that appeals to Masterson.

Monday, Dec. 8

Chicago White Sox Ink David Robertson

The bullpen was a clear spot of weakness for the Chicago White Sox last season, so they didn't hold back in going after David Robertson. 

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, with an assist from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, reported the details of the new contract:

One of the best relievers over the past four years, Robertson became a full-time closer for the first time in 2014. He finished with a 3.08 ERA, 39 saves and a sizzling 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings. 

White Sox on Brink of Acquiring Jeff Samardzija

The White Sox reportedly aren't stopping at Robertson, as they look to be the newest team to capitalize on Billy Beane's fire sale. 

Heyman reported that a deal for Jeff Samardzija is done, while Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan added that Marcus Semien would be part of the return package:

Splitting time with the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics last season, Samardzija compiled a 2.99 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. 

Semien, a top prospect entering 2014, hit .234/.300/.372 in 64 games with the Sox. 

Jon Lester Chooses Cubs

One of the most sought after free agents this winter, veteran starting pitcher Jon Lester has decided to join the Chicago Cubs.

Boston.com's Nick Cafardo confirmed the deal:

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal was the first to report while Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan reported the financial side of the deal.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal who was involved in Lester's final decision:

The Boston Herald's Michael Silverman thought Lester had a chance to return to Boston

Lester, splitting time between Boston and the Oakland Athletics after a trade deadline deal sent him West, compiled a 2.46 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 219.2 innings last year. Normally known for his dominance in October, the two-time World Series champion was roughed up in the wild-card game, as the A's were eliminated.

Despite the lack of 2014 postseason success, Lester's veteran presence at the top of Chicago's rotation could be exactly what one of MLB's most exciting young squads needs to take the next step toward the postseason.

C.J. Wilson Attracting Interest on the Trade Market

The Los Angeles Angels' C.J. Wilson had his worst season as a starter in 2014, but according to MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez, the Halos are still getting calls for him:

Wilson finished the year with a 4.51 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP, tossing under 200.0 innings for the first time since he became a starter in 2010. He is still owed another $38 million over the next two seasons, so the Angels will have to open up the team checkbook to get someone to bite. 

Padres the Leaders for Matt Kemp

Could Matt Kemp, arguably the most popular name on the trade market, stay in the NL West? USA Today's Bob Nightengale certainly thinks so:

Rosenthal pumped the breaks a little bit, though:

Kemp, who got caught in a season-long slump in 2013, returned to being one of the best right-handed hitters in the league during the second half of 2014, hitting .309/.365/.606 in the team's final 64 games. 

Even with a massive contract, Kemp's value is obvious. While a deal almost seems inevitable, don't expect the Dodgers to rush it. 

Orioles, Rangers, Padres Going After Justin Upton

MLB.com's Mark Bowman passes along the list of teams reportedly making a play for the Atlanta Braves 27-year-old slugger:

One of the best power hitters in the league, Upton hit .270/.342/.491 with 29 home runs and 102 RBI a season ago. He is set to make just under $29 million over the next two years. 

Indians Acquire Brandon Moss From Athletics

It wasn't all rumors and speculation on the first day of the winter meetings, as the Cleveland Indians struck up a deal to get Brandon Moss from the Oakland Athletics. 

The team's official Twitter feed confirmed the news:

A hip injury limited Moss to a .173/.310/.274 slash line with four home runs in the second half of last season, but he still finished the year with 25 dingers due to a monster first half. If he can return to his pre-injury form, he gives the Indians the power bat they need. 

Mariners Pursuing Melky Cabrera

The Seattle Mariners already made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason when they signed Nelson Cruz, but they aren't done attempting to improve a shaky lineup. 

Per Rosenthal, the M's are attempting to sign 30-year-old Melky Cabrera:

Cabrera hit .301/.351/.458 last season. His .808 OPS would have been second on the Mariners in 2014, behind only Robinson Cano. 

Original Text

Baseball executives from all 30 teams have descended upon the Southern Californian city under the guise of workshops and the execution of the Rule 5 Draft, but will in reality begin stoking flames on the offseason's biggest movement. The likes of Hanley Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval and Russell Martin have already inked deals in new locations, but the winter meetings may finally lead to aces Max Scherzer and James Shields financially securing their descendants.

Perhaps more interesting is the trade market, which could see a number of high-profile names thrown around in discussions. The Dodgers will be forced to unmuddy their outfield at some point this offseason, though it's unclear whether it'll be Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier heading out of town.

Event	Time (ET)
Monday, December 8
Tuesday, December 9
Wednesday, December 10
Thursday, December 11
Bob Freitas Business Seminar & Workshop Series	8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
PBEO Job Fair	9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Opening Session	11 a.m. - Noon
Awards Luncheon	12:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Opening Night at the Baseball Trade Show*	5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
PBEO Job Fair	9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Baseball Trade Show	10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Bob Freitas Workshop Series	10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
PBEO Job Fair	9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Baseball Trade Show	10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Bob Freitas Workshop Series	10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Closing Session	5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Gala at Petco Park	7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Rule 5 Draft	9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Kemp is the name that has drawn the most interest, with Dylan Hernandez of The Los Angeles Times citing the San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles as potential destinations. However, the Dodgers appear determined to do whatever they can to keep their former MVP and deal Ethier's onerous contract, per ESPN's Jayson Stark.

That's all without mentioning the likes of Cole Hamels, Jeff Samardzija and Jordan Zimmermann who have been tossed on and off the rumor mill all winter. The rumors will exponentially outweigh the actual deals and most fans will probably leave disappointed their team didn't make a big splash.

But every major deal starts with some behind-the-scenes whispers. The winter meetings provide baseball executives their best possible opportunity to do just that. Check back throughout the week as this article will be updated from now through Thursday with every rumbling from around the league.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter