Warm Oven: Winter Meetings

Okay my name may not be as clever as "Hot Stove," but that's why they get paid and I am still here. With winter meetings heating up(the puns just keep coming) I thought I'd talk about a few preliminary moves as this could be the beginning of a very active winter leading into the 2010 season.

1. Are The Angels leading the front or is it really the Blue Jays? 

Right now if trends continue the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim could land the most consistent and reliable pitcher in the major leagues this decade. That's right, despite talks of Kelvim Escobar's departure, John Lackey and Vladimir Guerrero leaving to free agency, and Chone Figgins already singing with the Seattle Mariners, the Angels are making moves to stay in the elite class of the American League, keep the fans happy and not to mention stay in contention with the Yankees. However, this deal is one of those make you break you deals, as we saw with the White Sox and Jake Peavy last year that essentially took them out of the division running in late July. The preliminary looks for the deal would be: 

The Angels get Roy Halladay

The Jays get: Erick Aybar (an emerging infielder with Figgins like speed)

  Joe Saunders (2009 all-star)

Peter Bourjos (a minor league prospect CF)

Although, Doc Halladay is arguably the best pitcher in baseball I have to like this move for the Blue Jays. Roy Halladay has already stated he would not resign with the Jays so dumping him off on a NON division foe and opening the pocket book a little more could bode well for Toronto. The Angels did, also, manage to sign Bobby Abreu back for the next two years, but there is still winter work to be done in Anaheim.

2. Brian Cashman does it again.

Earlier in the week there were rumors of both Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson heading to the Yankees, but as I stated those were just rumors. Within hours the Yankees got the Arizona Diamondbacks involved to help replenish some of the Detroit Tiger farm system since the Yankees really couldn't match what the Tigers were asking for. The trade then was position to send Jackson to the Diamondbacks instead, but would still allow the Yankees to land Granderson. The D-backs also nabbed a young pitcher in Ian Kennedy, but you have to wonder if the elements of their farm system they unloaded were worth it. Either way as it stands, all three teams improved in areas they were looking to improve. As hard as it is to say the world champs needed to improve, the Yanks could potentially lose both Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, with the Granderson deal I think it is safe to say one of those players is gone. A report came out earlier today that the Yankees are requesting a quick decision from Damon and if you're Damon where else would you rather be? As we have seen before, don't think the Yankees are done at Granderson and Damon, Matt Holliday and Jason Bay still remain on the market and who wouldn't want to hit in the Jet Stream?

3. Subtle Moves in Small Markets

The Kansas City Royals have flown relatively under the radar this winter, whereas the Milwaukee Brewers are making noise. Kansas City made a deal just hours after the World Series final pitch with the Chicago White Sox to receive two former Rookie of the Year Candidates in Josh Fields and Chris Getz in return for Mark Teahan. As a long time Sox fan I hate to see Getz go because of his consistency on both sides of the ball; Fields kind of ran his time out at third base in Chicago with the emergence of Rookie phenom Gordon Beckham. But nonetheless Fields hit 27 homeruns in just over 100 games in 2007 for the Sox as a rookie and Getz was 21/22 in stolen bases and lead all AL rookies in runs and hits in 2009. The Royals also signed former Brave Jorge Campillo who at teams has looked like a formidable late rotation starter, spot starter, and middle reliever. They have landed 4 other minor league deals and should be looking in the right direction after last year's quick start.

Milwaukee, on the other hand, was one of the more disappointing teams in the NL after the Wild Card appearance in 2008. Last year the crew lacked the strong staff that carried them into '08 playoffs with the season long injury to Sheets and losing Sabathia to Free Agency. The Brewers have had bullpen troubles in and out for the past decade, minus Cordero's 40+ save season a few years back, but have spent the last two years trying to fill those holes. After a couple days of negotiating, the beermakers landed Randy Wolf for three years and Latroy Hawkins for two. The crew also added veteran Greg Zaun, but just as quick as the Royals were at the beginning of the offseason the Brewers dealt JJ Hardy to the Minnesota Twins for Carlos Gomez, which in my opinion is a mute trade; Hardy had two good months and really hasn't done anything since and Gomez has absolutely zero plate discipline. With the signings of Hawkins and Wolf you can only hope that they don't flop like Jeff Suppan and Eric Gagne. Keep your eyes on a potential Corey Hart for John Maine deal as well in the upcoming week.

One other small market team I will make a quick comment about is watch out for the Houston Astros low radar moves.

4. Texas keeps pushing for success.

The Rangers surprised many baseball analysts last year finally getting over the .500 hump and making a push towards the playoffs. Texas has always had a winning offseason, but could never hold their opponents to enough runs to win. Last year Kevin Milwood pitched like a Cy Young winner and younger role pitchers showed what they could bring to the table. This year the Rangers have essentially landed right-hander Rich Harden, who having a DH hit for him may become more durable, and could perform like the all star he once was in Oakland. I like the move and think the Rangers are doing the right things looking forward.

5. Players to keep an eye on.

Without naming off the obviously players like Matt Holliday, Roy Halladay, Jason Bay, etc.

Here is a list of guys that I think could have new homes before Spring.

Zach Duke- The Pirates have been known for their odd trades that usually look worse than they really are. Duke has shown an ability to be a very strong and durable pitcher that could shine at the back-end of a rotation. 

Milton Bradley- The Cubs have lost so far, that's a topic I could write about for hours, they didn't get Granderson and they still have Milton Bradley. They may struggle to trade him because the asking price may be a little high and let's face it it's Milton Bradley; bottom line he may be cut before Spring.

Hideki Matsui- It appears the Yankees have named Damon the winner between the two and could be offering Damon his spot back in the outfield. Matsui not only brings a strong left handed bat, but an insurance in the middle of a lineup. Let's not forget this is the 2009 World Series MVP. Although left field may be passed Matsui he can still be the every day DH and platoon in the outfield.

Justin Duchscherer- A few years ago this guy looked like a perennial Cy Young candidate one shoulder injury later and he hasn't pitched since. In my opinion, the risk is worth the reward, with the right conditioning, trainer, and coach Duchsherer could really shine.

Juan Pierre- He was a hitting machine in Manny's absence last year and proved he still has what it takes to perform in the bigs. He could be a great lead off man and run scorer for teams looking to fill that void.