Writing from MLB's Winter Meetings: Day 1

As promised, The GM’s Perspective is reporting on its first winter meetings, and it really is all it’s cracked up to be. Much like one’s first visit to Las Vegas, there are so many different things going on that you absolutely need a plan when you attend. 

Lucky for me, I had/have an agenda and have my days spread out and filled with events and conferences. 

In the midst of all this is the opportunity to network and finally get to meet colleagues I have worked with for years but have never actually met in person, most notably Maury Brown (founder and president of the Business of Sports Network) and Joe Tetreault. 

My first day has been filled with excitement and nerves but also an all-around feeling of enjoyment. Fans, managers, players and executives talk about this time of year endlessly, and to finally get that chance to experience it is something I will never forget. 

The question you might be asking is, “Give us some news—what’s the latest rumor in Dallas”? 

Well, Jose Reyes, the talented, yet controversial superstar, is now a Miami Marlin.

News broke this evening that the Marlins signed Reyes to a six-year contract worth $106 million. The Marlins, with a new stadium and revenue pouring in from all over, are making quite a splash this offseason.

First, they hired Ozzie Guillen to manage the club, Mark Buehrle has been in rumours about joining the team and now they have brought in Reyes, which will undoubtedly mean that Hanley Ramirez will move to third. Albert Pujols’ name has been flying around as the next player to join the Miami franchise. Whether that has any weight, I’m not sure, but if it’s true, the Marlins are going to be force to be reckoned with. 

In the American League, Prince Fielder’s name has come up on the Toronto Blue Jays' radar, according to Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star. I don’t take much stock in this, and Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has addressed the information the best he can.

“I don’t comment on rumors on players and free agents,” Anthopoulos told Griffin. 

“All that being said, I expect to be linked to practically every player. I guess I would say from a media and fan standpoint, as a rule of thumb, if something leaks, then it’s probably inaccurate, or if it leaks that it’s done, then it’s probably done.” 

That’s it for Day 1. I hope you enjoyed the read! 

Am I ready for Day 2? The immortal words of New York Jets linebacker Bart Scott epitomize my feelings to a tee: “Can’t wait.”

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective.

Devon is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals and Gateway Grizzlies and is now an independent scout.