Winter Meetings: Day One Review
The first day of the annual winter meetings is complete. Here’s what happened:
– a bogus rumor circulated sending Mets fans in horror, reporting that Pat Burrell was on his way to Flushing.
– another bogus rumor had the Mets trading for Edwin Jackson. I feel bad for MetsToday reader Micalpalyn, who has been pining for this acquisition for two years.
– the Nationals acquired Brian Bruney. If they acquire a halfway decent closer, they’ll have a better bullpen (on paper) than the Mets. The trade also rekindles a fairly lame “feud” between Bruney and K-Rod.
– the Cardinals signed Brad Penny to a one-year deal. Penny + Dave Duncan = 15+ wins
– the Giants, Mariners, and Rockies are interested in the most athletic free-agent catcher. The Mets remain interested in Bengie Molina
– the Mets might be on the verge of offering Bengie Molina a one-year deal worth $6M plus a vesting option for 2011
– no one other than the Mets have displayed interest in Bengie Molina
– one source reported that the Mets were talking to JOSE Molina. Apparently they haven’t completely cornered the market on backup catchers who can’t hit a lick. Or maybe Omar Minaya thought he was talking to Bengie. They DO look similar, after all.
– Rafael Soriano accepted arbitration. The Braves now have the NL East’s best bullpen — to match the division’s best starting rotation one through five. How does that old philosophy go? You win with pitching, pitching and more what?
– the Brewers are on the verge of signing Randy Wolf to a three-year deal. If that’s what it takes, I’m glad the Mets are out of the bidding.
– Roy Halladay was rumored to be going to the Dodgers or the Rays, of all places
– the Rays are shopp(ach)ing Dioner Navarro
– the Mets are talking to Adam Kennedy. Now THAT’s a guy I’d pay $2M to be the infield utilityman.
– the Mets will meet with the agents for Randy Wolf, Joel Pineiro, Jason Marquis, and John Lackey during the meetings. Pineiro wants (giggle) a four-year deal.
– Matt Murton has been sold to the Hanshin Tigers of Japan
– the Mets inquired on Kelvim Escobar
– at least one source reports that the Mets are willing to trade Luis Castillo for Juan Pierre. Why not just put Castillo in left field?
– Elmer Dessens is weighing offers from the Mets, Dodgers, and Padres. Really?
– Pudge Rodriguez signed with the Nationals. You know what? I’m starting to worry about the Nats.
I thought the Mets had signed Dessens?! Well seeing they haven’t they must have another..say $2mill rolling around in the cookie jar right?
Agreed that Rafael Soriano accepting arbitration gives the Braves a very formidible bullpen now. However, will that bullpen stay intact? They say Soriano could make $8M in arbitration in 2010, which may be too rich for the penny pinching Braves. Don’t forget, Atlanta is also looking to fill holes a 1B, LF, and RF (depending on if you believe they see Matt Diaz and Ryan Church as everyday players). I’d say Soriano’s a good bet to get traded, perhaps with Church or Kelly Johnson, for a corner OF, (Corey Hart? Josh Willingham?) but what do I know.
Though, I think the Pudge signing by the Nats is poor. Jesus Flores should be their starter, and giving Pudge $3M a year to be a backup on a last place team is nonsensical. Sure, Pudge can school Flores and provide a solid veteran voice on a young team, but I doubt his signing helps the Nats win any more games than they were already projected to win in 2010. His signing also means the Nats are sacrificing a draft pick, something they should not be doing for the likes of a 38 year old projected backup.
The Braves are stuck with Soriano until June 15th unless he approves a trade, or if they release him during ST. He won’t be released, but you’re right, he could be traded. Which means the Braves suddenly have a somewhat valuable trading chip to help them fetch the big bat they need.
Molina will surprise me if he hits more than 15 HR next year — and it’ll take him 600+ ABs to do it. Are those HRs going to offset his lack of mobility, fading defensive skills, 1-pitch at-bats, and .280 OBP? I’m not sure. Having both Francoeur and Molina in the lineup scares me — it’s like giving the opposing starting pitcher an extra inning.