Hot Stove Updates

The big news, of course, is the Mike Morse trade. However, there were a few other sizzlings on the Hot Stove.

Utility man Don Kelly re-signed with the Detroit Tigers. Ho-hum.

The Marlins’ signing of Austin Kearns was made official.

Vicente Padilla has signed with the SoftBank Hawks in Japan.

Darren Oliver decided not to hang them up, and instead fulfill the second year of his two-year contract with the Blue Jays. Remember the last time Oliver was semi-retired, and Omar Minaya gave him the chance to resurrect his career in 2006? Seems like seven years ago. Oh, wait — it was.

Jeff Karstens re-signs with the Pirates; he had been non-tendered by them earlier in the winter.

Aaron Cook gets a minor-league deal with the Phillies. I thought Cook would’ve been a target of the Mets for AAA depth and/or opportunity to compete for a role as a fifth starter, considering his ability to eat innings and inexpensive commitment. Well, Chris Young is still available.

Jo-Jo Reyes appears to be on his way to Korea.

Peter Moylan signed with the Dodgers. This is another low-budget pitcher I thought the Mets might target. Maybe they did.

George Kottaras was DFA’d by the Athletics. The veteran catcher became expendable when the A’s acquired John Jaso as part of the Morse trade. Should the Mets pick up Kottaras? I think so. Not because Kottaras is a superstar, but because they don’t have much depth behind the plate.

That’s all for the moment.