Thursday, December 10, 2009

Bit of Yesterday and The Final Day of Meetings

The Rangers were making a flurry of moves and I thought for a second they were the New York Yankees. Rich Harden was signed to a 1yr/ $6.5M contract, Chris Ray was acquired from the Orioles, and then they agreed to trade minor league catcher Max Ramirez to the Red Sox for 3B Mike Lowell pending physicals. The Red Sox ate Lowell's contract to deal him, where he'll more than likely be a DH in the Texas line-up. By doing so, I have believe Theo is going to pursue Adrian Gonzalez or another high profile infielder. After saying "they{Red Sox} weren't going to make a deal at the meetings," the Sox have acquired reliever Boof Bonser from the Twins for a player to be named later. Recently, the Twins designated him for assignment. This is the 3rd reliever the Sox have picked-up in 2 days.

Another team that's hot is the Astros. They got Brandon Lyon (6-5; 2.86ERA) late last night for 3yrs/$15M and a draft pick goes to the Tigers. As I'm typing this, Houston has just signed 3B Pedro Feliz to a 1yr/$4.5M contract. All Feliz .266, 12HRs, 82 RBIs) could could get was $4.5M? That puzzles me. His numbers are for the most part steady in production and he doesn't commit a lot of fielding errors. It's a bargain for the Astros.

The Royals continue their revamping craze by releasing 1B Mike Jacobs and reliever John Bale. With this move the Royals can make two selections in the Rule 5 draft today. Getting rid of Bale was good, but why Jacobs? He did have a down year in 2009, but the Royals line-up isn't exactly full of production. Wouldn't it have been possible to slide Jacobs into another position since the coming of Billy Butler?

The Rockies have come to terms with C Chris Iannetta (.228, 16 HRs, 52 RBIs) on a 3 year deal worth over eight million. Good move for the Rockies since they're still unsure if Torrealba will return. The team has made 2yr/$4M+ to C Jason Kendall. If Kendall doesn't sign, the Royals may pursue Rod Barajas.

The Rays and Braves swapped relievers. A expected the Rays get their man in Rafael Soriano and send the Braves Jesse Chavez(1-4; 4.01ERA). Chavez is rough around the edges still, but is expected to progress into a great reliever. The Rays are working on a 1yr/$7M deal with Soriano and will be official once the physical is in the books.

News and Notes:
Ian Browne and John Heyman report the Mets have offered OF Jason Bay a 4 yr/$65M contract. Bay is looking for a fifth year.
The White Sox have made an offer to J.J. Putz(undisclosed).
With Brandon Lyon, Raffy Soriano off the market and the Sox jumping on Putz, where does this leave the Phils for bullpen help? Reports say GM Amaro is looking hard at John Smoltz.
Will the Red Sox pursue Adrian Beltre now? God, I hope not. Spend the money and get DeRosa. The Giants are looking at DeRosa today. Maybe Adam LaRoche comes back and Youk moves to third thinks Ian Browne.
ESPN's Jayson Stark says "Disregard any Adrian Gonzalez rumor."
Reliever Darren Oliver is receiving attention from the Mets, Red Sox, Angels, Rays, rangers, and Mariners. His agent is about to speak with the Texas tonight.

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