Winter Meetings Day 1

Let it begin boys and girls. Today owners, GM's, and agents met in Indy for what will be an exciting three days. Let's recap if you were sleeping under a rock.

FA SP Andy Pettite has said he wants to return to pitch a 16th season, but has supposedly rejected the Yankees initial offer. Right now, I'm cheering, but I bet he'll break down like he did last season to return to the Yanks. As of now, though it appears he will be back for the Yanks, as I've just read in Cliff Eastham's blog. The Yanks shipped reliever Brian Bruney off to the Nats for a player to be named. Bruney during the regular season was fantastic going 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA, but broke down in the postseason. This is a solid pick-up regardless for the Nats, who need a lot of help in the bullpen.

The Red Sox came to terms with reliever Scott Atchinson. It's a minor league deal worth $420K, but with $1M+ in options. The Red Sox bought EXTREMELY LOW speculating their saving money for the higher priced relievers/outfield position/starting pitching. Atchinson hasn't pitched a ML game since 07 with the Giants posting a 4.11 ERA. Jason Bay is expected to turn down arbitration.

The Rockies released OF Matt Murton in order for him to pursue a contract with the Hanshin Tigers. He hit .389 in Triple-A last season.

The Tigers have re-signed SS Adam Everett to a 1yr/ $1.5M deal. Everett hit .238 with 3 HRs and 44 RBIs last season in 118 games for the Tigers.

The Cardinals have reached a preliminary agreement on a 1 yr deal with SP Brad Penny. Penny resurrected his career in Boston last season before falling apart and being released. He found his stride again with the Giants (4-1; 2.59ERA). The deal is worth $7.5M with $1.5M in incentives should he pass the physical. This means that John Smoltz's stay in STL is probably over. Penny can help the Cards out greatly if he can be the 2nd half Brad Penny he was this season. Mark DeRosa is expected to turn down arbitration.

The Angels have begun talks with Jason Bay's agent, Joe Urbon. There is nothing to report yet, but sources say the Mariners don't have a shot. Evidently, the Milton Bradley-Pat Burrell swap hasn't been shot down yet. I can't see this trade benefiting either team. Burrell doesn't help the Cubs offense or defense and the Rays don't want distractions in their clubhouse.

Good news for the Twins, Carl Pavano will accept arbitration. Pavano went a combined 14-12 with a 5.10ERA between Cleveland and Minnesota in '09.

SP Justin Duchsherer has declined arbitration with the A's. For him to go anywhere, the team that signs him will have to give up draft picks. With the Sox already having to deal picks to Toronto, I expect that to shoot down Duchsherer coming to Boston.

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