Rumors Around the League

With the busiest Winter meetings since 1992 things have started to slow down. I am going to give a wrap up of what happened yesterday, and so far today. The Minnesota Twins locked up Ervin Santana to a 4 year 54 million dollar deal. The trade between the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks was finalized.,where Boston sent power arms Ruby De La Rosa and Allen Webster, and a Minor League prospect to Arizona in exchange for Wade Miley. Boston also finalized their contract with veteran Justin Masterson. The Huston Astros finalized their deals with veteran relievers Luke Gregerson, and Pat Neshek. Pittsburgh Pirates finalized there deal with Francisco Liriano. Jason Hammel signed a two year deal with the Chicago Cubs. Finally, Texas made two trade moves this past 24 hours. First, they traded with the Washington Nationals for pitcher Ross Detwiler and signed Cubs pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa. 

RUMORS AROUND THE LEAGUE

It has been reported that the San Diego Padres have made an offer to free agent Brandon Morrow. Morrow is 30 years old and was the 5th overall pick in the 2006 draft by the Marlins. I wouldn't be thrilled if I was  Padre fan to be chasing after Morrow. He has been fighting injuries most of his career, and last season was no different. Luckily, Morrows injury was on his finger, and nothing as serious as Tommy John surgery. What you can say, is that Morrow would bring some depth to their pitching staff, which will be needed in a pitching heavy NL West.

The San Diego Padres aren't done yet after the Matt Kemp trade. They are reported in discussions with Power outfielder Justin Upton of the Atlanta Braves. Upton is in the final year of his contract, and owed 14.5 million this next season. The problem with the Padres getting Upton is they would have a surplus of outfielders. After the performance their outfield made last season, other than Seth Smith, the Padres would have no problem getting rid of the extra man. I would not count the Texas Rangers or San Francisco Giants out of the race for Justin Upton. I will confidently say we will not see Upton in a Braves uniform next season.

 The Seattle Mariners have made an offer to 30 year old outfielder Melky Cabrera. Coming off a strong year with a .30l batting average, .351 on base percentage, 16 homeruns, and 73 runs batted in. If Seattle could land Cabrera, it would be a nice compliment to Robinson Cano, and recently signed Nelson Cruz. The only thing is Cabrera wants a four year contract, and Seattle only wants to give him three years. I think you will see what the Detroit Tigers did with Victor Martinez, by signing him a year longer than they wanted to, but knowing he will produce for the years you wanted him for.

The Seattle Mariners are also in trade discussions for Ian Desmond of the Washington Nationals. The trade would include Taijun Walker, James Paxton, and possibly Brad Miller. Desmond is only 29 years old and is a game changing shortstop. Desmond is a rare short stop to find because not only can he play solid defense, but he can hit for power. He has been apart of the 20-20 club for three years, which is 20 homeruns and 20 stolen bases in the same season. Power, speed, and defense is something your always looking to add to your roster. If Seattle makes this trade they will be hurting for starting pitching depth.