Prince Fielder is the most intriguing story line left this offseason. Part of me thinks that at this point, he’d make the most money playing for Bob’s Chicken Coop in the Wauwatosa beer league. Top story line 1B: Yoenis Cespedes. The five-tool Cuban outfielder has no fewer than six dead-serious suitors, the Tigers definitely among … Continue Reading →
Major league executives and agents are shuffling out of the swanky Hilton Anatole this afternoon, the winter meetings have come to a close. And what a finish it was. The Angels decided to do some late souvenir shopping before heading back west. Early this morning, they added massive huge contracts to their books — a … Continue Reading →
The winter meetings are quickly coming to a close, and it’s a near-certainty we’ll be flying away from Dallas tomorrow afternoon without the Tigers making any official announcement regarding reliever Octavio Dotel. It appears down to Detroit and St. Louis. I wouldn’t be stunned if Dotel is choosing between a one-year offer from the Cardinals … Continue Reading →
What comes first: The Marlins’ announcement that Mark Buehrle has agreed to a four-year deal worth, $58 million, according to ESPN.com. Or the announcement that hte Marlins’ will charge $1,800 for a bleacher ticket in 2012. The crazy spending spree continued today as the Marlins locked up another one of their targets: Buehrle, the free-agent … Continue Reading →
Well, it’s official. We’ve now seen two ballplayers — closer Heath Bell and shortstop Jose Reyes — up close this week, wearing the new Miami Marlins uniforms, and it’s clear that it’s not the guy. Those uniforms are just plain ugly. We’re taking “Tin Cup” golf shirt ugly. The Marlins finally introduced Reyes moments ago. The … Continue Reading →
As if they were hustling to make dinner reservations in the Metroplex, the Mets pulled off a series of rapid-fire moves Tuesday night at the winter meetings. According to several media reports, the Mets made a pair of free-agent signings and an intriguing trade with the Giants that should significantly upgrade New York’s beyond-awful bullpen. Added … Continue Reading →
This was a new situation for the Marlins. In winter meetings past, they’ve taken the stage to talk about players they’ve traded away, Tigers slugging first baseman Miguel Cabrera among them back in 2007. On Monday, though, they were front and center announcing the addition of star closer Heath Bell. It’s expected to be the … Continue Reading →
Somwhat overlooked in the craziness that is the Marlins offseason: They already have an All-Star shortstop. Sunday night’s acquisition of Jose Reyes means Hanley Ramirez no longer is the Marlins’ starting shortstop. Where he’ll play next year is up in the air — the options appear to be third base or center field (two Marlins’ … Continue Reading →
Well, now, that’s a familiar start to baseball’s winter meetings. Last year, hours before the four days of wheelin’ and dealin’ officially got under way just outside Orlando, the Nationals stunned the baseball world by signing outfielder Jayson Werth to a seven-year, $126 million deal. The deal is as minboggling today as it was a year ago today. … Continue Reading →