Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.: So, Day 2 was relatively quiet. In fact, both days thus far have been rather slow.
The biggest news of Day 2 was a pair of trades. Mark Trumbo was traded from the Angels to the Diamondbacks as part of a three-team deal that also included the White Sox. Los Angeles landed pitchers Tyler Skaggs and Hector Santiago in the trade. The Rockies, meanwhile, reportedly acquired Brett Anderson from the Athletics.
There were some decent rumors to float around Tuesday. The Phillies are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, and the Indians are reportedly open to trade proposals for Asdrubal Cabrera and Justin Masterson. We’ll see if anything comes of those, while also keeping an eye on the David Price and Matt Kemp markets.
Day 3 of the winter meetings is in full swing. Follow along at the link below.
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12:29 a.m.: According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Yankees may look to Joaquin Benoit for bullpen help. The 37-year-old free agent is still capable of being a solid middle reliever, but he struggled mightily for the Tigers in the 2013 postseason.
The grand slam he gave up to Red Sox slugger David Ortiz in Game 2 of the ALCS cost the Tigers a chance to take a 2-0 lead heading home to Detroit. Benoit finished the playoffs with a 6.35 ERA and three saves in 5 and 2/3 innings pitched.
6:58 p.m.: If you’re waiting for a major move by the Red Sox, you might be waiting a while.
General manager Ben Cherington said that he’s not close to any impact moves at the winter meetings, according to MLB.com’s Ian Browne.
Things, of course, could change, but this seems right in line with Cherington’s previous insistence that the Red Sox might have already done their “heavy lifting” this offseason.
With that, I’ll be stepping away for the evening. But don’t worry. NESN.com’s Nicholas Goss is here to keep you up to speed on any additional happenings on Day 2.
For all of you Twitter aficionados out there, feel free to follow me at @TheRickyDoyle. Or don’t. The choice is yours, really. But have a great night either way.
6:49 p.m.: There haven’t really been any new developments on the Bartolo Colon front Tuesday. Another team has reportedly expressed interest, though.
The Rangers are interested in Colon, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Wilson says that signing Colon would bump Alexi Ogando from the rotation and keep Robbie Ross in the bullpen, while also providing insurance in case Matt Harrison is slow to come back from his injuries.
6:16 p.m.: We’ve yet to gain any sense of clarity this week regarding Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.
According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Rakuten Golden Eagles president Yozo Tachibana is undecided on whether to post Tanaka, who would likely become the most sought-after starting pitcher in free agency if posted.
A major hold-up is the new $20 million posting limit. Tachibana could opt to hold onto his ace in the hopes of landing a bigger deal down the road.
6:08 p.m.:Â There’s a belief that the Yankees will trade an outfielder in the wake of signing Jacoby Ellsbury. But it might not be Brett Gardner.
CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees’ current plan is to keep Gardner and move Ichiro Suzuki instead. General manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday that he has received many calls on Gardner, but Heyman says that the Yankees like the idea of having both Ellsbury and Gardner covering the outfield in New York.
It’s unclear whether there will be a market for Ichiro if the Yankees look to deal him. Gardner would certainly be much easier to move.
5:31 p.m.: The Astros are keeping their eyes peeled.
According to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, the Astros are interested in first baseman/outfielder Mike Morse, as well as right-handed relievers Jesse Crain and Chad Gaudin.
Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle adds that the interest is mutual between the Astros and Morse.
5:13 p.m.: Brett Anderson is on the move.
The Rockies have acquired Anderson from the Athletics in exchange for left-hander Drew Pomeranz and right-hander Chris Jensen, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
MLB.com’s Jane Lee reports that the A’s are also sending some cash to the Rockies as part of the deal. (Who doesn’t like some cash, right?) CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman puts the figure at $2 million.
Anderson has been in the league five years, but he’ll only be 26 this upcoming season. His effectiveness, of course, is contingent upon his health, which simply hasn’t been there the last few years.
Anderson is coming off a season in which he was limited to 16 appearances (five starts) because of a stress fracture in his foot. The lefty also has a history of elbow issues, which he attempted to solve by undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2011.
Anderson went 11-11 with a 4.06 ERA in 30 starts in his rookie campaign in 2009. He has shown plenty of promise when healthy, so he represents a good buy-low option for Colorado.
Pomeranz, who was selected fifth overall in 2010 by the Indians, was traded to Colorado in the deal that sent Ubaldo Jimenez to Cleveland. His success in the minors hasn’t translated to the major league level yet, and Jensen, 23, is still working his way up.
Anderson is under control at $8 million for 2014 with a $12 million club option for 2015.
4:34 p.m.: The Brewers, Pirates and Mariners are the hottest teams for Logan Morrison, according to Ken Rosenthal.
4:28 p.m.: There’s some debate as to whether the Diamondbacks, who have been very busy, made an offer to Joba Chamberlain.
ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that the D-Backs have offered Chamberlain a one-year contract worth close to $3 million, but MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert reports that Arizona has not offered the right-hander a deal.
4:21 p.m.: The Diamondbacks are indeed likely out on Shin-Soo Choo after acquiring Mark Trumbo, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, although they are still discussing the idea. Arizona is reportedly shifting its focus toward front-line starting pitching.
The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro reports that the Diamondbacks have been in touch with Matt Garza’s agent.
3:43 p.m.: The Mets and Reds have joined the Twins in making a strong push for Bronson Arroyo, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN.
3:38 p.m.: It was reported Monday that the Phillies were “actively shopping” outfielder Domonic Brown. We’re now learning a bit more information.
According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, a team that spoke with the Phillies about Brown reports that Philadelphia is looking for two or three young players in return. The team told Stark that the Phillies “didn’t seem enthused” about trading Brown.
3:29 p.m.: The Trumbo trade might spell the end of Arizona’s pursuit of Shin-Soo Choo. Since they’re saving money by acquiring Trumbo and not Choo, however, perhaps the D-Backs will jump into the mix for a free-agent pitcher.
Trumbo, who has drilled 66 homers over the last two seasons, will add plenty of pop to the Diamondbacks’ lineup. The 27-year-old is rather one-dimensional, though, as he’s a below-average defensive outfielder with a poor .299 career on-base percentage.
3:22 p.m.: The rumored three-team trade between the Diamondbacks, Angels and White Sox has been completed, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
Mark Trumbo and a pair of players to be named later will reportedly be shipped to the Diamondbacks, Adam Eaton will join the White Sox and Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs will head to the Angels.
3:16 p.m.: Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters that he has spoken with the agents for Boone Logan and Mark Reynolds.
Cashman also said that he has received many calls about Brett Gardner, but that the Yankees are not shopping the speedy outfielder.
3:14 p.m.: The Mets have long been considered a potential suitor for Stephen Drew. But their level of interest might not be too high.
Newday’s David Lennon says that the Mets will be “very picky” with the Drew market and that the deal will have to be a “steal” in order for the shortstop to end up signing with the club. The Mets, according to Lennon, appear reluctant to offer Drew a third year, and New York already relinquished a second-round pick to sign Curtis Granderson.
3:03 p.m.: Yooooouk.
Don’t forget, folks. Kevin Youkilis is a free agent. And according to The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo, Youkilis is starting to draw interest as a “lower-cost” corner infield option.
YES Network’s Jack Curry says that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman recently reached out to Youkilis’ agent, but the 34-year-old expressed a desire to play near his home in California.
Youkilis suffered a back injury this past season that limited him to just 28 games with the Yankees. He hit .219 (23-for-105) with two homers, eight RBIs and a .305 on-base percentage.
2:54 p.m.: The Rockies were aggressively pursuing Reds pitcher Sean Marshall, but concerns over the left-hander’s health could kill a potential deal, according to The Denver Post’s Troy Renck.
2:50 p.m.: Eric Chavez is a popular guy.
CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that at least seven teams are interested in Chavez. According to Heyman, the Rangers, Rays, Pirates, Braves, Diamondbacks, Nationals and Yankees all have expressed interest in the veteran third baseman.
2:38 p.m.: Eric O’Flaherty is very effective left-handed reliever when healthy, so it’s no wonder that the Braves are open to him returning.
David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Braves are in talks with O’Flaherty, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, and there’s apparently a good chance that the lefty will stay in Atlanta.
1:35 p.m.: The Orioles are not interested in Raul Ibanez, but remain interested in pitcher Gavin Floyd, according to MLB.com’s Brittany Ghiroli.
1:27 p.m.: The three-way trade between the Diamondbacks, Angels and White Sox is “not imminent,” but “getting pretty close,” according to MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez.
Gonzalez reports that Howie Kendrick is not part of the deal.
1:24 p.m.: We’ll continue to monitor the potential three-way trade between the Diamondbacks, Angels and White Sox involving Mark Trumbo and Tyler Skaggs, among others. It might just be a matter of time before a deal gets done.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the three teams are optimistic that they will complete their three-team trade.
1:21 p.m.: At the beginning of free agency, it seemed like Stephen Drew would probably land elsewhere. Now, there’s a distinct possibility that he’ll end up back in Boston.
According to WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford, one executive thought to be possibly linked to Drew believes that the shortstop will re-sign with the Red Sox.
The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo reports that the Mets are in the market for a shortstop with Drew still in play.
1:14 p.m.: The Mariners are interested in free-agent reliever Fernando Rodney, according to FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi.
As Morosi points out, Rodney has a good relationship with new Mariners skipper Lloyd McClendon from their time together in Detroit.
Rodney was up and down in 2013, but was sensational in 2012. The right-hander posted a sparkling 0.60 ERA and 0.78 WHIP while saving 48 games for the Rays in 2012. He had a 3.38 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in addition to 37 saves in 2013.
1:09 p.m.: Talks involving Brett Anderson are resurfacing.
According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies and A’s have resumed their talks regarding the left-hander.
1:06 p.m.: Arizona’s pursuit of Mark Trumbo now includes a third team.
Talks between the Diamondbacks and Angels have expanded to include the White Sox, according to ESPN’s Keith Law. Chicago would reportedly receive Adam Eaton while sending Hector Santiago to the Angels.
Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago reports that talks are in the preliminary stages, but are definitely ongoing.
According to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, the Diamondbacks would also receive a pair of good prospects in the Trumbo deal.
1:01 p.m.: Pittsburgh’s first base search continues.
The Pirates are resuming talks about possibly signing James Loney, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
It was reported Monday that the Bucs were exploring first base options on the trade market, including Adam Lind and Logan Morrison, mainly because Loney is believed to be seeking a three-year deal worth around $30 million.
12:57 p.m.: Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post reports that both Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard are drawing interest on the trade market.
The Cubs were previously linked to the pair of Nationals relievers, but Kilgore reports that talks between the two clubs regarding the pitchers are now dead.
12:53 p.m.: There’s been talk that the Nationals might consider moving Danny Espinosa, but according to Ken Rosenthal, Washington is balking at moving the infielder.
Espinosa has reportedly drawn interest from the Yankees, among others.
12:48 p.m.: FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported Monday that the Indians are listening to offers for Justin Masterson, who is entering his final season before free agency.
Cleveland is reportedly open to trade offers for Asdrubal Cabrera as well. As Jon Morosi points out, the Indians have a potential franchise shortstop in Francisco Lindor.
12:36 p.m.: We now have conflicting reports regarding the Marlins’ pursuit — or lack thereof — of Juan Uribe.
Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports that the Marlins have no interest in Uribe as a third base option, which goes against a previous report from FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
12:08 p.m.: Enrique Rojas adds that the Dodgers are offering Juan Uribe a one-year deal with an option while the White Sox are willing to offer two years.
12:06 p.m.: Juan Uribe’s name is beginning to kick up some dust.
The Marlins are interested in filling their third base hole with Uribe, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. Miami already signed Furcal to play short.
Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deports is reporting that the Dodgers and White Sox are among the other teams pushing hard for Uribe.
11:53 a.m.: Perhaps the most intriguing rumor of the morning has been the Phillies’ reported willingness to trade Cliff Lee or Cole Hamels. A deal might not happen any time soon, though, as Philadelphia reportedly is asking for a lot in return.
According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, the Phillies would only trade Lee or Hamels in a “win/win” scenario. In other words, the other team would need to give up premium talent in addition to taking on the pitcher’s entire contract.
11:49 a.m.: While CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported that the Diamondbacks offered Tyler Skaggs and Trevor Cahill for Mark Trumbo, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register is hearing that there’s “zero chance” of Arizona dealing both Skaggs and Cahill to Los Angeles.
Fletcher’s report seems to make sense, as Skaggs and Cahill would be a gross overpay for Trumbo.
11:45 a.m.: The Orioles are looking for a closer after trading Jim Johnson. Grant Balfour could be their guy.
The Orioles and Balfour have exchanged parameters on a potential deal, according to MASNSports.com’s Roch Kubatko. Baltimore is reportedly considered the favorite to land Balfour, who is coming off three straight solid seasons in Oakland.
The O’s appear to be keeping their options open, though. CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that John Axford and Chris Perez are other closer possibilities that Baltimore could pursue.
11:36 a.m.: Jason Bay has fallen off in recent years, so he might head to Japan to salvage the rest of his baseball career.
Jon Heyman reports that the Yomiuri Giants have made an offer to Bay and that he’s considering it.
11:28 a.m.: The Diamondbacks are looking to make a splash.
Arizona is “determined” to come away from the winter meetings with either free-agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo or Angels slugger Mark Trumbo, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman.
Sherman reports that Choo’s asking price is believed to be in the range of Carl Crawford’s seven-year, $142 million contract. CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, meanwhile, reports that one possible deal on the table for Trumbo involves pitchers Tyler Skaggs and Trevor Cahill.
Andy Martino of the New York Daily News says that one executive he spoke with is convinced that the Diamondbacks are going to land Choo.
11:13 a.m.: The LoMo rumors continue to fly.
Logan Morrison was the subject of trade rumors on Day 1, and it seems like a matter of time before the Marlins trade the first baseman/outfielder.
According to Juan C. Rodriguez of the Miami Sun-Sentinel, as many as seven teams are interested Morrison. It was reported Monday that the Marlins told teams that they will trade Morrison shortly, although MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro reports that a deal might not take place at the winter meetings.
11:08 a.m.: We haven’t heard much regarding Omar Infante this offseason, but his market might begin to take shape now that Robinson Cano is off the board.
ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that Infante is said to be looking for more than $8 million per year on a long-term deal.
10:59 a.m.: We’ve got some potentially big news surrounding the Phillies.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Phillies have indicated to teams that they’re “ready and willing” to discuss Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels in trades.
CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman is hearing the same, although he adds that the Phillies won’t eat any of either pitcher’s remaining contract.
Lee will make $25 million each of the next two years and has a $27.5 million option for 2016 (which includes a $12.5 million buyout). Hamels will make $23.5 million per year through 2018.
10:48 a.m.: The Tigers have landed an outfielder.
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca., the Tigers have agreed to a two-year deal with Rajai Davis. FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi reports that the deal is for around $9 million-$10 million.
Davis spent the last three years in Toronto, and has also played for Oakland, San Francisco and Pittsburgh during his eight-year career.
The 33-year-old is best known for his speed. He stole 45 bags in 2013 and has eclipsed the 40-steal mark four times. Davis recorded a career-high 50 thefts in 2010.
10:40 a.m.: Some cold water has really been tossed on the Matt Kemp/Red Sox rumors.
While the Red Sox have reportedly checked in with the Dodgers about the All-Star outfielder, it doesn’t appear that much has come from their talks thus far.
ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes reported Monday that talks haven’t reached a “serious stage,” and WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford is hearing the same. In fact, Bradford said that the Red Sox were “barely” touching base when they contacted the Dodgers.
10:15 a.m.: One down. Three to go.
Day 1 of the 2013 MLB winter meetings in Orlando, Fla., is in the books, and Day 2 is upon us. That means another day of rumors, speculation and perhaps even transactions. Day 1 was relatively quiet, largely because of the amount of leaguewide activity that we saw last week.
The biggest news of Day 1 might actually be a retirement, as Roy Halladay called it a career after 16 seasons. Halladay was one of the best pitchers of his time and, while perhaps not a Hall of Famer, he undoubtedly enjoyed a fantastic career. It’s just a shame that injuries took away what could have been a few more good years for the man known as “Doc.”
There was plenty of activity swirling around Angels slugger Mark Trumbo on Monday, but he is staying put for now, although that could change over the next few hours. It sounds like the Diamondbacks are making a strong push for Trumbo’s services, and they have the young pitching to get a deal done.
The D-Backs were also linked to Shin-Soo Choo, who remains the top free agent available. It was reported Monday night that talks involving Choo were reaching a “critical stage,” so we’ll see if anything comes of that Tuesday.
Be sure to check back early and often with NESN.com’s Day 2 live blog. This is Ricky Doyle signing on to bring all of the baseball madness straight to you.
