Winter Meetings, Day One
So, the winter meetings kick off today. Generally, this three day period is the busiest of baseball’s offseason, and it would be odd if we didn’t see at least a couple of trades and some big free agent signings. With all 30 teams hanging out in one hotel in Nashville, stuff will get done, and the rumors will be flying fast and furious.
The M’s have made no secret out of the fact that their offseason plan is basically to just add two starting pitchers, with one of those targets being Hideki Kuroda. So, expect them to kick the tires on a few other options while they wait for his decision, and talk to a bunch of teams about available starting pitchers in trade. I’m sure there will also be some talks about moving Richie Sexson (seriously, Sexson to SF for Durham makes so much sense – just call Sabean and get it done), and the team will talk to some veteran relievers. The M’s won’t be the busiest team at the meetings, but they’ll be involved in a lot of different things.
One of those things probably won’t be Johan Santana, however – reports today have him telling the Twins that he’s only waiving his no-trade clause to go to Boston or New York. That’s probably for the best, honestly – trying to compete with those two teams in terms of giving up talent for Johan is a bad idea.
Anyway, we’ll keep you up to date with news and rumors of substance the next few days, and we’ll provide analysis of any moves the M’s make as quickly as we can.
The one thing we’re going to ask, however, is please don’t sit there and constantly refresh the front page waiting for news to break – our server can’t handle it, and it’s not going to do you any good if you just knock us offline.
Drayer in the lobby blogs about Fukudome & Kuroda
“The Mariners desperately want to trade Richie Sexson. Meanwhile they also may non-tender Ben Broussard when decision time comes.”
50: wha? I guess the good news is that they definitely plan to move Ibanez from the outfield. But why non-tender? On a cheapish arbitration contract he has to still be worth trading for a low-level prospect.
The Mariners are intent on trading Richie Sexson at the winter meeting, says FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal.
The Orioles, Giants, Rays or maybe even the Yankees could try Sexson if the Mariners throw in at least half of the $14 million he’s due in 2008. Seattle might then play Ben Broussard at first base. It’s assumed Broussard would be non-tendered if there are no takers for Sexson.
Rotoworld has Elijah Dukes getting traded to the Nats. I hope Washington has an excellent therapist on staff. That fella could really use it.
SOLD!
(And as far as non-tendering Broussard? Stupid, again. I don’t think he’d make enough money for them to be worrying about….).
just letting guillen and broussard walk would be terrible…teams want them…we should at least be able to get something for them…i’m already hating this off-season…
Oh lordy.
Rotoworld reports “Free agent Darin Erstad has received interest from the Padres, Mariners, Astros and Rays.”
I can’t imagine what interest the M’s would have in Darin. Thoughts anyone?
Not to intentionally put a damper on things, but according to Tim Brown, the Mariners have contacted Darin Erstad.
Erstad? I sure hope not. I would like to see us actually use the young outfielders we have in the system – Jones & Balentien.
#58- Dave has talked about Balentien not being ready yet, and I think a lot of us agree. Safeco would probably tear him a new one right now. That however is NOT an endorsement of Erstad.
um, Bavasi drafted him in ’95?
Elijha Dukes just was sent to Washington for a unnamed minor leaguer. Looks like Detroit will get a run for its money as the most dangerous city with more the 500k population. DC ranks 2nd on the list by Morgan Quitno Awards.
erstad really wouldn’t be a bad bench player…he can play all three outfield spots and first base…only if he was NOT a starter, a one-year deal, and cheap…
Aaaaand Hiram Bocachica is going to the Seibu Lions. There goes Plan Z.
bocachica is one of my all-time favorite mariner names…
As per Steve Philips: The Pirates are talking about trading Jason Bay to the Indians for Kelly Shopach and Cliff Lee. Surely the Mariners could provide at least this in a trade and be willing to take on his contract. There is your bonofide starting LF. Now taking whatever Steve Philips says with a grain of salt is another thing.
#57……name all the teams that want Guillen and Broussard. You’re assuming what you don’t know.
Chuck James anyone? Or are we scared to do another deal with Atlanta?
68- you’re the best…
Aaaaand Hiram Bocachica is going to the Seibu Lions. There goes Plan Z
The Japanese fans should be able to make up some great chants to go with his name. I hope he does well.
Re Erstad. Right now the Mariners have two major league outfielders on the roster — Ichiro and Jones. They should be talking to any major league OF who isn’t signed. Even if they sign OF of choice and move Ibanez to DH/1B, they need a 4th/backup OF.
Whether you think Balentin is major league ready or not, you can’t believe sitting him on the bench in the majors is the best thing for him.