Major League Baseball: Trade Rumors

It's been another expensive off-season for Major League Baseball. Year after year organizations break records in salaries, and this year is no different. We began the bargaining this year with the news that Alex Rodriguez would not agree to a contract with the New York Yankees, thus allowing other teams a shot at signing the all-star third baseman. Apparently, the reason for the Yankees not agreeing on a deal was the fact that Scott Boras, Rodriguez's agent, wanted way too much money, and the fact that Alex wanted to stay in New York did not cross his agent's mind.

So the third baseman took matters into his own hands and came up with a legitimate deal that would keep him in New York for the next ten years. In that span, Rodriguez will be receiving $27.5 million per year. What a great way to get the market started. Since then guys like Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada renewed their contracts with the Yankees, Tom Glavine decided to go back to Atlanta to possibly finish off his career, and World Series MVP Mike Lowell resigned with the Red Sox with hopes of winning back to back titles. However, as of late there has been limited action on the hot stove.

Rumors have been boiling about Minnesota Twins pitcher Johan Santana. Teams feel that after having an adequate season last year, this is the best time to trade for him, because he is likely to rebound and return to the un-hittable ace that he has been noted as. The Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, Angels, and Red Sox, are teams that have centered their attention towards the possibility. The only issue that would prevent general manager Bill Smith from letting go of Johan is the fact that in his contract Santana has a no trade clause. This would result in the Twins possibly waiting till July of next year to part ways.

Fellow Venezuelan native Miguel Cabrera has been a real stove burner. As one of the most promising players in the game, the twenty four year old is a possible franchise player for most teams. With holes at third, both the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have uttered interest in his services. Realistically these are the only teams that have a good chance at landing the all-star because of their depth on the farm. Both southern California teams have some of the most impressive minor league systems in the sport. Players mentioned as possible trade bait have been second baseman Howie Kendrick, pitcher Brandon Wood, catcher Jeff Mathis, and prospect Nick Adenhart. The Marlins are looking for young pitchers, so if the Angels would be in a situation to send two young pitchers they would then be reluctant to give up Kendrick and Mathis as well. It'll be interesting to see which of the two teams will be more willing get rid of prospects for all-star third baseman Miguel Cabrera.

Johan Santana and Miguel Cabrera remain the two most heated topics on the stove; however there are other trade winds as well as signing possibilities that are boiling. Most recently, Mark Prior has been mentioned as possible trade bait considering he has not pitched on a consistent basis due to injuries.

Reliever Jose Valverde of the Arizona Diamondbacks, after saving forty seven games for the snakes, and sporting an ERA just about 2.50 Jose is looking to make big money this up coming off-season. Rumors speculate that he is looking for a four year deal that would guarantee him $50 to $60 million.

Hot stove topics also include names such as Erik Bedard possibly going to the Dodgers; however that will be put on the back burner until the Miguel Cabrera situation is taken care of. The Orioles and Royals are leading the way to land right fielder Jose Guillen. Kosuke Fukudome of Japan has drawn interest in the Rangers organization since Tori Hunter recently signed with the Anaheim Angels. Lastly, the case for Coco Crisp to move to Minnesota is becoming stronger and stronger as the days go by. That's the deal thus far into the off-season and it will be interesting to see how the rest of the winter plays out.