The meetings ended yesterday without a bang. Here’s what we’ve learned:
Rule V Draft Results
Getting Ready for the Halladay
Even with the change in GMs, the Blue Jays are still seeking quite a bit for ace Roy Halladay; rightfully so, as he’s one of the best pitchers in the game. A few teams have inquired, but only a couple have a shot.
The Angels are one of the front runners. They apparently offered a package that includes Joe Saunders, Erick Aybar, and Peter Bourjos. The Blue Jays are more intent on adding Mike Napoli instead of Aybar, and would be willing to send more players with the pitcher to make it happen.
Another interested team is the Phillies, who discussed Halladay at the trade deadline. The Phillies are willing to include J.A. Happ and one of Domonic Brown or Michael Taylor. It’s rumored that they’d even talk about Cole Hamels. They are also trying to look at what they’d need to acquired from other teams to make it happen. They’ve been shopping Joe Blanton at the meetings.
As normal, the Yankees and Red Sox are both mentioned with Halladay. The Yankees would have to give up Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain, along with Jesus Montero. The Red Sox would have to start with Clay Buchholz and Casey Kelly. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Sox pull it off to answer the Yankees Granderson acquisition.
The Dodgers have also been mentions, but don’t want to give up Chad Billingsley or Clayton Kershaw.
Astros Keep Busy
A day after trading for Matt Lindstrom and signing Brandon Lyons, the Astros makes some more moves. First, they sign 3B Pedro Feliz to a 1 year, $4.5MM deal. Feliz, who was with the Phillies, is known for his defense; hit bat is a little weak for the position though. He’s instantly the starter, but this isn’t a move that makes them instant contenders. The deal is much better than the one they gave to Brandon Lyon.
The followed that up by signing Gary Majewski to a minor league contract. The hope is that Majewski can find what made him a major leaguer a few years ago. I think he’s got a decent shot to stick if he has a decent spring.
Boof in Boston
The Twins designated pitcher Boof Bonser for assignment earlier this week to make room for Carl Pavano on the roster. Instead of releasing or sending him to the minors, they have sent him to the Red Sox for a player to be named later.
Bonser, once the center piece in the deal that sent A.J. Pierzynski to San Francisco, has had success in the rotation for the Twins in the past; the last couple of years he’s been ineffective and injured. Boston will see what he has in Spring Training, but I expect him to start the season in Triple A Pawtucket’s rotation.
Everything Else…
The Red Sox add their second Ramon Ramirez to their roster by claiming this one off waivers from Tampa Bay…Chris Iannetta agreed to have his 3 arbitration years bought out by the Rockies for $8MM…The Athletics release Santiago Casilla (aka the prospect formerly known as Jairo Garcia)…
