It’s Day 2 of the Winter Meetings that actually take place in Fall, but since Spring Training starts in Winter I guess that’s at least logical if nothing else. Anyway, those Miami Marlins are going after Albert Pujols now, but the rumor is 10 years and just over 200 million bucks. That is a perfect deal for both sides. Here is how: Miami WON’T get Albert with that deal becasue he will get at least 250 from the Cards (or elsewhere), but Miami looks serious about building a contender and not just selling seats while saving up some money for some more pitchers. Perfect, they need arms and Albert gets more cash in less years. Here is where they could spend less money more wisely.
Aces Adam Wainwright and C.C. Sabathia already re-signed with their respective clubs, the Cards and Yanks. As you know, Jonathon Papelbon threw his Phinal pitch for Boston (an 0-2 season-ending single to the O’s Robert Andino) and is ready for Philly. Plus, the Padres’ lethal closer, Heath Bell, already signed with Miami. So who’s left? Left is the key word in that question. Two lefty aces, or at least front end of the rotation guys depending on where they sign, are available in White Sox Mark Buerhle and Ranger C.J. Wilson. Texas seems serious about keeping their club together. They signed Joe Nathan to close from Minnesota and ex-closer Neftali Feliz’ power right arm is moving to the rotation. Feliz and Wilson would be a great R-L combo up front. I’ll say Wilson stays. The White Sox look disorganized. New manager Robin Ventura hasn’t even been a COACH before. AND he wasn’t even a catcher (who make the best and most managers) when he played. They traded manager Ozzie Guillen and should have signed Buehrle long ago. He’s not that old at 33 in March, throws quick games and pitches efficiently. He’s got 161 career wins and is used to pitching in tight games. Where does he end up though? He’s got a title so why not pick a team where he can compete for another? Arizona could use him to complement and help lead the way with rightys Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson. We shall see.
Gamer Roy Oswalt is available and would obviously look good on any roster. The Dodgers’ Hiroki Kuroda is also out there after going 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA and 161 Ks in ’11. Feel free to get a couple hits for that guy men in blue! These two guys could land anywhere. Their division foes should pounce. I would. Atlanta for Oswalt. San Diego for Kuroda.
Well, that covers most of the big arms anyway. The Winter Meetings should bring more interesting moves in the coming days and we’ll have something to say about them…as usual!!!