MLB Winter Meetings 2009: Day 1 Recap

Written by: Paul Greco on 7th December 2009

MLB Winter Meetings 2009: Day 1 Recap | read this item

The first day of the MLB Winter Meetings in Indianapolis was filled with false rumors; many surrounding the New York Mets.

First, a Philadelphia website reported that the Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Tampa Bay Rays had finalized a deal that would have sent Rays’ OF Pat Burrell to the Cubs for OF Milton Bradley. Then the report had the Cubs turning around and dealing Burrell to the Mets for 2B Luis Castillo.

After speaking to two sources close to the team and a Mets official, Baseball Digest was told that “the teams had talked, but no deal had been made.” Several other media outlets followed, many getting info that such talks had “zero truth” to them.

I discussed these and other rumors on today’s Baseball Digest LIVE

Later in the afternoon, a rumor being discussed in the lobby that the Mets and Detroit Tigers were on the verge of a deal that would have sent SP Edwin Jackson to the Mets for an unidentified player, wound up on Twitter.

Within minutes the rumor was squashed by several news outlets.

Here are some of the more interesting topics from the first day at the Winter Meetings:

Texas Rangers Assistant General Manager, Thad Levine, confirmed the team is looking to add a bat to the middle of the lineup. The Rangers prefer a right-handed hitter.
The San Diego Padres have said that they are looking to deal 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff who is eligible for salary arbitration.
With C Henry Blanco signing with the Mets last week, the Padres are also looking for a catcher that can backup starter Nick Hundley.
The Mets are scheduled to talk to SP John Lackey’s agent later in the night. It’s been reported that Lackey wants between $85-$100 million over five years.
The Mets have also been linked to two left fielders, Josh Willingham of the Washington Nationals and Juan Rivera of the Los Angeles Angles.
ANY discussion surrounding the Florida Marlins SP Josh Johnson or SS Hanley Ramirez are “ridiculous” according to a source close to the Marlins situation.

Notes from the MLB Managers Media sessions:

Atlanta Braves Bobby Cox

The Braves are looking for another hitter, preferably a right hander.
Although highly touted minor league 1B Freddy Freeman is “very talented” the Braves would like to fill the position with a veteran.
The Braves have seven starting pitchers currently and will be looking to move one of those pitchers for hitter. Cox said the Braves have a mock board in the Braves “War Room” looking for the best deal.
2B Martin Prado will be the Braves opening day second baseman.
Cox said that teams are “knocking on the door” for 2B Kelly Johnson.
Braves No. 1 prospect, OF Jason Heyward, will be given every opportunity to win the left field job out of spring training. Cox said Heyward is the “entire package.”

Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella

Lou Pinella said that the Cubs are looking for a bat that can drive in runs. He’d prefer an outfielder that can play defense and hit not just hit. Mike Cameron’s name came up several times as a possible fit.
The Cubs will also be looking for a bullpen guy to help with their inexperience.
CL Carlos Marmol was named the opening day closer for the Cubs. Pinella wanted to squash any rumors early and give Marmal confidence going into the season.
Pinella will keep OF Alfonso Soriano in the sixth spot in the batting order.
SP Carlos Zambrano has lost 15 pounds and is working out in Chicago this offseason.
C Geovany Soto, has been working out in Puerto Rico and is looking to bounce back from a disappointing sophomore year. Pinella also reported that Soto has lost 10-12 pounds.

Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona

Terry Francona reported that both 3B Mike Lowell and SP Tim Wakefield looked good.
OF JD Drew finally has full-range of motion in his left arm which he had surgery on last month to remove spurs.
To kill all rumors of 2B Dustin Pedroia moving to SS, Francona officially announced that Marco Scutaro will be his opening day starting SS.
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka’s offseason conditioning is a top priority for the Red Sox after he missed nearly three months in 2009 due to a right shoulder problem.
Francona commented on how DH David Ortiz has dropped 10 pounds and is looking to have a better season than last year. He attributed his slow start to the wrist injury, but did note that he ended up with 99 RBI.

Texas Rangers Manager Ron Washington

The Rangers No. 1 prospect, 1B Justin Smoak, will be given every opportunity to win the 1B job out of spring training.
With the loss of SS/2B Omar Viquel, the Rangers will be looking to replace him with another middle infielder where defense is the priority.
As it stands right now Washington said this would be his starting lineup

CF Julio Borbon
2B Ian Kinsler
3B Michael Young
LF Josh Hamilton
RF Nelson Cruz
1B Chris Davis
DH David Murphy – until the get right handed hitter they’re looking for
C
SS Elvis Andrus

Ron Washington did not rule out the Rangers bringing back CF Marlon Byrd who will have until midnight tonight to decide whether or not he’ll accept arbitration.
The Rangers will continue their pitching regimen, started last year, with the philosophy “pitch to contact and pounding the zone.”

I’ll be on Baseball Digest LIVE all week, you can listen here

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Topics: Atlanta Braves, Baseball Digest, Baseball Winter Meetings, Bobby Cox, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Hanley Ramirez, John Lackey, Josh Johnson, josh willingham, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Left Fielders, Major League Baseball, Major League Baseball Winter Meetings, Million Over Five Years, Mlb Winter Meetings, New York Mets, Nick Hundley, Pat Burrell, Salary Arbitration, San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals

Bill says:

December 8, 2009 at 1:37 am

Hey this a great article. You guys are really giving us good information. Thanks for taking us through the experience.
Kyle Johnson says:

December 8, 2009 at 2:38 am

I like it. good stuff BD. Looking to you guys giving me my info. The other guys suck.
Brian Joura says:

December 8, 2009 at 3:09 am

Good stuff Paul!

It’s fun to think about how many SB Julio Borbon could get if he gets the full-time job and leads off.

Oh, find the Mets delegation and tell them Bengie Molina is not worth the money!