Alright everyone, just as we do every year, we are giving you all the updates for the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings currently going on in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Here are some stories floating around during day number one.
-The highly-pursued Cliff Lee is receiving the most interest from the Yankees and Rangers as expected, but MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch is reporting that several other teams are interested. Lee and his agent Darek Braunecker intend to sign this week, though will wait for a six-year deal. It is expected the Yankees will be the only ones to match that request as of now.
-Dodgers catcher Russell Martin is gaining a significant amount of interest from many clubs. The Yankees had supposedly had a deal in place to acquire him just yesterday, in which they would have sent current catcher Francisco Cervelli out west in return for Martin. Both New York teams, Boston, and Toronto are front-runners as of now.
-The Baltimore Orioles added a big bat in Mark Reynolds from the Diamondbacks, sending relievers David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio in return. Reynolds, who hit .198 last season but with 32 home runs, will fit nicely in the hitter-friendly Camden Yards.
-Tony Jackson of ESPN is claiming that the Dodgers and Brewers are discussing a blockbuster that would send star first baseman Prince Fielder to Los Angeles in return for James Loney and closer Jonathan Broxton. Despite an array of southpaws and middle relievers, the Brewers are in desperate need of a closer, and Fielder would utilize the strengths of Dodger Stadium to his advantage under new skipper Don Mattingly. No news on how close the two teams are, however.
-Many reports suggest the Mets will listen to offers on José Reyes, David Wright, and Carlos Beltran. While it is unlikely Wright will be dealt, many teams are said to be highly intrigued by Beltran and Reyes.
-After a nice 2010 campaign, Paul Konerko is drawing significant interest from clubs such as Arizona and Texas. White Sox GM Kenny Williams is determined to keep the 1B/DH, however, and claims “[Konerko] belongs in Chicago.” The two are getting closer to a deal, according to ESPN’s Pedro Gomez.
-The Yankees and Mariners are interested in outfielder Matt Díaz. New York would look to utilize him in the platoon with Curtis Granderson and Brett Gardner. The Dodgers and Phillies also have been thrown around as possible destinations.
-The Arizona Diamondbacks are close to locking up reliever J.J. Putz on a two-year deal, with a club option for 2013.
-There is no news on Carl Crawford at this point, but he is expected to meet with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Boston Red Sox this week.
That does it for now, keep it with the SportsFullCircle Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates on any potential news!
