"To me, they don't belong in there. They cheated, that's the way it is....I mean, I know these guys, they're good friends of mine, but by golly, they didn't do it the right way."
-- Tommy Lasorda on whether Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens should make it into the Hall of Fame
Winter Meetings, a baseball fan's Christmas, is in day three and while it's been relatively quiet so far compared to some years, there's already a lot of action to catch up on. We will go over that and also take a look at last week's "Rapid Fire Rumor Report," to see how accurate the rumors we heard from last week ended up turning out.
- Angel Pagan stayed a Giant, agreeing to a four-year deal worth $40 million. So much for the Phillies "pursing him hard" but now they can turn their attention to other free agents outfielders in the fold.
- The Texas Rangers landed RP Joakim Soria on a two-year, $8 million contract. Soria figures to be the setup guy for Joe Nathan and could take over the closer's role in the future depending on both of their performances.
- Nationals add a pair of lefty relievers in Zach Duke and Bill Bray. Duke is the more established major leaguer while Bray gets a minor league contract. Again dads, make your kid be a lefty!
- In addition to Pagan, the Giants also re-signed Marco Scutaro, who was rewarded for his gritty play down the stretch with a three-year deal worth $20 million. Overpay? Maybe but the kid was clutch.
- The Nationals decided to take a chance on Dan Haren with a one-year, $13 million contract. Look past the $13 million part, a one year deal for a guy like this is a great low-risk, high-reward type deal.
- The Rockies acquired reliever Wilton Lopez who will have to get used to snow and getting shelled at Coor Field. Good luck, guy.
- The Diamondbacks acquired Eric Hinske, who is battling Edwin Jackson in a contest to break Reggie Sanders record on most teams played, on a one-year, $1 million deal.
- The Marlins traded Yunel Escobar (who they just received in the blockbuster Josh Johnson/Reyes/Buehrle trade) to the Rays for minor-leaguer Derek Dietrich. Escobar is now free to talk as much crap about the Marlins as he wants. I'm looking forward to it.
- And today, the White Sox have added coveted free agent 3B Jeff Keppinger to a three-year deal worth $12 million. Third base is a pretty dry market this year, so this is a big deal for the Sox, who landed a guy that had a career year last season and was in high demand by plenty of clubs.
Finally, last week we had our first edition of the "Rapid Fire Rumor Report". Lets take a look and see how accurate the rumors from around baseball ended up being a week later and look at some rumors this week to see how they'll turn out next time.
- Seattle, Yankees, and Pittsburgh interested in C Russell Martin.
- This one was pretty accurate as New York made a push but Pittsburgh ended up signing the veteran catcher. Rumor 0, Reality 1.
- Mariano Rivera to complete deal with Yankees?
- Sure enough, the long-time franchise closer was able to sign a one-year, $10 million contract with the Yankees after coming off ACL surgery. Good for him. Rumor 0, Reality 2
- Braves or Yankees both have interest in BJ Upton?
- Well, the Braves were the ones that ended up with the free agent outfielder. I haven't heard anything about the Yankees but any time that they lose out on a free agent, I'm giving reality a point. Rumor 0, Reality 3
- Upton and Atlanta interest mutual?
- Clearly. Rumor 0, Reality 4
- Rockies interested in RHP Kevin Correia and P Jeff Francis
- Nothing on this front yet as both pitchers remain free agents. Rumor 1, Reality 4
- Red Sox the front-runner for Mike Napoli?
- Chalk this one up to real, since the catcher just signed with the Red Sox over the winter meetings. Rumor 1, Reality 5
- Braves talking to RP Chad Durbin.
- Nothing about Durbin in the news so far, he's still available. Rumor 2, Reality 5
- Marlins will not trade Giancarlo Stanton.
- I totally believe this one since trading Stanton would make the most sense and the Marlins never use sense. This will stay a rumor though, until I see Stanton in the on-deck circle in Miami on opening day. Rumor 3, Reality 5
- Dodgers the leader for Zack Greinke?
- This one may change at literally anytime but I don't think the Dodgers will be the ones signing the pitcher. He's asking for the moon. Rumor 4, Reality 5
- Dodgers also want Kyle Lohse
- Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm? Rumor 5, Reality 5
So after the first week, Rumors and Reality ties at 5-5. Now keep in mind that some of those rumors can still cross over into reality so no scores are final. Like playing Fantasy Baseball when some of those hits turn to errors and you lose your Roto league by one category. That sucks. But enough from last week, let's look ahead to this week's Winter Meetings version of Rapid Fire Rumor Report
- Mark Reynolds drawing interest with teams. Indians, Yankees most likely suitors
- Zack Greinke could get more than the $160 million C.C. Sabathia got from the Rangers
- Nationals remain confident they will be able to re-sign Adam LaRoche
- Indian or Mariners most likely to get Dee Gordon
- It's down to the Red Sox and Giants for OF Nick Swisher
- Is Emilio Bonifacio available for the taking?
- The Indians want Kevin Youkilis bad and are talking with the free agent.
- Justin Upton to Texas?
- There's talks of a ridiculous four-way trade with the Indians and some other teams involving Asdrubal Cabrera, stay tuned for more on that.
- Would the Brewers trade Corey Hart? Or the Yankees trade Curtis Granderson? Both teams are listening.
Check back next week to see how these ones turned out. For more on all the latest rumors and signings, follow us on Twitter at @FullCountBlog
Enjoy the rest of the Winter Meetings, catch you tomorrow baseball freaks!
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