By Kelly:
Getting closer to the end of this year’s Winter Meetings. Today there were more signings, a handful of trades and of course more rumors.
NEWS
This morning they announced this year’s winner of the Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in baseball broadcasting. The winner was Eric Nadel of the Texas Rangers. He has worked with the Rangers for 35 years and for the last 19 years he had been the lead voice.
Jerry Hairston Jr. retires and will take a position as the Dodgers TV analyst. He had a 16 year career with the Orioles, Rangers, Dodgers, Cubs, Reds, Padres, Nationals, Yankees and Brewers.
Wednesday was capped off with an announcement that the Playing Rules Committee has voted overwhelmingly to outlaw home-plate collisions between runners and catchers.
TRANSACTIONS
The Pirates have agreed to a 3 year/$21 million extension with Charlie Morton that covers 2 free agent years.
The Astros acquired Anthony Bass from the Padres for a PTBNL or cash considerations.
The Mariners made 2 moves today. First they signed Corey Hart to a 1 year/$6 million deal with the potential of another $7 million in bonuses. Then about 15 minutes later they made a trade with the Marlins. The Mariners received Logan Morrison and the Marlins got Carter Capps.
The Nationals acquired Jerry Blevins from the Oakland A’s for minor leaguer Billy Burns.
The Pirates signed Edinson Volquez to a 1 year/$5 million deal.
The Mets signed Bartolo Colon to a 2 year/$20 million deal.
RUMORS
The Reds Brandon Phillips is definitely in play. Team will move him if it improves club in 2014.
The Blue Jays are willing to trade Colby Rasmus for a starting pitcher.
The Diamondbacks #1 target is Masahira Tanaka but still exploring trade options.
The Red Sox still talking with Stephen Drew and want to keep him.
The Indians eyeing John Axford for their closer role.
The Astros in serious discussions with Michael Morse.
The Marlins have interest in Richie Weeks.
The Yankees turned down a Brandon Phillips for Brett Gardner trade.
Thursday is the GM’s last chance to make some deals, spread more rumors and the always fun Rule 5 Draft.