I hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year’s. We just had a very slow week to the Hot Stove season. Things will really need to pick up in the next two weeks as we are only 43 days until Pitchers and Catchers start to report. Lots of free agent sluggers are still left without teams and I’m willing to bet a few teams are still looking into the trade market.
NEWS
The Reds have announced that GM Dick Williams is now also the President of Baseball Operations and former president Walt Jocketty will be serving as executive advisor to the CEO.
More players that have committed to playing in the WBC are: Luke Gregerson (USA), Eddie Rosario (Puerto Rico), Jaime Garcia (Mexico), Joakim Soria (Mexico), Daniel Murphy (USA) and Paul Goldschmidt (USA).
TRANSACTIONS
The Rockies have signed INF Alexi Amarista to a 1 year MLB deal with a club option for 2018.
The Tigers have signed RHP Edward Mujica to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. Mujica was an All-Star in 2013 with the Cardinals.
RUMORS
The Royals haven’t closed the door on reunions with RHP Greg Holland or RHP Luke Hochevar.
The Mariners had trade talks with the Rays about LHP Drew Smyly at the Winter Meetings.
The Cardinals have joined the Dodgers in pursuit of Twins 2B Brian Dozier.
The Red Sox are showing some interest in 3B/1B Trevor Plouffe.
The Dodgers could possibly bring back RHP Joe Blanton.
The Rockies have checked in on RHP Greg Holland.
The Rangers and 1B/DH Mike Napoli are close on a 2 year deal.
The Orioles remain interested in OF Michael Saunders.
The Blue Jays and OF Jose Bautista are engaged in active contract discussions.
The Twins have reportedly asked teams for final offers on 2B Brian Dozier.
The White Sox have received a few calls on 3B Todd Frazier.