National League Winter Baseball Meetings Review in 60 seconds or less
ByIt’s day #3 of the 2009 Winter Baseball Meetings. Here’s a recap of all the rumors you need to know thus far for the National League. Find your favorite below and jump up and down, swear or just sit still.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Completed the 3 team trade with the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers. They acquired 2 starting pitchers in RHP Edwin Jackson (from DET) and RHP Ian Kennedy (from NYY). Interested in first baseman Nick Johnson.
Atlanta Braves: On the verge of trading reliever Rafael Soriano to the Astros or Orioles. Designated Ryan Church for assignment. Shown interest in Mike Cameron and Marlon Byrd.
Chicago Cubs: Milton Bradley may be headed to an AL club (possibly the Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals or Toronto Blue Jays) in exchange for another high priced contract. A third team may be involved. Interested in pitcher Joel Pineiro. Pineiro wants $10 million or more per season based on Randy Wolf’s contract. Shown interest in Mike Cameron and Marlon Byrd.
Cincinatti Reds: Interested in second baseman Jamey Carroll.
Colorado Rockies: The Denver Post reports that the Rockies are on the verge of signing Yorvit Torrealba, to a 2 year contract worth $5-5.5 million. Steve Henson of Yahoo Tweets that the Rockies are interested in re-signing Jason Marquis at a reduced rate.
Florida Marlins: The Marlins may trade starting pitcher Josh Johnson to the Texas Rangers. The Rangers have offered prospects Justin Smoak and Neftali Feliz in exchange for Johnson.
Houston Astros: Have been rumored to be in trade talks with the Braves for pitcher Rafael Soriano. Were trying to re-sign LaTroy Hawkins before he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. Seems unlikely that Miguel Tejada will return to the Astros. Instead they are looking at signing third baseman Pedro Feliz.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Pursuing reliever Luis Ayala for a minor league contract. They are still in the running for pitcher Roy Halladay.
Milwaukee Brewers: Signed Randy Wolf to a 3 year $29.75 million contract. Signed relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins to a 2 year deal pending a physical.
New York Mets: They are close to signing catcher Bengie Molina, but only want to offer a 2 year deal while Molina wants a 3 year deal. Continuing to pursue pitcher John Lackey. Like the other teams, they do not want to open the $100+ million gateway with Lackey. Interested in pitcher Darren Oliver. Interested in pitcher Joel Pineiro. Pineiro wants $10 million or more per season based on Randy Wolf’s contract. Shown interest in Mike Cameron and Marlon Byrd.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed pinch hitter Ross Gload to a 2 year deal. Shopping starting pitcher Joe Blanton to free up payroll to spend on a free agent or enter Roy Halladay lottery.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Interested in re-signing pitcher Matt Capps. Not interested in bringing back Brian Giles. Seriously pursuing shortstop Bobby Crosby.
San Diego Padres: Spoke with the Giants regarding a trade for third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, but the Padres wanted more than Fred Lewis and Kevin Frandsen in return. Talks with starting pitcher Kevin Correia may be breaking down and he’ll be non-tendered by Saturday’s deadline. The Padres want to sign Correia to a hometown discount. Released right handed pitcher Eulogio De La Cruz.
San Francisco Giants: Giants top priorities are a veteran catcher that will sign a 1-year contract and a solid first baseman. They have been rumored to be going after catchers Brad Ausmus, Yorvit Torrealba, Jason Kendall and Miguel Olivo. The Giant’s may go after a free agent first basemen in Nick Johnson, Mark DeRosa or Adam LaRoche or infielders Juan Uribe or Adrian Beltre. They spoke with the Padres regarding a trade for third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, but the Padres wanted more than Fred Lewis and Kevin Frandsen in return. Shown interest in Mike Cameron and Marlon Byrd.
St. Louis Cardinals: Continuing to pursue Matt Holliday, but in doing so they may be losing the opportunity to sign free agents such as Mark DeRosa. May be interested in signing Miguel Tejada.
Washington Nationals: Interested in pitcher Joel Pineiro. Pineiro wants $10 million or more per season based on Randy Wolf’s contract. Signed Jerry Owens to a minor league contract.

