Red Sox started day one at the winter meetings by signing Mike Napoli
Day one of the 2012 MLB Winter Meetings was anything as teams settled in to the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Rumors of trades and free-agent signings were prevalent, however the day did produce a few deals.
As we predicted last night the New York Yankees would make some news and they did, albeit not the kind most fans were hoping for.
That immediately started a chain reaction of speculation as to who the Yankees might be interested in to replace A-Rod. Mike Morse of the Nationals, free-agent Cody Ross, Scott Hairston and Josh Hamilton were all mentioned as targets.
Jon Morosi of Fox Sports thought the Yankees should pursue Chase Headley of the Padres. Padres management may have different thoughts on that matter. The Padres did agreed to sign veteran right-hander Jason Marquisto a one-year $3 million deal.
The Tampa Bay Rays looking for someone to replace Carlos Pena at first base reached an agreement with free-agent first baseman James Loney on a one-year deal.
Reportedly the Rays and Nationals were involved in talks for second baseman Danny Espinosa and first baseman/outfielder Mike Morse, but that talk seem to fizzle almost before it got started.
The Boston Red Sox wasted little time making news signing free-agent catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli to to a three-year $39 million deal.
With four catchers on the roster, speculation began immediately about which catcher the Red Sox may move in a trade.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia was the choice of media and bloggers everywhere, but signing Napoli opens up options for the Red Sox for the rest of the winter.
Napoli and Saltalamacchia are also first basemen. David Ross is strictly the catcher. Ryan Lavarnway has an option remaining and can start at Pawtucket. So it is very possible that the Red Sox keep all four catchers.
With first base now taking care of care of Boston can move past Adam LaRoche and focus on filling outfield spots and starting pitching.
The Red Sox may still have interest in Cody Ross, but likely are more interested in Nick Swisher and Shane Victorino. Swisher and Victorino are switch hitters while Ross is a right-handed hitter.
Since the Red Sox need a left-handed bat, it would not the surprising to try and sign Josh Hamilton if he would agree to four years or less for a higher annual salary.
Like we said last night the Red Sox were going to make some news.
San Francisco Giants agreed to a new deal with Angel Pagan reportedly worth four years and $40 million.
The Texas Rangers added former Royals closer Joakim Soria who is coming off of Tommy John surgery, to a two-year deal, with the intention of becoming a setup man for current Rangers closer Joe Nathan.
As expected the Los Angeles Dodgers were linked to virtually every player of value on the open market in on the trade block.
Zack Greinke remains the focal point for the Dodgers however late this evening it was reported that they were interested in New York Mets knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.
Los Angeles is reportedly shopping shortstop Dee Gordon.
Geovany Soto officially welcomed back to the Rangers agreeing to a $2.75 million one-year deal.
