Victorino scored big signing with the Red Sox
Day two of the 2012 MLB winter meetings didn’t produce quite the number of deals as day one but still there was news to report.
The Washington Nationals reached an agreement early this morning with free-agent right-hander Dan Haren contingent on him passing a physical, for one year and $13 million.
After acquiring centerfielder Denard Span from the Twins late last week, the Nationals are having a good off-season.
Mike Morse continues to be the subject of trade talks but as of yet no deal appears imminent.
The Red Sox made more news today by signing free-agent outfielder Shane Victorino to a three-year $39 million deal.
The Red Sox were thought to be in on Josh Hamilton and Cody Ross, but made an offer to Victorino that was quickly accepted.
Reports coming out of Nashville, are saying that the Red Sox would entertain offers to trade centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury.
If Ellsbury is moved don’t be surprised to see the Red Sox get back in on Hamilton or Ross.
Presumably Elsbury would bring back a starting pitcher the Red Sox covet.
Eric Hinske signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Hinske spent 2012 with the Atlanta Braves where he hit .197 with two home runs and 13 RBI in 132 at-bats.
“Just a veteran guy, left-handed bat, mostly thinking about bench for him,” Manager Kirk Gibson said. “He’s got experience, understands how to read people, a little first base probably, but he probably could go third or outfield in a pinch in an extra-inning game. His mentality is somewhat one that I can relate to, very intense. I like that.”
Wilton Lopez was traded to Colorado late this evening in a trade with the Astros. Houston will receive right-handed pitchers Alex White and Alex Gillingham in return.
The Tampa Bay Rays filled a need at shortstop when they acquired Yunel Escobar from the Miami Marlins.
The Rays sent Minor League infielder Derek Dietrich to Miami. The two teams had been discussing the deal for two days.
Escobar provides solid defense for Tampa Bay at an affordable price.
Escobar is under contract to make $5 million in 2013, and his deal includes club options for ’14 and ’15 at $5 million per season. Tampa Bay is still making new about the possibility of trading one of their prized starting pitchers for some offense.
James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson are the names that are normally thrown around when discussions start. Reportedly, the team has given up on signing David Price to a long-term deal, and would consider trading the 2012 American League Cy Young winner.
Price is expected to be worth at least $25 million on the open market. It’s hard to imagine the Rays handling that kind of salary in their current economic climate.
Justin Upton continues to be one of the hottest names in Nashville, at least when it comes to prospective trades.
Upton has drawn interest from the Mariners, Rangers, and Indians. Arizona is reportedly seeking a front-line shortstop in any trade for Upton.
Asdrubal Cabrera may be a fit, if the Diamondbacks were willing to give up a young starter like Trevor Bauer or Tyler Skaggs.
R.A. Dickey is still a member of the New York Mets and New York has not made a decision on whether to trade the Cy Young winner or try to re-sign him to an extension.
Ryan Dempster may end up in Milwaukee, however the Red Sox remain interested, but the Angels appear to have moved on.
The Reds have reportedly made an offer to free-agent outfielder Ryan Ludwick, and a decision is expected soon.
The Giants reached an agreement on a three-year $20 million deal with second baseman Marco Scutaro to bring back yet another player from the 2012 World Series championship team.
