Warming Up the Stove: Part Deux!

The most exciting part of the winter for baseball fans are the trade rumors that abound, and piecing together crazy situations that might or might not occur. This offseason proves to be one of particular excitement. When a ton of big free agents need to be signed, more players need to be moved in order to accommodate the rosters. So for now, here are some of the rumors that are dominating the Hot Stove Conversations.

9) Khalil Green, SS, Padres. Greene is a fair fielding, soft hitting shortstop. There seems to be a lot of interest in him for reasons I cannot even begin to explain except for a lack of solid shortstops in the majors. That said, the Orioles, Reds, Tigers and Blue Jays are all reportedly interested in Greene, so stay posted on this one.

8) Mets' Middle Relievers. Rumors have it that the Mets are shopping most of their relievers in search of other relievers, starters, or other upgrades (most likely LF). I am not sure what they think they're going to benefit by this, but it doesn't hurt to shop around.

7) Hideki Matsui, OF, Yankees. There have been some rumors about a three way deal with the Mariners. They'd get back prospects and package them and their own to the Rockies for Matt Holliday. If they do that, then Seattle, just kill your owner, cause that is a terrible move. Matsui is not only an all-around good guy and solid outfielder, but he hits really well and plays the game at full-tilt. Because of that he's often hurt and is getting old. I don't see any deals getting done here, and Matsui should remain in pinstripes next year.

6) Covelli "Coco" Crisp, CF, Red Sox. The Sox once again are searching out a home for the speedy Coco Crisp. Coco ended the year with pretty good numbers, and as always playing Gold Glove caliber CF. The switch hitter could be moved for a prospect who exhibits some power - either 3B or corner outfield. The Cubs are in the market for a CF and a top of the lineup guy. Then again, if they sell their prospects for Peavy they might not have the goods to give back. As always, Crisp could just come back for another season.

5) Mike Cameron, CF, Brewers. The Brewers picked up Mike Cameron's contract option for $10 Mil. However, they might be ready to go with a more traditional speed/contact CF in Tony Gwinn Jr. If that's the case, they could look to move Cameron and try to fill a need in their rotation. Cameron hits for power, and plays a fantastic defensive CF. The Brewers could just as easily decide to keep him, and that his pricetag is fair.

4) Andy Sonnanstine/Edwin Jackson, SP, Rays. With David Price primed to move into the rotation, and James Shields, Matt Garza, and Scott Kazmir locked in, the Rays have an "extra" starting pitcher. Of course, you can never have enough starting pitching, but the Rays need an OF/DH for next season and can sling one of their young pitchers for a young bat. Sonnastine has better control and composure, while Jackson has the overall better stuff. The Cardinals might be a good fit to move one of their OFs if they want to strengthen their staff. It has already been reported that the Mets have been in discussions with the Rays about their pitchers, but no word on any potential deals.

3)Ryan Ludwick/Rick Ankiel, OF, Cardinals. It looks like the Cardinals are ready to go with Duncan, Brian Barton or one of their other young OFs, and are willing to trade one of these guys in order to beef up their infield production, especially up the middle. There are some options out there for these guys. For one, the Braves seem willing to part with 2B Kelly Johnson for one of these two. With the free agents available up the middle (Hudson, Cabrera, Renteria) it'll be interesting to see if they decide to deal instead of sign.

2) Matt Holliday, OF, Rockies. Despite Holliday's mediocre numbers away from Coors field, he will still get the Rockies some solid prospects in return for his services. He has one year left on his contract, and can be hand for an affordable figure ($13.5M). So trading for Holliday might be a one year deal, however most of them would probably come with some sort of contract extension. Holliday is still a solid hitter and will contribute in the middle of any lineup. Not only does he hit for a high average and for power, he takes a TON of walks. That is somewhat a because he has little protection in the Rockies lineup, but it's also because he has good plate discipline. Potential suitors for his services are the Phillies and the Yankees. The Phillies make the most sense if they don't resign Burrell.

1) Jake Peavy, SP, Padres. This Padres ace is arguably the best pitcher in the game. His career ERA is under 3 (2.85) and even though he pitches in the pitcher uber-friendly NLWest, he is still one of the top 5 young (28 or younger and 6 seasons of 100+ innings) pitchers you want to build your staff around (others: Zambrano, Beckett, Santana, Webb). Peavy is an ace and makes ANY team better. Of course, the rest of his contract is somewhat expensive (~$16M/yr.), for what you're getting he's an absolute steal. He'd make over $20M on the free agent market today. He's under contract until 2013, so this is a long term investment for some team. However, it will cost a king's ransom in prospects to lure him away from the Padres - probably 2 young pitchers, one young position player, and an outfielder who's major league ready (or close). Now, Peavy wants to stay in the NL cause he loves hitting and competing. As it stands, the Cubs are pursuing Peavy, as are the Braves. The Cubs would make a huge splash with this trade, and give hope back to a dejected fan base, and they have the prospects to do it.


And for those of you who thought I'd get to 10... well you don't know me real good, do you!?


Written by Kyle Baxter: Champion of Munchkinland!