Winter Meetings: Day 1 Thoughts

A few thoughts regarding what has happened so far in Vegas…

Tigers made a move, trading for catcher Gerald Laird from the Rangers. Laird is not an offensive threat, and will be even less of one hitting in Comerica, but he gives Detroit a solid defensive backstop, and a replacement for Pudge Rodriguez. Detroit now has 3 catchers on their roster: Laird, Brandon Inge and Dusty Ryan.

If I’m Omar Minaya,I cannot screw up the signing of Francisco Rodriguez. Let’s face it, K-Rod will be the Mets bullpen if he signs this year. If Minaya wiffs on K-Rod, the Mets pen could be even worse in 09, even if they bring in Brian Fuentes or Kerry Wood. However, Rodriguez is not a slam dunk at the end of games. May I remind you of the 08 playoffs? That being said, they have to bring him in though, he’s the best closer out on the market.

I know there’s a love affair in Boston with Jason Varitek, and rightfully so, he is the definition of a leader. But, all of his skills are on the decline. Even if they bring him back for a year, I’m not sure it’s worth it. The only way I make the move is if Varitek agrees to become the backup to Kevin Cash. You have to give the kid a shot, outside of being Tim Wakefield’s personal ball chaser.

Cash and CC Meet: According to Buster Olney, ESPN, the meeting went “great”. CC-Pinstripes are very slimming.