The AP reports that Frank Thomas is close to signing a two-year deal with the Blue Jays, so there's Ricciardi throwing cash at Billy Beane's smart pickup again. It sounds like there's still a chance that Frank will stay with Fremont, but if it comes down to money, the Jays have the upper-hand, obviously.
The Tigers and Sean Casey have agreed to a one-year deal. Dombrowski and/or Leyland must really be in love with Casey, because goddamn is he not very good. Dombrowski says, "A true professional, he brings a solid left-handed bat to our lineup." Casey hit .245/.286/.364 after joining the Tigers. I'm not saying he'll do that again, and he is a career .302/.368/.456 hitter, and there's nothing wrong with that line, but his power is evaporating fast, he's getting older, and try as he may, he never managed to get past "Mark Grace Lite," really. Plus, his career line is boosted heavily by his seasons in 1999, 2000 and 2004, all with the Reds. Those three seasons, he had a .900+ OPS, and the only other time he's even been over .800 was in 2001 (.827).
I'm sure he really is a nice person, but couldn't the AL champions find a better option at first base?
Kenny Williams and Jim Hendry made an all-Chicago swap at the GM meetings, as lefty Neal Cotts goes to the Cubs and righty David Aardsma goes to the White Sox.
The Cardinals signed Scott Spiezio to a two-year deal. The Phillies picked up Wes Helms, who did well with Florida this year and wound up getting a lot of credit for being a leader on a young team.
Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Dodgers are close to re-signing Nomar Garciaparra. Who knows?
The Padres say they don't have interest in Barry Bonds.
Lastings Milledge might be such a dick that the Mets are willing to ship him right out of town. Trade talk has centered on a starting pitcher or a stud outfielder.
The D-Rays might finally be putting B.J. Upton on the trade block. I now await merdon demanding we trade Tejada for Upton.
Johan Santana won the Cy Young, receiving all 28 first-place votes.