I guess the first big news is Matsuzake, the pitcher from Japan who was just posted. Who's going to win the bidding?
Buster Olney (yag) says that it's the Red Sox with a bid of 38-45 million.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2656687
That's a lot of money for somebody who hasn't pitched in the bigs, but for teams without premier Japanese talent (anybody but the Yankees or Mariners) it does open up a new revenue stream - offsetting the posting fee significantly. If it's the Red Sox that win, here's hoping that he turns into their next Pedro. If the Yankees end up winning, here's hoping that he turns into their next Irabu.
Also, the Yankees trade Sheffield for young pitching. Hopefully this isn't the start of the Yankees getting smart, or the rest of the league is in for a whole lotta hurt. Money, looks, AND brains? Watch out.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2656847
Anyway, post your thoughts on anything wintery basebally,
Animale