Yesterday the winter meetings officially began in Indianapolis and as usual some trades were apparently made and then it turned out that there was no trade. In some cases the two teams involved in the trade had not even spoken to each other.  This is the joys of covering the winter meetings.  In the case of the Mets a Philadelphia paper reported that the Mets traded Luis Castillo as part of 3 team trade that had [...]

According to Jon Heyman who was a guest on MLB Network’s Hot Stove show, the Mets may be readying an offer for free agent catcher Bengie Molina. On his blog at SI.com, Heyman wrote,   The Mets are considering a bid of about $6 million for one guaranteed year plus a second-year option for free-agent catcher Bengie Molina, whom they have made their top catching target.   Heyman added that there’s a possibility that the Mets [...]

First it was Chris Coste.  Then it was Henry Blanco.  Earlier today, Joe D posted that the Mets might go after Rod Barajas if they can’t get Bengie Molina.  SI.com’s Jon Heyman is now saying that the Mets are considering offering Molina a one-year deal worth $6 million, plus an option for a second year.  Heyman states that teams in the larger markets aren’t in need of frontline catchers.  Therefore, the Mets feel they can [...]

According to Jon Heyman and Buster Olney via Twitter, The Cardinals and Brad Penny have a letter of agreement, for a $7.5 million base and $1.5 in performances bonuses. Physical likely on Wed. Penny, who finished strong last season with the Gianst, could be a nice addition for the Cardinals. The big righthander made 30 starts between the Red Sox and Giants and posted a 4.88 ERA. But after being traded to San Francisco he went 4-1 with [...]

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Mets are expected to meet with the agent for John Lackey tonight, among many other meetings.  Olney adds that he doesn’t know if the Mets would be able to meet his financial demands which are reportedly expected to exceed $100 million dollars according to one report. Joel Sherman reported via Twitter that the Mets are one of several teams that are looking at Kelvim Escobar who might pitch in Venezuela later [...]

According to Ken Rosenthal via MLBTR, the Mets are showing heavy interest in second baseman Adam Kennedy, formerly of the A’s. The Diamondbacks are also interested in the 34 year old Kennedy and view him as a potential starter at second base.  Kennedy batted .289 with 11 homeruns and 63 RBIs for the Oakland A’s. He also scored 65 runs and stole 20 bases with a decent .758 OPS for a second baseman. Again, the Mets continue to operate with [...]

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Washington Nationals have acquired relief pitcher Brian Bruney from the New York Yankees for a player to be named later. Bruney had a so-so season with the Yankees, but had clearly fallen out of favor as the season drew to an end. Last season he went 5–0 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 relief appearances. I think the Nationals may be one of the more [...]

So far, there’s been nothing significant to report from the 2009 Winter Meetings in Indianapolis. Despite the huge buildup leading up to Sunday night when most GM’s and their staffs began arriving, there’s been little buzz in a baseball market that is still difficult to accurately gauge. At his point, most of the rumors are as predictive as reading tea leaves. There’s a growing philosophy taking hold that suggest that this years Baseball Meetings may focus [...]

Update 11:45 AM I just confirmed that the Mets did not make any deal involving Pat Burrell, but they do have a passing interest. You can all exhale now. Original Post 11:15 AM According to a post on Philly Burbs, the Mets may have acquired Pat Burrell from the Cubs after they acquired him from the Rays. Former Phillies outfielder Pat Burrell has reportedly been swapped twice this morning, eventually landing with Phils division rival the New [...]