Winter Meetings, Day 3

I didn't have a chance to write yesterday. I know, I cried too. I held off to do it all last night because when I sat down to do it mid-day, there wasn't much happening. But, my plan backfired as most of them do. Amber and her brothers took a trip back in time. They played "Everquest" when they were younger and found a new version that they could play. So, as soon as I heard that they were going to do that, I knew I wouldn't be writing anytime soon. I didn't mind though because it's always nice to have your girlfriend or wife interested in some kind of video game. Makes life just a little bit easier.

So, here I am, 12 hours later trying to catch up. And, oh boy, did I miss a lot!

The Pirates signed Bobby Crosby to one-year, $1m plus incentives. Crosby was a good infielder for the A's before lots of injuries hampered his career. The signing indicates he's healthy now, but we'll see for how long. Earlier last month, the Pirates traded bullpen arm Jesse Chavez for second baseman Akinori Iwamura of the Rays. The Pirates made the trade to open up international affairs, Japanese players in particular.

The Astros acquired former closer Matt Lindstrom from the Marlins. The Astros were ready to lose Jose Valverde to the market and they needed a back-up plan. Minor leaguers Robert Bono and Luis Bryan plus a rule 5 draft pick was sent to Florida. They also signed former closer Brandon Lyon to a three-year $15m deal. I'm surprised he got more than $11m, but good for him.

The Mariners signed journeyman Corey Patterson to a minor league deal. No big deal here.

The Rangers are sending Kevin Millwood and $3m to Baltimore for Chris Ray. I like this trade for the Orioles, they needed some better than they have pitching. Texas will sign Rich Harden with the money saved on the trade. The deal is worth a base of $6.5m with $3.5 in incentives and the team holds and $11m option for 2011. To me, this is a good deal for both sides. Harden is injury-prone, but if he stays healthy, he gets payed. The Rangers get a dominant pitcher and don't lose too much money if he gets hurt again. Plus, I like Harden over Millwood as I think most will agree, and now they have Chris Ray too, for the same amount of money.

I originally thought Rafael Soriano was going to be trade to the Orioles, especially after the Chris Ray trade. But, apparently the Rays are going to get him instead. The Braves will likely get Jesse Chavez in return, who came to Tampa in the Iwamura trade. I like this deal for both sides, especially the Braves, who were somewhat blindsided by Soriano's arbitration acceptance. The Rays will finally have better than an "ok" closer.

The Brewers singed LaTroy Hawkins to a two-year $7.5m deal. Not a big deal to me, I don't really like Hawkins' style, but whatever.

And lastly, Andy Pettite resigned with the Yankees. I know, the biggest shocker of the day. Not! I don't even know why they report on this, my three year old son could have told you it was going to happen. $11.75m deal. *Sigh*, I hate the Yankees!

"The Fanatic"