As the holidays continue to creep up on us, so does the shock many players experience during the hot stove months of Major League Baseball. From a complete personnel overhaul in Dodger town, to the Red Sox reloading, the movers and shakers are starting to separate themselves this winter.
The Red Sox today shipped outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to Detroit in exchange for pitcher Rick Porcello, notes CBS Sports. Not landing their former starter Jon Lester, as he chose Theo Epstein and Chicago, Boston got that starting pitcher they so desperately needed. The offensive acquisitions of Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez paved way for Cespedes leaving town so quickly.
Despite the shock value for Dallas Latos, Matt Latos' wife, the Cincinnati Reds made a move today by shipping Latos to Miami in exchange for pitcher Anthony DiSclafani and catcher Chad Wallach.
Reds general manager Walt Jocketty commented on the trade.
"This is it for now," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said after a busy final morning of the winter meetings. "We got close to where we need to be -- payroll-wise," according to ESPN.
For Miami, the deal indicates a clear message of "going for it" in 2015.
On the side of unloading, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a deal in place to send star Matt Kemp to the San Deigo Padres for switch-hitting catcher Yasmani Grandal, pitching prospects Joe Wieland and Zach Eflin. $32 million will also go with Kemp to San Diego to soften the blow of the $107 million still left on his contract.
As the New York Yankees, and the rest of the baseball world patiently waits for stud pitcher Max Scherzer to make his decision, Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski has stated he is now out of the running to bring Scherzer back to the team.
"I guess anything can happen, but we're not in active pursuit of that situation at this time," Dombrowksi said of re-signing Scherzer, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Other notes and signings:
-Mets sign outfielder John Mayberry Jr. to a one-year, $1.45 million contract.
-Red Sox add pitcher Justin Masterson through a one-year deal.
-Nationals trade Ross Detwiler to Rangers for two minor leaguers.
-Twins agree with pitcher Ervin Santana on a four-year, $54 million deal.
-Royals sign Kendrys Moreales to a two-year, $17 million contract.