The action didn’t disappoint at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, and the offseason maneuvering was still in full swing two days before Christmas, this according to MLB.com. The official site of Major League Baseball stays up on all of the trades, signings, rumors and analysis with the Hot Stove MLBlog.
Stanton, Morrison off limits
With Mike Stanton and Logan Morrison regarded as “off limits,” the Marlins are finding it difficult to trade for frontline starting pitching. Miami pursued Gio Gonzalez for more than a month, but Oakland’s asking price always included either Stanton or Morrison. Because the Marlins are not willing to part with either, they are finding it difficult to lure in a legitimate All-Star pitcher.
If the Marlins had more high-end prospects, perhaps they would have been able to swing a deal for Gonzalez. They don’t, and the A’s on Thursday dealt their All-Star left-hander to the Nationals.
A’s get prospects in Gio trade
The A’s have acquired four of the Nationals’ Top 10 prospects in return for ace Gio GonzalezTags: MLB.com Hot Stove, Oakland Athletics, analysisShare: Twitter Facebook Email Related Video
Cubs, Reds working on tradeJurrjens to remain with Braves?Mets interested in Eric Young?
Miami’s search for a frontline starter continues. For Gonzalez, the Marlins were willing to part with any number of their top Minor Leaguers. They just weren’t willing to do it at the expense of their every day lineup. So what’s next?
Javier Vazquez, who had a remarkable second half, maintains he is retiring. The Marlins aren’t expecting him back, and they’re looking in other directions. Left-hander Joe Saunders has been mentioned, but don’t count on it.
The Marlins already signed Mark Buehrle, who is not overpowering. They aren’t looking to have two soft-tossing southpaws, especially for the $7 million that Saunders commands.
Keep in mind, Miami seeks a top of the rotation pitcher, not just an innings eater. James Shields is in the mix, but not at the price of Stanton or Morrison.
Wandy Rodriguez and Roy Oswalt may be more realistic options.
As of now, the Marlins’ rotation is Josh Johnson, Buehrle, Anibal Sanchez, Ricky Nolasco and Chris Volstad. Lefty Wade LeBlanc was obtained by the Padres to add experienced depth. Clearly, the Marlins would like to add another established arm, but they won’t force the issue. If need be, they may continue their search into Spring Training, ideally finding someone before Opening Day.
– Joe Frisaro
Cubs sign Corpas to one-year deal
The Cubs have agreed to a one-year Major League deal with reliever Manuel Corpas, an industry source confirmed to MLB.com’s Thomas Harding. Corpas was in Chicago on Thursday for a physical.
The 29-year-old right-hander last pitched in the Majors in 2010 with the Rockies. He underwent Tommy John surgery later that year, and the Rangers signed him to a Minor League contract in April. He pitched in the instructional league and played winter ball in Panama.
Corpas has a 12-16 record with a 3.93 ERA for his career, striking out 206 batters and walking 80 in 286 innings. He was never a strikeout artist, averaging 6.5 K’s per nine innings in five Major League seasons. But he limited his walks (2.5 per nine innings for his career) and induced ground balls at a respectable rate.
He is best known for his work during the Rockies’ run to the World Series in 2007, when he saved 19 games with a 2.08 ERA in 78 innings of work. He finished the 2007 postseason with five saves and a 0.87 ERA.
– Adam Berry
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