Thoughts on the Hot Stove

Here are a few thoughts on what's happened so far.

1. CC - to the Yankees for 160 million dollars. Ok Sabathia was phenomenal down the stretch. Each of his starts, and at-bats for that matter, were must watch TV this summer. That being said, I think this deal is going to be the beginning of the end of Brian Cashman's reign as GM In NY. I love CC - I just can't imagine signing a 300 lb guy to a 7 year contract. He threw 10 complete games last year. He threw well into October. I know he has 8 straight seasons of around 30 starts, but I would be absolutely shocked if he had 7 more. I know the Yankees had to do something, they are opening the new Stadium and they missed October baseball last year. If all they do is sign CC then the risk is worth the reward. If they also sign Burnett -then they are just asking for Carl Pavano all over again. As for CC, can anyone really blame a guy for signing a 7 year 160 million dollar deal?

2. K-rod - to the Mets for 3 years. I like this deal for the Mets. They are coming off 2 historic September collapses. Their bullpen was terrible. Solution? Sign the guy who just obliterated the single season save record. K-rod should add some great stability to their bullpen and if he should falter - see #3.

3. JJ Putz - traded to the Mets. Ok this one was extra sour for me - I had sold myself on the Tigers trading for Putz. Again - Mets needed to sure up the bullpen and when healthy this guy has been dominant. I think he will flourish in the 8th inning role with less spotlight.

4. Ryan Freel to the O's. Call me crazy. But this is actually an off season move of the Orioles that I like. Freel is an all around player, he can run when he gets on base, and he seems to be a class guy. These are all good qualities to look for when trading for a player. Baltimore could be a bit feisty this year, especially if they get the mercenary Mark Texeria.

5. Kerry Wood to Cleveland. First of all, this ends the Wood/Prior era in Chicago. I am sure in 2003 many Cubs fans envisioned these two anchoring the rotation for the next decade plus. For the Tribe - they roll the dice a bit on a guy who has had chronic health problems, but really re-invented himself as a closer this year. If he can stay healthy I think he will be a great addition to the Jake...sorry the Prog, or whatever its now called.

6. Edwin Jackson to Detroit. Well Detroit missed out on Putz (rumored to be because they wouldn't trade Matt Joyce) and the same day trade Joyce to Tampa Bay for Jackson. Jackson has great stuff, but has never really had great control. If he's on his game his is unhittable, if not - well he's Rick Vaughn pre-glasses. I really see him as Jeremy Bonderman lite, which isn't a bad thing. I think if Detroit asks Bonderman, Jackson, and Gallaraga to be solid 2-4 starters and Verlander can regain his form as an ace - the Detroit rotation will be very deep.

Those are the big trades/signings so far. We are still waiting on Fuentes (come on Detroit!), Texeria, Burnett, Randy, Sheets, etc to all find homes.