Let's start in Cleveland, where the Indians moved Luis Valbuena to Toronto for cash. The move makes sense because Valbuena hasn't produced for the Indians at the major league level, and is at least third on their depth chart for utility infielder behind Jason Donald and Cord Phelps. Valbuena has fallen out of favor in Cleveland, and was in danger on being dropped off of their 40man roster. Toronto brings Valbuena in mostly as an insurance policy. They're likely to try and resign Kelly Johnson, or another proven free agent. But if they are unable to, Valbuena could have a shot as their opening day starter at second base. Valbuena has put of good numbers in Class-AAA for both Cleveland and Seattle, but is yet to get similar results at the major league level.
The Rays made a tandem of moves in the past week which are joined at the hip. They sent John Jaso to the Mariners for Josh Lueke, and then replaced Jaso with Jose Molina. I like the addition of Jaso to the Mariners, as he forms a natural platoon with Miguel Olivo. Olivo is the better defender, offers more power, and bats right handed. Jaso is a left handed hitter, with fringy defense, but has better defensive skills thanks to a career 12.2% walk rate. Eric Wedge values defense at catcher, so Jaso might not get a lot of playing time to begin next season, but should eventually garner more starts than Olivo, although Olivo's defense could be substituted in at the end of games. Josh Lueke is a hard throwing right hander, and would probably be a valuable piece in any bullpen. He's a solid pitcher, who could settle into a 7th or 8th inning role with the Rays, and is under club control for a few years. Jose Molina is a typical Molina catcher. His value comes in his defense, which the Rays must believe that they need, because Jaso's offensive skills are much better.
The Yankees came to terms to retain the services of Freddy Garcia this past week. He performed well for New York in 2011, and is getting made for it. While I don't expect Garcia to put up the same numbers in 2012, he should make at least 25 starts for them, and keep the club in games. It's always good to have pitching depth, and that's exactly how I view this signing.
The Royals added two free agents to bolster their pitching staffs in the forms of Bruce Chen and Jonathan Broxton. Chen had a good season in 2011, and is actually similar to Freddy Garcia. He outperformed his metrics, and probably won't repeat, but is a solid starter who the Royals will expect 25 starts from, and should be one of their more reliable starters in their young rotation. Broxton will join a pretty good bullpen, and is currently penciled in as Joakin Soria's setup man. Much like Joe Nathan in Texas, the Broxton signing pushes one of their younger arms to the rotation. Aaron Crow will get a chance to start in 2012, but I think his final role will be back in the bullpen. Crow has never started above Class-AA before, and put up an ERA over five when he did. He has been very good out of the bullpen, and I think that his power arm with below average control will force him back to a bullpen role before next season is over. Broxton is returning from injury, and if he pitches well, and the Royals aren't contending next season, Broxton could be on the move at the trade deadline, which could open up the spot for Crow to move back tot he bullpen.
In things that actually happened today, David DeJesus was signed by the Chicago Cubs. I like the signing, as DeJesus can play all three outfield positions, and should post a decent on base percentage in Wrigley Field. He's good insurance for Brett Jackson, who I'm not entirely sure is ready for the major leagues. Jackson struck out in nearly 30% of his plate appearances in Class-AA this past season, but still managed to post decent number thanks to a .402 BABIP. He's only 22, and still developing. He should see time in the majors next season, but I think he'd be best off starting the season in Iowa.
In another deal that went final this morning, the Dodgers continued their efforts to corner the utility infield market by signing Adam Kennedy. Kennedy is similar to Ty Wigginton. He can play all around the infield, maybe even a little better than Wigginton, but doesn't have the power Wigginton has. Kennedy comes cheap, and will serve as the team's utility infielder. He could also be insurance in case Mark Ellis doesn't return to All-Star form.
The Astros put themselves in a strange spot this week, as they fired their General Manager. Like the Twins, this came in a time when we don't often see GM's fired. Unlike the Twins though, they don't have a replacement on hand. The Astros will in all likely hood go into the Winter Meetings without a permanent GM, with David Gottfried serving as the interim GM.
After saying that they weren't looking for a "Bobby Valentine type" of manager, the Red Sox went ahead and just hired Valentine himself. They've had trouble filling the role, and Valentine wasn't high on their list. I won't say that they "settled" with Valentine, because I don't think that they would hire him if he didn't at least agree with the front office's mindset and direction for the club. I think he'll be a fine addition, because the team has talent, they just need someone to control the clubhouse and get the player's best effort on the field.
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