I think it's Wednesday but I can't be sure. A few deals this morning and some interesting manager thoughts to share.
Jeff Francoeur is headed for the Kansas City Royals. I predicted the Phillies but I also noted that the Royals were looking for a right-handed bat for the outfield. He got a one year deal.
Jack Cust is leaving the A's once again but he's staying in the AL West. Cust received a one year contract from the Seattle Mariners. Good luck with that for a power hitter in that park.
Paul Konerko will share 1B and DH with new White Sox player Adam Dunn. Konerko signed for 3 years with some of the money loaded on the back end. GM Kenny Williams indicated that Adam Dunn back loaded some of his money making resources available for signings like Konerko.
Now for some comments from managers Tony La Russa and Joe Girardi that may be of interest to us in the fantasy world.
La Russa indicated his concern for 3B David Freese regarding health issues. He likes Freese and he thinks he can play there most of the time. However, he will be playing outfielder Allen Craig at 3B during the spring to prepare him for time at the hot corner. Like Freese, Craig hits right handed. La Russa seems to really like Craig.
Lance Berkman will play right field. Period. That has been resolved. La Russa feels Berkman is a high quality hitter who will bring tremendous offense to the Cardinals.
La Russa indicated that if Albert Pujols doesn't sign his extension before spring training, it will not get done until the end of the season. He indicated that Albert will not have any distractions once the season begins. He was effusive in his praise for Pujols and he indicated that fans don't know how great Pujols really is. He said the only way to appreciate "the blessing of Albert" is to watch him day in and day out.
He said Pujols is a great teammate to young and veteran players. He will help anyone who asks. La Russa is very confident that Albert wants to stay in St. Louis and that a deal will get done. La Russa also said he doesn't want anything to happen in negotiations that happened with Jeter. He said all negotiations will be private.
Joe Girardi answered my question this way: Bernie asks-"Can you talk a bit about the catching situation and specifically Montero?"
Girardi said that Montero will have to earn his way on to the club as a catcher, nothing else. He said he has work to do and it will be monitored during spring training. He said that Jorge Posada will DH but also catch some. Posada is recovering from surgery but he should be ready to play in spring training. The team could carry 3 catchers if Montero is deemed ready.
Yes, the Yankees really want to sign Cliff Lee. However, Girardi indicated he was confident A.J. will return to form. His mechanics need work and Larry Rothschild will work with him during spring training.
There are no plans to covert Joba Chamberlain to a starter.
Girardi mentioned that pitchers like David Robertson and Ivan Nova are important pitchers and each will be making contributions to the club next season. But much depends upon what happens with Lee and Andy Pettitte. Girardi is concerned that Pettitte really means it this time that he wants to spend time at home with his family.
Both Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter will get more time off next season. Girardi said it would be good for the team to have more offense at their utility infield position, but he would be fine if they start the season with what they have.
That's it for now. This may be my last report from the Winter Meetings unless something breaks tonight. I fly back to the warmth of Arizona tomorrow. Cheers!