Boston and Pittsburgh announced recently the first trade of the season with Boston sending Miguel Cabrera, Jason Michaels, Julio Lugo, and Seth McClung to Pittsburgh in exchange for Felix Hernandez and Ramon Vasquez.
The trade should benefit both teams with Pittsburgh looking to replace the gaping hole at first base left by the implosion of Richie "Anglo" Sexson and adding help at short with the oft-injured Jack Wilson and in the bullpen. Boston gets a good left-handed bat to add to its infield mix at second and third, and a dynamic young pitcher, further strengthening a rotation that looks to be among the league's best next year.
Seattle looking to Wheel and Deal
Seattle's front office recently released the following information about their interests this offseason and announced that several key players in their 5th place finish last year were on the trading block:
I have some needs as do many of you. Lets make a deal! Here's what I have to offer:
SS-- I have 3 good full timers and probably would like to keep J.J.Hardy, so Christian Guzman and Yuni Betancourt are available.
RF-- Vlad Guerrero is being offered up.
2B-- Rickie Weeks is being offered up, but this ties into one of my needs.
Needs:
#1 A better starting catcher than Gerald Laird
#2 2B, so if Weeks goes, would need one back
#3 Pitching, mostly relief, but starting as well
#4 CF... how much more can I expect out of Johnny Damon?
#5 A young 3B to replace Mike Lowell down the road
While no announcements have been made, Seattle is reporting that several teams have expressed interest in Guerrero and their available shortstops