#MLB #HotStove Report

The free agent frenzy that is the MLB Hot Stove is in full effect. Although some big names have landed in new cities via free agency others unexpected all stars have been traded to new clubs. Still many desirable sluggers and arms I still available.

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Big Names Still Available

• Robinson Cano and the Yankees are still light years apart on a new deal. The bad news for Cano who is seeking a $300 million deal, is there does not seem to be many other clubs ready to pay that for his services
• Nelson Cruz might be the most desirable player on the market this season. The Mets, and Athletics have expressed serious interest in the slugger. His most recent employer the Texas Rangers are also apparently in the market.
• Jacoby Ellsbury is seeking in the neighborhood of $20 million per year. That price tag is to high for the Red Sox. The 30 year old speedster has met with the Cubs and sources have indicated the Cardinals may require his services.
• Ricky Nolasco is the most valuable arm still available. He has drawn interest from Toronto and Washington among others. Nolasco was instrumental in LA's post season run.
• Michael Young has met with both the Red Sox and Orioles. He would be a terrific utility infielder for either club.
• Carlos Beltran is the other big name. His big bat was revived the last to seasons in St. Louis. The 36 year old outfielder has caught interest from Boston, New York and Cincinnati just to name a few.
• Curtis Granderson has been under the radar so to speak this free agent season. Most assume maybe even Granderson the Yankees will just get this deal done. However as of now no offer is on the table.

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Faces Signing In New Places

• Brian McCann  is the most recent big name to sign. The Yankees in desperate need of fresh blood especially behind the plate snatched the 29 year old for 85 million over five years.
• Dan Haren picked up a one year note with the Dodgers this week. The deal repordetly worth 10 million plus incentives is believed to be LA's plan for replacing Ricky Nolasco in the rotation. Haren is coming off a disappointing 2013 in which he lost 14 games and his ERA ballooned to 4.67.
• Jhonny Peralta will be the new Cardinal shortstop this season. The 33 year old agreed to a four year $50 million deal. Peralta missed 50 games last season due to drug suspension. St. Louis is hoping he will stay out of trouble while providing solid play on both sides of the game.

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Blockbuster Trade

• Prince Fielder after just two seasons in Detroit was sent to Texas for all star second baseman Ian Kinsler. Fielder has seven years reaming on his record nine year $214 million deal. He had a horrific post season and may have worn out his welcome. Kinsler on the other hand another solid season at second. Detroit is looking to replace the offensive production lost with Jhonny Peralta departing.

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Trade Rumors

You can't always believe what you hear or read. Certainly at this time of year many theories and speculations arise. However many are just useless banter story lines for endless hours of talk radio dribble. Here's the last serving perhaps.....

• Jim Johnson is apparently on the market. ESPN reports that Baltimore is looking to unload their closer and more importantly is $10 million owed to him this year.
• Toronto seems to be at it again. Sources have indicated that the Blue Jays have made serious offers to LA for outfielder Matt Kemp.
• Dexter Fowler appears to be on the market. The Colorado center fielder had a poor 2013 campaign. However he is only 27, he hit .300 in 2012 and he only makes about two plus million this season. He could be a nice catch for the right club.

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