2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Hot Stove Could “Sizzle” Soon

Major League Baseball seems to be in a holding pattern.  After last week’s flurry of moves at the 2011 Winter Meetings, teams looking for starting pitching are waiting to see what happens with the Yu Darvish situation.  Meanwhile, Prince Fielder, the free agent market’s top bat, seems to be in no hurry to sign.  No worries, says Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports.  Morosi gets the feeling that the Hot Stove is ready to sizzle in the near future.  Morosi gives the rundown of several teams expected to make moves in the coming weeks including the Cubs, White Sox, Astros, Athletics and Padres.

Morosi hears from one player agent that teams all “have trades in the works” and that there are “tons of moving parts”.  According to Morosi, “a cascade of moves will follow” the resolutions of the Fielder and Darvish deals.

Morosi also points out that, as many of us can relate to, front offices like to wrap up their “shopping” before Christmas.  That means that next week could be every bit as busy as the one we witnessed in Dallas.

Expected to be in the middle of the madness are the Cubs, White Sox, Astros, A’s and Padres.  Morosi goes over each club’s list of available players and where they are most likely to end up.

Morosi starts out with the Chicago Cubs, listing the usual suspects of Matt Garza, Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano.  Morosi adds his wild-card to the list, Marlon Byrd.  Garza figures to appeal to American League East clubs such as the Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays and Morosi  believes the Marlins, Reds, Giants, Cardinals and Mariners could all be interested in Byrd.

Next up is the other Windy City club.  White Sox general manager Ken Williams has already admitted that his club is rebuilding this winter, and starting pitchers John Danks and Gavin Floyd as well as outfielder Carlos Quentin have come up in trade talks.  Morosi lists the Yankees, Reds, Royals, Rangers, Rockies, Twins and Red Sox as teams that should show interest in Chicago’s starters.  As far as Quentin is concerned, Morosi figures the Mariners, Giants, Reds, Indians and Red Sox could all get in on the bidding.

The Houston Astros are continuing their rebuilding process, making veterans such as Carlos Lee, Brett Myers and Wandy Rodriguez especially expendable.  Morosi believes the Twins, Reds, Rockies, or Royals could target the Astros arms, while Morosi believes Lee could become the Comeback Player of the Year if placed in the right situation.

Andrew Bailey and Gio Gonzalez have had their names floated all offseason, but Morosi also pulls catcher Kurt Suzuki into the mix of available A’s.  While Morosi admits that few teams are still looking for a starting backstop, Bailey and Gonzalez have drawn significant trade interest this offseason.  So far this offseason the pitchers have been tied to the Red Sox, Reds, Rays, Blue Jays, Rangers, Mariners, Mets, Marlins and Nationals.

Finally we have the Padres.  Few teams have shown much interest in San Diego’s middle infielders, Jason Bartlett and Orlando Hudson, this offseason.  Chase Headley figures to be the player most likely moved, and Morosi says the Tiger covet the third baseman.