Hot Stove to Heat up at GM Meetings

Scott Boras could be busiest person at GM meetings. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Over the next couple of days, the weather for the Orlando are calls for highs in the low 80’s. For some of us at this time of year, that’s pretty warm. Things heating up for the GM meetings? Perhaps.

Deals can be made, but it’s generally more of the laying of the groundwork that gets accomplished. I wouldn’t be shocked of a deal or two is made. I wouldn’t be shocked if nothing big occurs. There’s only a month before the winter meetings.

Here’s a few things in which you should keep your ears open…

– While no one will say the Colorado Rockies will spend, spend, spend, they are willing to put forth a little dough in order to improve their bullpen. Troy Renck of the Denver Post believes that’s the case.

"The Rockies have created a business model that demands better relievers. The 100-pitch count for starters, while flexible, leads to a plethora of leveraged innings for the bullpen…If there’s a place to overpay for talent, it’s in the bullpen. The Rockies are chasing every hard thrower on the board, from Brian Wilson and Grant Balfour to Joe Smith and LaTroy Hawkins."

Interesting options, but luring arms to Denver isn’t always the easiest thing to do. The Rox will most likely have to overpay to get those.

– The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to improve at shortstop. There’s already been the rumblings that a deal with the Rockies for Troy Tulowitzki could be happening. The Cards might be willing to part with some of their stash of young arms to acquire an upgrade according to Joe Strauss of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

"With Carlos Martinez meriting a look-see as a starter — and Rosenthal wanting the same — it’s increasingly likely that general manager John Mozeliak shops Lance Lynn or Shelby Miller to simultaneously create an opening while addressing a core need at shortstop."

If you’re wondering about Tulo. He’s 29 and his current contract runs until 2020 with an option for 2021.

And there’s this…

Those mentioned in Rosenthal’s tweet are more suited for St. Louis. Plus, I don’t think Colorado will deal Tulo.

– The New York Mets have already logged an appointment with super-agent Scott Boras says the gang over on Rising Apple. On the agenda: Shin-Soo Choo? Stephen Drew? Both?

"…Choo and Drew, however, are two of the available free agents who should most interest the Mets.Choo, 31, had a triple slash of .285/.423/.462 for Cincinnati in 2013. Depending on which report you believe, Boras is seeking a contract somewhere between $90 million and $127 million for Choo.Drew, who will turn 31 next March, had a triple slash of .253/.333/.433 last year for World Series winning Boston."