McCann will be one of the highest paid players on the market this offseason (Image: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports)

While McCann is primarily a catcher, Gattis has the ability to play two other positions (left field and first base). It’s that flexibility and his hot hand to start the year, that has some believing that Gattis will overtake McCann’s spot, while the latter looks for work elsewhere. It’s an interesting proposition to say the least because McCann is entering his prime years, and is two years removed from a .270/.351/.466 (121 wRC+) campaign in which he hit 24 home runs and knocked in 71 runs. Needless to say, offensive catchers are difficult to come by, so McCann will command a ton of money on the open market.

So who are among the teams that would presumably make a run at acquiring/trade for the 29-year-old catcher? The big fish in the sea (Dodgers, Rangers, Yankees) have to be high on the list.

• Dodgers

Although their catcher, A.J. Ellis, is perfectly capable of holding down the position from both an offensive and defensive standpoint, it’s hard to argue McCann wouldn’t make that lineup even more dangerous. The flip side to that is the club has Tim Federowicz stashed in AAA who is ripe for a call-up, obtaining McCann would almost make either Ellis or Federowicz available to the highest bidder.

• Yankees

The Yanks found themselves in a peculiar position this past offseason when they decided to go cheap and stick to a budget. That seemingly backfired when they lost their starting catcher Russell Martin via free agency. While they’ve gotten good production from Francisco Cervelli, some argue he’s just a very good backup, not a starter. The club also has youngsters Austin Romine and Gary Sanchez waiting in the wings, so a long-term deal for McCann could stunt their ascension to the majors.

• Rangers

The Rangers are seemingly in on every free agent or trade rumor and McCann is no exception. Their starter, A.J. Pierzynski, and backup, Geovany Soto are gone after 2013. That leaves a huge hole to fill on a championship-caliber club. The team will likely sign one them this offseason and go hard after McCann. Or they might decide to go cheap and go all-in on McCann and call-up Robinson Chirinos who is hitting .295/.404/.487 in 94 ABs in AAA this year.

McCann will undoubtedly be a hot commodity this offseason or even at the trade deadline. The Braves are in a great position with their catching depth with Gattis, Gerald Laird, and up-and-comer Christian Bethancourt. When a team such as Atlanta is in the driver’s seat, they can demand a king’s ransom for their player’s services. Two questions remain, do the Braves let him walk or get something for him while they still have him? And how long will McCann stay behind the plate?

Stats courtesy of FanGraphs

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Borbon will most likely go without being traded and will instead be scooped up after he clears waivers. That’s unless the Rangers lower their asking price for a team like the Orioles or Twins, or if a team really likes Borbon or really wants to add another outfielder into the mix. Most teams interested would much rather wait until ten days after the DFA period, because nobody wants to make a trade unless they have to. With a lukewarm market, the Rangers might not be able to find a trade partner for Borbon unless somebody, again, really wants him. I doubt that happens, and the Rangers are trying to get what they can within this window. If they want something, they’re going to have to cut down and settle for a low-level prospect.

The best asset that the left-handed hitter provides is his speed, but his swiftness on the bases is outweighed by his inability to get on base at a high rate. He offers no pop, but he can be a quality depth outfielder for a team. Depth outfielders usually don’t generate much trade interest, so we’ll see what the Rangers can get out of him.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Shortly after acquiring Harang, the Rockies designated the 34-year-old starter-turned-reliever for assignment, and they viewed him as future trade bait from the very start. The Rockies have been talking to teams interested in acquiring the pitcher set to make $7 million in 2013 (money the Rockies will most likely have to partially eat up), and we now know who those three teams are.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported yesterday that the Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Houston Astros are interested in trading for Aaron Harang from the Rockies to add to the back of their starting rotation (at least, that’s how I think those teams will use him). Harang’s trade saga is one of the most perplexing in the MLB, because he was basically acquired as trade bait. It leaves fans such as myself wondering, “Why didn’t those three teams just directly trade for Harang from the Dodgers?” Either way, the Dodgers came out OK overall by adding the backup catcher they wanted and getting rid of Harang’s $7 million salary.

For now Joba Chamberlain will be a big piece of the Yankees bullpen, but opposing teams, such as the Rangers, could express an interest again before the trade deadline. (Image Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports)

With questions looming about the state of the team’s bullpen health, there still appeared to be a resounding sentiment that the New York Yankees could be open to moving one of their “extra” arms over the offseason. Multiple teams were reported at various points to be scouting the Yankees’ pitchers, most notably the Texas Rangers’ interest in right-handed Joba Chamberlain.

It would seem, according to George King of the New York Post, that despite Texas’ “legitimate interest” in Chamberlain, the two sides never actually engaged in any discussions about a potential deal.

Chamberlain has been hampered by injuries over the past two seasons. Midway through the 2011 season he began to deal with some injury discomfort, ultimately leading to Tommy John Surgery. Between that recovery and a fractured ankle (that he suffered while playing with his kid), Chamberlain would only throw 20.2 IP before the 2012 season concluded. He’d struggle with command in those outings and was largely unimpressive pitching in a middle relief role.

Chamberlain seemed to bounce back this Spring, posting some strong numbers that clearly appealed to the Yankees brass. While not a primary option, the team clearly is banking on Chamberlain returning to form and offering up a reliable arm towards the back of the bullpen. David Robertson will continue to be the team’s principal setup option in front of Mariano Rivera, but Chamberlain could be counted upon as that next line of defense.

There was never much depth to the speculation that Texas had interest in Chamberlain. No names were thrown out as potential fits should the two teams attempt to work out a deal, though at one point a Mike Olt for Chamberlain swap was proposed by a few sources. Such a move would have likely been viewed as a significant overpayment on the part of the Rangers, particularly since Chamberlain will reach free agency this coming offseason where Olt will still be under team control for six more seasons. If King’s report is to be believed, the two sides never reached the stage where names were exchanged regarding a potential deal.

It’s unclear if Texas maintains interest in Chamberlain or if the two sides could speak down the road about a deal. Should the Yankees make Chamberlain available leading up to the July trade deadline it would not be surprising to see the Rangers step in with a renewed interest.

Vernon Wells has seen his role reduced in Los Angeles but would have to approve a possible trade to the Yankees. (Image Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan has reported that the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels are discussing a deal that will send Vernon Wells to New York. Wells has a no-trade clause that he’d have to approve, but sources suggest that the two sides are ironing out details and they expect to complete a deal.

Wells has two years remaining under contract, but is schedule to earn $42 Million over that time frame. Los Angeles is believed to be sending “lots of money” back to New York in a deal, according to Passan. There do not appear to be any other details available, but talks have been confirmed by multiple sources on Twitter. It’s been suggested that the Yankees will only be parting with a “low-level minor leaguer” in the deal.

Coming off an injury shortened season in which he hit just .230/.279/.403 with 20 extra base hits (11 HR, 9 2B) in 262 plate appearances, Wells could still offer some power that is lacking in the Yankees lineup. Wells hit 31 and 25 home runs in the 2010 and 2011 seasons and could be capable of posting similar numbers with his home games coming at Yankee Stadium. However, he’s ventured into a similar category to someone like Adam Dunn – power is the only thing he brings to the table.

Wells doesn’t walk much. He’s not a threat on the bases. He won’t strike out as frequently as Dunn, but the overall package that he brings to the table from an offensive standpoint doesn’t quite match the salary he’s slated to earn.

Fortunately for New York, he’s no longer “needed” in Los Angeles with the emergence of some of the team’s younger outfielders. Mike Trout, Peter Bourjos, and Mark Trumbo can more than adequately cover the outfield and that’s before working Josh Hamilton into the mix. Wells is nothing more than an expensive bat off the bench for the Angels at this point, so the opportunity to move him off the roster in order to allow another player to take his place would be appealing. The Angels knew they’d have to pickup a portion of Wells’ salary in order to facilitate a move and they appear willing to do so here, perhaps as much as $34 Million according to the NY Post’s Joel Sherman.

New York will start the season with Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez on the DL. Wells will step in and play left field, hoping to offer up some offense while the team awaits the rest of the lineup (sans Rodriguez) to return.

Update, 4:50 PM – Wells has approved the trade, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.

When informed he wouldn’t make the Mariners rotation, Jon Garland asked for and received his release yesterday. He could have multiple options available if reports are true. (Image Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

Veteran right-hander Jon Garland is back on the free agent market, having received his release from the Seattle Mariners yesterday, and multiple teams have already reached out and expressed interest. The Colorado Rockies appear to be the latest team linked to the 33 year old, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports also suggests that the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers could be in the mix, given the two team’s apparent desire to add starting pitching.

Garland has missed most of the past season and a half to injury, but has thrown well in four starts this Spring for the Mariners. He’s largely kept the ball down in the zone and has shown signs that he’s healthy once again, despite poor peripheral numbers in his 12.0 innings of work (1.5 HR/9, 3.8 BB/9, 3.0 K/9). Seattle had signed Garland to a minor league deal in mid-February with a provision that a decision be made regarding his roster status no later than yesterday. When it became apparent he wouldn’t make the team’s roster, giving the final spot in their rotation to either Blake Beavan or Erasmo Ramirez, he requested his unconditional release.

Colorado’s interest is not truly surprising. They appear set to enter the season with a rotation fronted by Jhoulys Chacin, Jeff Francis, Jorge De La Rosa, and Juan Nicasio. Barring an outside addition, Drew Pomeranz will likely take the final spot in the rotation. Tyler Chatwood, Chris Volstad, Christian Friedrich, and Daniel Rosenbaum (a Rule 5 pick) could also be starting options. Collectively the group has some limited MLB experience, but none have seen significant success to date. Volstad and Rosenbaum could both find their way into the Rockies bullpen initially, while Chatwood and Friedrich both appear ticketed for Triple-A to begin the season. Pomeranz would presumably join them if he’s bumped from the rotation.

While the Rockies have options, from a numbers standpoint, there is a lack of a true experienced option among the group. Garland could offer a veteran presence that could prove beneficial in the clubhouse, as well as on the field. He’s thrown 2,083 innings in his 12 year career, posting a 132-119 record and 4.32 ERA. His last full season came in 2010 with San Diego, when he went 14-12 with a 3.47 ERA in 33 starts (200.0 IP).

Rick Porcello continues to draw interest on the trade market but there are no certainties that the Tigers will move him before the season begins. (Image Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Rick Porcello has remained one of the most common names discussed this Spring as a possible trade target and it would seem that multiple teams continue to show an interest in acquiring the right-hander from the Detroit Tigers, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLBTR. At least five teams – the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals – have all been linked to the 24 year old in some fashion recently but questions remain about whether the Tigers will indeed move him.

Detroit’s hesitation is somewhat understandable, particularly given the high value placed on starting pitching depth. The team reportedly will not move Porcello unless they receive a “strong return”. He’s currently slated to be the team’s 5th starter, with Drew Smyly either taking a role in the bullpen or returning to Triple-A to start. Smyly would be the first option to replace Porcello in the rotation should the team end up making a move.

Based on the team’s current and most pressing needs, it seems only natural that the Tigers will focus on bullpen help (i.e. someone who could potentially close) and a right-handed hitting outfielder in any potential deal.

Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports suggest that talks have not progressed far between the Rangers and Tigers, but names have been exchanged between the two sides. Specifically, the Tigers have interest in a pair of Rangers prospects – shortstop Leury Garcia and right-hander Nick Tepesch. Detroit wants a third player in a deal, according to Rosenthal, but the Rangers appear to be balking at the high price.

Boston appears to have interest in Porcello and could match up well with the Tigers on a deal, but it seems they are hesitant to break up their bullpen mix. A deal involved right-hander Andrew Bailey could make sense for both sides, given Detroit’s need for help at the back of their bullpen. The two players also match up fairly closely in terms of 2013 salaries (Porcello’s slated to earn $5.1 Million, while Bailey will make $4.1 Million).

Baltimore and St. Louis have had scouts watch Porcello throw of late, but neither team is expected to be serious suitors.

San Diego has also had multiple conversations with the Tigers, and may have made the most progress on a potential deal, reportedly turning down multiple offers according to Jim Bowden. Detroit offered the team two separate deals involving either Huston Street or Luke Gregorson and the Padres rejected both proposals. Bowden suggests that talks are continuing between the two sides but there’s no certainty that a deal will be reached.

While there appears to be little urgency to getting a deal complete, it would be safe to assume that the Tigers would like to resolve the matter before the regular season begins in about two weeks. With a deal in place, the team can head into the season with some of their pending questions addressed (pending what they receive in return, of course). Without a deal, Porcello can focus on getting opposing hitters out and the rumors will cease to be a distraction for the time being. Detroit could look to move him before the July trade deadline as well. He’ll still be under team control for three more seasons following this year, meaning there will be some value to a team that acquires him no matter when a deal is completed.

Veteran infielder John McDonald could be attractive on the trade market if the Diamondbacks do decide to move him. (Image Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports)

Presuming they don’t run into any health-related concerns in the next few weeks, the Arizona Diamondbacks could consider making versatile veteran infielder John McDonald available via trade. Such a decision depends greatly on the readiness of Willie Bloomquist and Cliff Pennington, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

McDonald has made quite the career out of filling a utility role having spent ample time at second, third, and shortstop over the course of a 14 year career. Defense has long been his calling card, as he’s just a .239/.276/.331 hitter in 2,483 PA with four different organizations. This past season he appeared in 70 games for Arizona, batting .249/.295/.386 in 213 PA with a career high 6 HR. The 38 year old is in the final year of his contract with the D’backs and will earn just $1.5 Million this season.

One potential landing spot for McDonald could end up being the St. Louis Cardinals, given the team’s recent loss of shortstop Rafael Furcal for the season and the team’s apparent concerns over the inexperience of Pete Kozma, but there is no guarantee that St. Louis will look to make a move before the season begins. Numerous other teams could also get in the mix if they decide they need an upgrade off the bench. Given his veteran presence, ability to handle three infield positions, and modest salary there will likely be a fair amount of interest should Arizona actually make McDonald available.

Having sat quietly on the sidelines for most of the winter, it seems Derek Lowe might be close to signing a deal to join the Texas Rangers. (Image Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports)

Already believed to be looking for some additional starting pitching depth, the Texas Rangers appear close to signing veteran right-hander Derek Lowe to a minor league deal, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. It’s unknown at this point what role the team is envisioning Lowe filling, as he’s capable of both starting and relieving.

Quickie story on Rangers-Derek Lowe talks. Awaiting word on a final agreement, but sounds like it is quite close: rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2013/03/source…

— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) March 6, 2013

Texas could use the depth on their pitching staff after Martin Perez’s injury and the ineffectiveness of Justin Grimm this Spring. The two were most likely to fill out the back of the team’s rotation while they wait for Colby Lewis’ return from Tommy John Surgery. Lowe could potentially step in and start for the team for a few weeks, moving to the bullpen when necessary as starters come back healthy. He’d fit the swingman type role that Texas has long employed in their bullpen construction.

Lowe started last season with the Cleveland Indians, making 21 starts before the team designated him for assignment in early August. He was 8-10 before the move, with a 5.52 ERA and 1.689 WHIP in 119.0 IP. After Cleveland released him, Lowe signed with the New York Yankees just three days later and would spent the remainder of the season working out of the bullpen. In 17 appearances he went 1-1 with a 3.05 ERA and 1.268 WHIP in 23.2 IP, a big improvement from the first two-thirds of the season.

Lowe, who’ll turn 40 on June 1st, might not have much left in the tank after a 16 year career but could prove serviceable to the Rangers for a few months, which might be all they need him to do.

Jonny Venters has been a big piece of the Braves bullpen the past few years, but could they consider dealing him? (Image Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Despite having an enviable depth in their bullpen, there appears little reason for the Atlanta Braves to make a move involving one of their key relief options. However, it would appear that there has been some talk among scouts that the Braves could in fact listen to offers on left-hander Jonny Venters, according to Ken Rosenthal.

Talk among scouts that #Braves will listen on Venters. Braves, though, say they love depth in their bullpen, including 3 LHs with Avilan.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 6, 2013

Atlanta has a trio of quality left-handed options in their bullpen in Venters, Eric O’Flaherty, and Luis Avilan that they appear to be quite fond of. Alongside closer Craig Kimbrel and a hopefully healthy Jordan Walden and the Braves just might have one of the best group of relievers in the Major Leagues. They certainly could look to move one of their left-handed options to help address another need, but there is zero necessity for the team do so at this point in time. If they were to seriously contemplate moving Venters, however, he could stir up a good amount of interest across the league. Teams are always in search of quality left-handed relievers and Venters has arguably been among the game’s best in recent years. He’s slated to earn just $1.63 Million this season, his first year of arbitration eligibility, and he’ll remain under team control for two more years before reaching free agency. Venters has made 230 appearances for the Braves over the past three seasons, posting a 2.23 ERA, 1.241 WHIP, and 10.1 K/9 over 229.2 IP.