The Winter Meetings

One of the most exciting times in baseball comes after the season. The annual December "Winter" Meetings begins today. These meetings are where the general managers of each team get together and discuss business in baseball. More specifically it's where alot of trades are made. You have what I want, here's what I can offer, type of thing. I think it's more fun to actually read about the "what could have been" trades than the actual real ones. It's a crazy time, so expect some crazy rumors to be flying around all week.

From a Braves fan's perspective here's what I see coming into this week. The Braves key need is pitching, moreso relief pitching over starting pitching but if we can land another starter it wouldn't hurt.

Expendable:
Marcus Giles
Horacio Ramirez

Could be dealt:
Tim Hudson

Inquired:
Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Andruw Jones

Here's my approach to this week's meetings. In the expendable category you have two players that will probably reach $8-9M combined next year. Dealing Giles and Ramirez will wipe that number off the books. It's never bad to have SP depth, but due to injuries and inconsistency I'm afraid that Ramirez may not be back as a Brave. Marcus Giles has been the bait that JS has been using since the season ended. I think he'll end up finding a suitor before the week is up.

Tim Hudson. There was a Buster Olney report that there was talks between the Orioles and Braves concerning Hudson for a package of prospects. This may be revisited.

Salty and Andruw Jones I have placed in the inquired category. Inquiring minds will ask what would it take to get player a or player b. McCann really proved last year that he will be the Braves catcher for many years to come. Salty could be dealt for a solid RP. The Tigers are looking for someone to succeed Pudge. Andruw Jones will be brought up again I'm sure.

*News*
One signing happened this weekend. The Braves signed relief pitcher Tanyon Sturtze. Sturtze is coming off rotator cuff surgery but hopefully willl enter Spring with a full bill of health. Sturtze signed a 1/$750K. If he makes the 25 man roster he will recieve a $350K bonus. I like this deal, its low risk. This kind of reminds me of when the Braves signed Gabe White. Although, White was cut in ST, it gives someone another opportuinity coming off an injury to find success.