REPORTING IN FROM GM’S MEETING…DAY 2

EDB, reporting in from the GM’s Meeting.  There has been some talk.  (1).  The Mets:  The Mets had asked around concerning a bad money for bad money trade concerning Jason Bay and in the end decided to get rid of him, sonner rather than later.  The Mets are leery about signing R.A. Dickey to a big-time contrack.  This is because Dickey is a thirty eight year old knuckle baller.  Thus, they are trying to see what they can get for R.A. in a trade.  (2) Arizona:  The Diamondbacks are looking into trading Justin Upton.  The Diamondbacks feel this is the time to unload him, thinking they can get a lot in return.  Upton struggles last year.  The teams that are interested are Texas, who might include Elvis Andrus, who is a Boras client.  The Rangers have another shortstop, ready to come up.  They expect to lose Josh Hamilton, so they may pull the trigger.  (3). Tampa Bay:  The Rays are also interested in Upton.  They have many young players they can use as pieces.  They will also be losing B.J. Upton and want to replace him with his brother.  (4) Hamilton:  Josh is a risk, not only for the drugs, but for his brittle body.  He has to be constantly managed.  Hamilton will probably get more money than anticipated.  (5) The Yankees.  The Yankees are not in on Upton, because it would take 3 to 4 cost efficient players and the Yankees want to get under the cap for next year.  They are looking for players who will take one or two year contracts.  EDB