In the week or so since the Matt Holliday and Jason Bay signings, the market has been relatively quiet. Rumblings about the remaining free agent targets like Joel Pineiro, Jon Garland, Ben Sheets, Doug Davis, Bengie Molina, and others seem to have died down. Teams like the Brewers are simply trying to decide what, if any, money they still have to spend. With the exception of the Mets, Yankees (as always & no matter what they say), Rangers, Giants, and an odd team here or there, the wells may be dried up for the year. Teams are settling rosters and looking for internal options or trade partners.
I sense that the Mets are seeing that market come back to them once again. They love using this phrase. I like to call it dragging their feet, but whatever. Anyway, the next week or so may see some pickups by the Mets and a starting pitcher and catcher are the obvious spots. As Matt Cerrone pointed out earlier this week, if Orlando Hudson could be had for a $3-4 million dollar deal, I would go get him and worry about Castillo later.
I don't know what to make of the trade market. It seems that there are a couple teams that still have issues, but do not want to spend money. This would certainly set up trade scenarios that could benefit weak spots. The Mets need a starter or two, the Royals need cheap, warm bodies, the Mariners are looking for a piece or two, the A's need infield help, and the Dodgers have needs and a lot of cheap, decent athletic players. However, you do not hear a lot of movement and negotiations with the free agents.
It would look on paper that the teams looking to deal, should be able to find a partner. There are clearly team with offense looking for pitching and teams with a pitcher or two looking for a bat. Even the Pirates have reportedly thought about trading Andy LaRoche to pick up some pieces.
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