Baseball's Winter Meetings

It's a lot like this, only with all the teams and talented players and tons of money.

That's right folks, spring training is only 2 months away. It's that time when baseball news starts popping up on Sportscenter and we all say, "wait, really?". So far this year, however, the winter meetings have actually been interesting. Agents are convincing owners to open up their wallets and make it rain all over this years free agents. OF Jayson Werth signed a 7 year, $126 million deal with the Washington Nationals. The Boston Red Sox signed OF Carl Crawford to an equally obscene 7 year, $142 million deal, as well as acquiring 1B Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres for some prospects. The Yankees horribly overpaid 36 year old SS Derek Jeter with a 3 year, $51 million deal coming off the worst season of his career. Rumor has it that LHP Cliff Lee, this year's belle of the ball, has been offered similar 7 year, $140 million deals from the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. It's a good time to be a talented baseball player.

In less exciting, nonetheless important, news, the Chicago White Sox inked Paul Konerko to a 3 year, $37.5 million deal, giving them a potent 3-4 with Konerko and perennial 40 HR-man Adam Dunn. The San Diego Padres, despite losing Gonzalez, have managed to quietly add OF Cameron Maybin, SS Jason Bartlett, and 1B Derrek Lee. Also, there is heavy speculation that the Kansas City Royals are open to trading ace RHP Zack Greinke, but the price has to be right. Like "5 premium pieces" right. Yeah, right.