Enjoy some leftovers from the GM meetings
You'll get your Thanksgiving leftovers this coming week. Right now, though, it's time for leftovers from this past week's general managers' and owners' meetings in Milwaukee.
Bobby to Bosox? Really?
I wrote in this space Oct. 16 that the Red Sox weren't expected to go after a highly experienced manager such as Bobby Valentine.
I goofed. I made the assumption that Boston ownership would let new general manager Ben Cherington pick his skipper.
Instead, Boston let Cherington's apparent top choice, Dale Sveum, take the Cubs' job. And as the Red Sox proclaimed they were holding a public search these past few weeks, subjecting all of their candidates (or so we thought) to a post-interview news conference, team president Larry Lucchino was talking up Valentine behind the scenes.
Valentine is a terrific manager, and maybe he would help the Red Sox move past their historic collapse. Nevertheless, it looks very weird for Boston to be changing course so dramatically at this juncture.
Where will Big 3 wind up?
The market for the three best free-agent position players -- Prince Fielder, Albert Pujols and Jose Reyes -- has moved slowly. None appears flooded with suitors, although that probably doesn't matter much so early in the process.
Even Marlins people conceded privately that their "offer" to Pujols served as more of a publicity stunt than anything else. The interest in Reyes seems more legitimate. You don't discuss moving Hanley Ramirez off shortstop just for the heck of it. You do so only if you're serious about it.
As for Fielder, the Brewers' latest fear is that their homegrown first baseman bolts for the rival Cubs. The safer bet is that the Cubs, under new management, act more conservatively.
One other factor to keep in mind: Fielder flew home to Windermere, Fla., whenever he could on off days. So if he has multiple, similar offers, proximity to the Sunshine State could be a factor.
Minaya back in business?
Omar Minaya, who has been laying low with his family for more than 13 months since the Mets dismissed him as their general manager, has told friends that he intends to choose a new employer by the winter meetings, which will be held Dec. 5-8 in Dallas.
Arizona offered Minaya a job last winter, Toronto did so more recently and Boston reportedly wants him.
With so many friends in the business, Minaya is a man in demand.
And it's not only other teams that want Minaya back in action. If he signs with another club, Minaya's salary will be offset from the about $1 million the Mets owe him in 2013.
Wilson-Yanks dispute
The Yankees like C.J. Wilson all right, but they were annoyed to have to deal with a silly "he said/he said" situation when Wilson's agent, Bob Garber, said the Yankees invited Wilson to visit them in the Bronx. In truth, Garber asked if he and Wilson could come to New York, and the Yankees wouldn't even commit to that.
You know what the tell was? Garber said Hal Steinbrenner would attend the meeting with Wilson. Steinbrenner has done a fine job succeeding his father as the Yankees' boss, but the next free-agent recruitment in which he participates will be his first.
DeJesus to Yanks unlikely
In my free-agent rankings and predictions three weeks ago, I rolled the dice and pegged the Yankees to sign outfielder David DeJesus. Right now, that isn't happening, as the team is focused on pitching.
More Damon in Tampa?
Tampa Bay might bring back Johnny Damon, 38, who put up a .326 on-base percentage and .418 slugging percentage in 647 plate appearances for the 2011 Rays. Damon also scored major points by offering his veteran leadership to Tampa Bay's many young players.
Astros will do fewer flying
One reason why Houston agreed to switch to the American League West: A study of the Astros' travel indicated that the team actually would travel fewer miles as an AL West club than as an NL Central entity. NL Central stops Pittsburgh and Cincinnati hardly were close; in the AL, Houston will visit the nearby Rangers for three trips per season.
