The second in a series of offseason reports on Major League Baseball’s Hot Stove action.  Every Monday, the BDD writers weigh in on the moves that will shape the Major League rosters of ‘09:

Throughout the offseason, BDD will keep a running tally of all of the offseason moves and recap them by ranking the 30 Major League teams with recaps of the previous week’s moves for each team and select comments from the BDD team (click on picture to right to view all of team’s offseason moves to date):

1. Los Angeles Angels (Last Week - #1)

This Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  The Angels hold on to the top spot on the strength of their two moves the previous week.  Their focus remains on signing Mark Teixeira but say they are prepared to lose Francisco Rodriguez even though K-Rod and agent think there still is a chance of him returning to the Angels.  Many Angels fans saw the Yankees acquiring Nick Swisher as good news because it might keep the Yankees out of the running for Teixeira.

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2. New York Mets (Last Week - #3)

This Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  Like the Angels, the Mets stood still this week.  They moved up a spot as the Cubs took a tumble from the two spot after their week.  The club has said they are not interested in CC Sabathia and currently not in negotiations with Francisco Rodriguez but they definitely need starting pitching and a closer.  Overall, the Mets’ closer wish list is rumored to have K-Rod on it but Brian Fuentes might be their first choice. 

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3. Washington Nationals (Last Week - #19)

This Week’s Moves
- Traded Emilio Bonifacio, P.J. Dean and Jake Smolinski to Florida Marlins for Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham
- Signed Pete Orr to a Minor League contract

Summary:  The Nationals made one of the two bigger moves of the week by acquiring pitcher Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham from the Marlins who seem to be on yet another post-winning season fire sale.  How much more will the Nationals do this offseason?  Apparently, they have Mark Teixeira on their radar due to his Baltimore/D.C. area roots but they should be considered the long shot in the field of teams looking to acquire his services.

BDD Writer Comments

On adding Scott Olsen:
“Bad attitude getting too much play, weak peripherals are worrisome, though.” - Rob McQuown
“Immediately improved Nat’s pitching staff.” - Matt Sisson
“The Nationals still aren’t going to be formidable, but this will at least bump them up closer to the 70-win threshold.” - Bill Baer
“He’ll likely vault to the top of their rotation, but he’s not likely to become a National treasure.” - Michael Street
“The Nationals stack their pitching deck but continue to find no aces.  Maybe they at least found a face card.” - Brian Joseph

On adding Josh Willingham:
“Note to Jim Bowden: Trying to corner the market on righty outfielders won’t work.” - Rob McQuown
“Adds to log jam in OF.” - Matt Sisson
“Not sure where he will play, but if he does he could lead this weak team in HRs.” - Joe Hamrahi
“How many struggling, injury-prone outfielders does Washington need?” - Michael Street

On retaining Pete Orr:
“Orr, find your spot on the Nationals’ bench–if you make it there.” - Michael Street

On losing Emilio Bonifacio:
“Can’t argue with the trade, but 2b now looks like a problem position after 09, when Belliard’s contract is up.” - Rob McQuown
“They got some present value for him, without giving him much of a chance to help them down the road.” - Michael Street

On losing P.J. Dean:
“Another example of selling a chance of future success in return for a mediocre present.” - Michael Street

On losing Jake Smolinski:
“Good, but not great, but he’d have helped them fairly soon. Opens up a big hole at 2B for them.” - Michael Street

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4. San Diego Padres (Last Week - #5)

This Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  Since the rankings don’t include projections on what a team might do, the Padres’ ranking was not affected by the Atlanta Braves announcement that they were no longer actively pursuing Jake Peavy.  Peavy wants to go to Chicago and play for the Cubs anyway so that deal would make more sense.  The Padres might also deal Khalil Greene this offseason.  If retaining Brian Giles for one year will continue to be their one big move of the offseason, expect the Padres stay near the top of the Rankings to be short lived.

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5. Chicago Cubs (Last Week - #2)

This Week’s Moves
- Traded Jose Ceda to Florida Marlins for Kevin Gregg

Summary:  The Cubs slipped three spots this week.  Basically, the crew at BDD thought they gave up too much for the services of Kevin Gregg who will compete with Carlos Marmol for the team’s closer role.  The addition of Gregg also meant the end of the Kerry Wood era in Chicago.  The Gregg deal might not be the last one involving the Cubs and Marlins — rumor has it the Cubs are interested in Jeremy Hermida.  The Chicago Tribune reported the Cubs offered free agent Ryan Dempster a four-year, $50 million deal but their window of exclusivity has closed and now they must compete with the other 29 teams for his services.

BDD Writer Comments

On adding Kevin Gregg:
“Run of the mill mediocre closer.  Useful and durable.” - Rob McQuown
“Could be out of the closer role by mid season.  Should have promoted from within.” - Matt Sisson
“Maybe Gregg adds a semi-useful arm to the pen, but you trade one of your top prospect arms for him? Silly!” - Joe Hamrahi
“Kerry Wood > Kevin Gregg.” - Bill Baer
“Why trade a promising prospect for a middling closer when you’ve got Carlos Marmol? This one’s a puzzle.” - Michael Street
“When all the dust settles and the smoke clears, I don’t think Gregg will be the Cubs’ closer but I’m not sold on Marmol as the team’s closer either.  This deal is a short-term marginal improvement with long-term negative implications.” - Brian Joseph

On losing Jose Ceda:
“Has the sort of electric stuff you shouldn’t let get away.” - Rob McQuown
“Plus arm seems too much to give up for Gregg.” - Matt Sisson
“Ceda is way too high a price especially if you’re acquiring a player at a position you don’t really need to fill.” - Bill Baer
“Swapping one of your best future bullpen arms for a mediocre and aging closer isn’t the recipe for short-term or long-term success.” - Michasel Street

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6. Boston Red Sox (Last Week - #6)

This Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  There was a lot of talk in Boston but not much else.  The team might be interested in Derek Lowe, they are expected to be players in the Mark Teixeira free agent period and might explore another catching option instead of Jason Varitek.  The week ended with discussions between Boston and Detroit with Boston’s Julio Lugo as the centerpiece of a deal that would bring a back-end starter to the Red Sox.  Dontrelle Willis in Fenway?  You never know.

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7. Oakland Athletics (Last Week - #9)

This Week’s Moves
- Traded Huston Street, Greg Smith and Carlos Gonzalez to Colorado Rockies for Matt Holliday
- Claimed Yung Chi Chen off of waivers from Seattle Mariners

Summary:  The Athletics number one priority was to improve their offense.  By the end of the week they were able to check that off when they added Matt Holliday.  GM Billy Beane called Holliday “MVP-caliber” and referred to Huston Street, Greg Smith and Carlos Gonzalez as players dealt from positions of strength.  Ultimately, the deal was seen as a slight plus to the Athletics by BDD but the move might pay further dividends down the road beyond Holliday’s offensive output in ‘09.  Even with Holliday’s hefty price tag, Oakland has about $16 million to play with and more moves might follow.  Beane is reportedly unhappy with Bobby Crosby so he might be moved, also.

BDD Writer Comments

On adding Matt Holliday:
“SB and defense improved a LOT in 2008.  If these stay strong, he’ll help a lot in Oakland.” - Rob McQuown
“Will have to see if road splits while in CO carry over to Oak.” - Matt Sisson
“The more I look at this deal, the better it seems to me. Even if the A’s don’t need Holliday in the end, they either trade up on him or pick up 2 more valuable picks.” - Joe Hamrahi
“Billy Beane is a genius.” - Bill Baer
“Unless Oakland is getting some of that federal bailout money, they won’t be able to sign Holliday, making this short-term acquisition a real head-scratcher.” - Michael Street
“They improved their offense using their depth to their advantage.  Now, they have an MVP-caliber outfielder who can boost their chances, give them a blue chip at the trade deadline and give them two draft picks next year if they can’t re-sign him.  That’s pretty darn good.” - Brian Joseph

On claiming Yung Chi Chen:
“An excellent defender up the middle, Chen’s bat is a little light, but he’s got some potential.” - Michael Street

On losing Huston Street:
“Unless they were hiding an injury, his loss will impact their pen significantly, even if he was just setting up Devine.” - Rob McQuown
“What happened to one of the top closers in baseball? Oakland wasn’t waiting to find out–unless they’re hiding something.” - Michael Street
“The emergence of Ziegler and Devine made Street expendable.” - Brian Joseph

On losing Greg Smith:
“Oakland was overloaded on mid-level SP, too.” - Rob McQuown
“The A’s sold high on Smith.” - Bill Baer
“Losing young pitching isn’t the way to success in Oakland.” - Michael Street

On losing Carlos Gonzalez:
“Oakland was overloaded on mid-level outfielders, so they will miss him less than another team might.” - Rob McQuown
“One of the top hitting prospects around, he didn’t get much of a chance to show his stuff in Oakland.” - Michael Street
“Another player dealt from a position of strength.  Holliday is a major upgrade.” - Brian Joseph

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8. Toronto Blue Jays (Last Week - #7)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  The Blue Jays were quiet and now must face a tougher hill to climb if CC Sabathia signs with the Yankees for the mega-deal put forth.  The Jays aren’t contenders for Sabathia but A.J. Burnett’s price tag might go up because Sabathia’s deal will drive up the fair market value of all pitchers.  There was also an official announcement from the Gregg Zaun camp that he is probably not going to return to Toronto stemming from hard feelings about public comments by GM J.P. Ricciardi around the trading deadline about Zaun’s worth.

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9. Texas Rangers (Last Week - #8)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  The Rangers set this year’s payroll at $68 million and after Marlon Byrd and Gerald Laird go through the arbitration process — if offered — the club will have roughly $5-7 million left to spend.  That’s not much.  The Rangers need pitching and are expected to shop all of their catchers for young arms to bolster the staff.  Ben Sheets, Brad Penny, Trevor Hoffman and Kerry Wood have all been tied to Texas in rumors but it’s tough to imagine them being major players for any of those free agent pitchers.

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10. New York Yankees (Last Week - #13)

Last Week’s Moves
- Traded Wilson Betemit, Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez to Chicago White Sox for Nick Swisher and Kanekoa Texeira

Summary:  Although the Yankees went out and picked up the services of Nick Swisher, the real news out of the Bronx came when multiple sources reported the club offered free agent CC Sabathia a six-year, $140 million contract.  Apparently, the Yankees are still interested in Jake Peavy and also have Derek Lowe, A.J. Burnett and maybe even Mark Texeira.  Mike Mussina is expected to announce his intentions this week and the Yankees are expected to continue to establish the early values for free agent talent.

BDD Writer Comments

On adding Nick Swisher:
“Gives the Yankees a good-fielding 1b at virtually no cost, without blowing one of their 2-3 allowed signings.” - Rob McQuown
“Yankees could see an improvement from Swisher but he may not be a good fit in the city of New York.” - Matt Sisson
“Bank on a rebound for Swish. Great buy low move by the Yankees.” - Joe Hamrahi
“Swisher is owed $5.3 million in ‘09 and has the potential to put up some really good numbers. Mark Teixeira is probably going to cost $18-25 million.” - Bill Baer
“Will Swisher thrive in a different set of pinstripes? Maybe they’re seeing something I’m not.” - Michael Street
“Betemit is nothing special and the Yankees can buy good pitching, getting Swish has nice potential.” - Brian Joseph

On adding Kanekoa Texeira:
“A throw-in for the Swisher deal, he at least fills one hole created by losing Marquez and Nunez.” - Michael Street

On losing Wilson Betemit:
“Never fit into the plans in NY.” - Rob McQuown
“A-Rod’s backup isn’t a great place to be. He needed to get away from the Yankees far more than they needed to keep him.” - Michael Street

On losing Jeff Marquez:
“His way was probably blocked by all the pitching the Yanks have at the AAA level, but he might be good someday.” - Michael Street

On losing Jhonny Nunez:
“Not a huge loss, given their pitching depth. Might miss him a few years down the road, but probably not.” - Michael Street

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11. Milwaukee Brewers (Last Week - #4)

Last Week’s Moves
- Salomon Torres retired

Summary:  Through no fault of their own, the Brewers tumbled seven spots when Salomon Torres announced his retirement.  Torres had a career year in ‘08 and was a solid contributor to Milwaukee’s bullpen.  Also, the Brewers were dealt a blow when free agent CC Sabathia received a huge offer from the Yankees — an offer Brewers GM Doug Melvin called an “overbid”. 

BDD Writer Comments

On losing Salomon Torres:
“He tried playing the ‘retirement’ card last year, too.  We’ll see if it stays played this time.” - Rob McQuown
“Brewers bullpen took a hit here.” - Matt Sisson
“He’s no MJ, so retiring at the top of his game means Torres won’t be back, giving the Brewers another hole at the back end of their ‘pen.” - Michael Street
“Maybe he’ll take a year off and pull a Favre.” - Brian Joseph

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12. Saint Louis Cardinals (Last Week - #11)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  The Cardinals need a shortstop and relief help.  They are not interested in Trevor Hoffman but little details are available on who they are after.  St. Louis did make an offer to Felipe Lopez to keep him in the mix according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch but Lopez denied knowledge of any such offer.  The only significant news came when they were officially eliminated from the Matt Holliday discussion when Holliday was dealt to Oakland instead of to the Cardinals.

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13. Colorado Rockies (Last Week - #28)

Last Week’s Moves
- Traded Matt Holliday to Oakland Athletics for Huston Street, Greg Smith and Carlos Gonzalez

Summary:  Did the Rockies get enough back for Matt Holliday?  The consensus was yes but split between the BDD writers.  The Rockies received three players capable of making a contribution next year for Holliday but had to give up an All-Star candidate to do so.  Huston Street will challenge for the closer role with Manny Corpas and Greg Smith will find his way to the team’s rotation.  Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez also has everyday starter ability but is a downgrade from Holliday.  Colorado expects to continue to be active as they seek a left-handed reliever and another starter — possibly Carl Pavano – to round out their pitching staff.

BDD Writer Comments

On adding Huston Street:
“Wore out his welcome in Oakland for no apparent reason.  Career OBP allowed is .274, and he’ll be just 25 in 09.” - Rob McQuown
“Street had a tough ‘08 and could have a tough time in Colorado.” - Matt Sisson
“Has more trade value than performance value to the Rockies.” - Bill Baer
“One of baseball’s best closers the past two seasons had an awful year, for no reason that anyone can figure out. Colorado will see if they can.” - Michael Street

On adding Greg Smith:
“Colorado is good at ID’ing pitchers who succeed in spite of peripherals which DIPS doesn’t like.  Smith should be a fine #4/5.” - Rob McQuown
“Good young arm but could struggle in Colorado.” - Matt Sisson
“He will not match up well with Coors Field.” - Bill Baer
“He’d better learn some control in the pitching crucible of Coors Field.” - Michael Street

On adding Carlos Gonzalez:
“Cheap, talented, young lefty bat who should be helped significantly by Coors.” - Rob McQuown
“I’m not sold on Gonzalez.” - Bill Baer
“Coors Field could be just the place for this promising young hitter to develop. Might someday make this deal look good.” - Michael Street

On losing Matt Holliday:
“Perfect for his ex-team’s park, he was gone after 2009 anyway.” - Rob McQuown
“Lost a tremendous bat.  Offense will take a hit.” - Matt Sisson
“I don’t love Smith, and I think the Rockies could have done a heck of a lot better had they waited things out a bit.” - Joe Hamrahi
“O’Dowd is not a genius.” - Bill Baer
“They were going to lose him anyway and got something in return, but this is nothing compared to what they were offered last season.” - Michael Street
“The drop-off in offense from Holliday to Gonzalez will be more than what Street and Smith give the team.  Holliday may not hit as well in Oakland but for the Rockies, his departure creates a huge hole.” - Brian Joseph

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14. Chicago White Sox (Last Week - #12)

Last Week’s Moves
- Traded Nick Swisher and Kanekoa Texeira to New York Yankees for Wilson Betemit, Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez

Summary:  With Nick Swisher being dealt, it might put the end to talk about trading Jermaine Dye.  It’s hard to be impressed with the pull Swisher brought the White Sox but overall the deal was seen as a wash.  Dye might be dealt anyway as they continue to reshape their club.  Of the trio the White Sox received back for Swisher and prospect Kanekoa Texeira only Wilson Betemit should have any immediate impact on the roster with Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez at least a year or two away.

BDD Writer Comments

On adding Wilson Betemit:
“Sox need lefty bats who can hit RHP, but he’s really too big now to play MI positions adequately.” - Rob McQuown
“Betemit could knock a few out of the park in Chicago, but the return on Swisher was pretty weak overall.” - Joe Hamrahi
“Better than Nix.” - Bill Baer
“Being a backup at 3B has to be a letdown for a player once viewed so highly.” - Michael Street
“Not someone I would have been after.” - Brian Joseph

On adding Jeff Marquez:
“33 K in 80 AAA IP says, ‘bum’ or ‘injury’.” - Rob McQuown
“This groundball pitcher is a nice pickup with a moderate ceiling.” - Michael Street

On adding Jhonny Nunez:
“He’s still young, but is struggling to reach his potential.” - Michael Street

On losing Nick Swisher:
“Nothing special, but can hit like an average 1B – selling low doesn’t seem smart.” - Rob McQuown
“Seems too early to give up on Swisher, could end up costing Sox in the end.” - Matt Sisson
“They got something in return, though it’s not as much as they gave up to get Swisher last season. Buy low, sell high–not the other way around.” - Michael Street
“Wouldn’t it have been better to get top value for another player and roll the dice on Swish?” - Brian Joseph

On losing Kanekoa Texeira:
“Hard to know if this trade sweetener will develop. Good numbers but average stuff.” - Michael Street

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15. Philadelphia Phillies (Last Week - #20)

Last Week’s Moves
- Signed Scott Eyre to a one-year, $2 million contract

Summary:  The Phillies began their offseason by bringing back Scott Eyre to their bullpen.  They had the services of Eyre for less than half a season in ‘08 and during that time he was very effective.  The Phillies hope to score the same success over a full season and not see Eyre slip back into his ineffective ways that chased him out of Chicago.  The Phillies are not done on the bullpen side either with Juan Cruz, Doug Brocail and Russ Springer all on their radar.  Little progress was made on negotiations with free agents Jamie Moyer and Pat Burrell but both want to stay put in Philly.

BDD Writer Comments

On retaining Scott Eyre:
“Fills a role for the Phillies but $2 million does seem a lot for what he does.” - Joe Hamrahi
“Crucial to keep Eyre, as the Phillies have two effective left-handers in the bullpen.” - Bill Baer

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16. Detroit Tigers (Last Week - #14)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  The Tigers are after a shortstop and there were rumors involving the Boston Red Sox and Julio Lugo.  The Tigers are interested in Darren Oliver and Trevor Hoffman but not after Kerry Wood who is out of their price range.  They have also showed interest in free agent catcher Jason Varitek but he may also be out of their price range.  Detroit missed their opportunity to sign free agent Freddy Garcia during their exclusive window and now must compete with the open market to retain his services and that might be a losing proposition for the Tigers.

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17. San Francisco Giants (Last Week - #15)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  Things were very quiet in San Francisco.  The only news that came out of San Francisco was pitcher Tim Lincecum winning the NL Cy Young award (and landing the cover of MLB2K9). 

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18. Houston Astros (Last Week - #16)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  Things were even quieter in Houston.

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19. Cleveland Indians (Last Week - #17)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  Nothing happened in Cleveland but there were plenty of rumors.  The Indians are expected to be big players in the Trevor Hoffman hunt.  Hoffman was on Cleveland’s radar three years ago but he returned to San Diego.  That seems to be a very remote possibility these days.  The club is also in the market for a set-up man and might go after a set-up guy instead of a closer and use Jensen Lewis who was successful as the team’s closer at the end of the year.  Jeremy Affeldt and Juan Cruz are on the short list of relievers in addition to Hoffman.

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20. Florida Marlins (Last Week - #10)

Last Week’s Moves
- Traded Kevin Gregg to Chicago Cubs for Jose Ceda
- Traded Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham to Washington Nationals for Emilio Bonifacio, P.J. Dean and Jake Smolinski

Summary:  The Marlins continued to trade established talent for future prospects.  Florida continues to reshape their roster and it makes it harder and harder to see them being serious contenders in the National League East.  With both Jeremy Hermida and Dan Uggla in line for big pay raises via arbitration, the deals might not be done for Florida.  The Marlins are possibly in the market for Carl Pavano so they could spend a little dough before the ‘09 season begins. 

BDD Writer Comments

On adding Jose Ceda:
“Continuing in the footsteps of Willis, Nolasco, Pinto, etc.” - Rob McQuown
“Good young arm…a steal for Gregg.” - Matt Sisson
“The Marlins are crafty.” - Bill Baer
“A virtual steal for Marlins.” - Joe Hamrahi
“He fits in well with Florida’s philosophy of young, cheap and good. Could be a nice return for losing Gregg–which wasn’t much of a loss anyway.” - Michael Street

On adding Emilio Bonifacio:
“Almost a cipher at bat, he’s not worth much unless he fields like Orlando Hudson.  But he might.” - Rob McQuown
“He’s got Uggla’s plate discipline without his power, though his glove is far better; a good indication of their plans to move Uggla to 3B.” - Michael Street
“Dan Uggla is now on the endangered species list.  Not because of Bonifacio’s talent but instead for his more favorable contract.” - Brian Joseph

On adding P.J. Dean:
“A young prospect with time to grow–and he needs it.” - Michael Street

On adding Jake Smolinski:
“A good hitter who might play at second or in the outfield.” - Michael Street
“In a few years, he’ll be able to step in and fill a spot when the Marlins dump more salary.” - Brian Joseph

On losing Kevin Gregg:
“Marlins rescued him from anonymity in Anaheim, but his ‘net’ value above salary won’t be very high in 2009.” - Rob McQuown
“The glasses are cool.” - Bill Baer
“They didn’t need Gregg, who doesn’t fit their business model. Getting Ceda in return will make this trade look even better down the road.” - Michael Street
“Addition by subtraction.” - Brian Joseph

On losing Josh Willingham:
“Opens up a slot for Maybin.  Would be more useful if he still had his catcher’s gear.” - Rob McQuown
“The Marlins have no loyalty!” - Bill Baer
“Injury-prone and a poor defender, Willingham could occasionally make us forget that by hitting well, something he hasn’t done much lately.” - Michael Street

On losing Scott Olsen:
“Florida’s refusal to pay any player more than 50% of value, and his homers allowed, made him expendable.” - Rob McQuown
“Could hurt short-term but the Fish are cleaning house and these aren’t 2 players likely to help a contending Florida team.” - Joe Hamrahi
“The Marlins are thrifty.” - Bill Baer
“Florida either got out from under a pitcher with attitude problems, a declining strikeout rate and rising gopher ball tendencies–or lost a promising young lefty.” - Michael Street
“Having a hard time seeing his departure as a good thing for the Marlins.” - Brian Joseph

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21. Atlanta Braves (Last Week - #18)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  The Braves pulled out of talks with the Padres for Jake Peavy.  Instead, Atlanta has turned their attention to A.J. Burnett who has expressed interest in playing for the Braves.  If the Braves sign Burnett, the move would be a change in direction from their usual strategy of building the team by trades instead of free agency.

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22. Tampa Bay Rays (Last Week - #20)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  The Rays are looking to add about $10 million in payroll this year so they are doubtful to land a big name but should be in the mix for at least one mid-level free agent.  The bullpen-by-committee role might continue depending on the health of Troy Percival and the club’s overall approach to the current group of free agent relievers available.  Tampa Bay could still deal one of their back end of the rotation starters, also.

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23. Pittsburgh Pirates (Last Week - #23)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  All is quiet on the Pirates front.  The club is expected to wait to dip into the free agent pool and aren’t showing their hand much as far as who they have targeted.

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24. Minnesota Twins (Last Week - #24)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  There were no moves but the Twins already submitted an offer to free agent Casey Blake who would fill the club’s need at third base.  With at least seven teams in the market for Blake’s services, the deal might not be struck this week but it never hurts to show a player you are interested early on.

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25. Arizona Diamondbacks (Last Week - #25)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  The D-backs were not willing to meet Randy Johnson’s contract demands and right before the deadline, the Big Unit declared for free agency.  It’s possible Johnson won’t get what he is seeking and will reconsider Arizona but right now it looks as if he is moving on.  Arizona is also seeking a second baseman.

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26. Cincinnati Reds (Last Week - #26)

Las Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  Cincinnati has not made a move yet.  The Reds have Jerry Hairston Jr. on the top of their list of free agents they’d most like to retain.  Nothing is imminent on the Reds front though.

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27. Los Angeles Dodgers (Last Week - #27)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  As expected, the Dodgers failed to lock up Manny Ramirez prior to the close of their window of exclusivity.  Ramirez’s agent Scott Boras even took a shot at their offer by saying his client would be ready to hear “real offers” on Friday when the window closed.  Negotiations between Boras and the Dodgers are expected to continue but a now with the market open, the Dodgers will shift some of their attention to other players on the market.  One of those players is pitcher Randy Johnson.  Beyond Johnson, not much more has been revealed.

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28. Seattle Mariners (Last Week - #22)

Last Week’s Moves
- Lost Yung Chi Chen to Oakland Athletics on waivers

Summary:  The Mariners tried to slide Yung Chi Chen through waivers but were unable to when he was claimed by the Athletics.  Outside of that, nothing new hit the rumor mill pertaining to Seattle. 

BDD Writer Comments

On losing Yung Chi Chen:
“They’re got enough minor-league depth to absorb this blow.” - Michael Street

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29. Baltimore Orioles (Last Week - #29)

Last Week’s Moves
None

Summary:  The Orioles unveiled new uniforms last week and brought “Baltimore” back to their road uniforms.  Outside of New York, the Orioles are expected to spend decent cash on improving their team for ‘09.  Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett are the early names to make the team’s short list but there will be heavy competition for their services.

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30. Kansas City Royals (Last Week - #30)

Last Week’s Moves
- Signed Brandon Duckworth to a Minor League contract

Summary:  Retaining the services of Brandon Duckworth wasn’t enough to get the Royals off the bottom of the pack.  Whenever any name is tied to the Royals, it is followed by “long shot” and the stay at the bottom here could be a long one.

BDD Writer Comments

On retaining Brandon Duckworth:
“Cheap filler, like the soybeans they put in high-school cafeteria hamburgers.” - Michael Street
“Good for two or three starts due to injury or as a September call-up.” - Brian Joseph