Opinion

Early rumors flying out of the winter GM meetings in Chicago are all over the board concerning free agents, trades, and declining profits. But the most consistent noise on Monday was surrounding Chicago Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley.

Bradley? Consistent noise? Really?

The Hot Stove features one rumor being reported by a number of sources and it appears to have some legs to it. Three teams would be involved, with three players changing uniforms.

Much in the same fashion that CC Sabathia was the top pitching prize last winter, John Lackey will find himself in that position this winter. Lackey may find more suitors than Sabathia did, but he won't command nearly the same contract the big lefty did.

Last week, Rob Neyer challenged someone to find out just how many championships Mariano Rivera has been worth.

In a game where image is heavily compared to the past, the minute intricacies, and similarities are visible throughout all parts of the game.

The history of Word Series winning-shares is limited with the amount of information out there, but courtesy of the Baseball Digest archives, we can get a better understanding;

A couple of days ago the Cincinnati Reds dumped $8.5 million by not picking up the option year of catcher Ramon Martinez.  Now let's say that the Reds don't go all nutters and start trading like a stockbroker on crack.

What do we do with this new cash?

Here is a novel idea—one that Reds' owner, Bob Castellini may wish to consider:  Tuck it under the mattress and save it for a rainy day.

Yes, it is a lot of loot.  But it relieves most of the fat wad Scott Rolen is set to earn next season.

The Minnesota Twins came into this offseason with three major goals:

1) Sign Joe Mauer to an extension
2) Improve the infield
3) Add at least one veteran arm to the rotation

General manager Bill Smith got off to a quick start on his offseason “to do list” by acquiring shortstop J.J.

The Twins need an ace. They unequivocally need a pitcher who can go out every fifth day and shut a team down. They need a pitcher with a Jack Morris mentality. A guy who says, “Give me the ball and I will win this game.”

The Twins need Roy Halladay.

Obviously, every team wants a pitcher of Halladay’s caliber, but the Twins actually have the pieces to make a deal. Odds are they won’t do it, because Bill Smith and company won’t want to give up young talent. The fact is, however, dealing for Halladay is the one thing they absolutely should do.

Today I came across the resolution Congress passed in the wake of the Yankees winning the World Series.

The text of the resolution includes this:

"Whereas the contributions of the Yankees' players throughout the season were all vital in securing the title; and

Whereas the Yankees were guided to victory by Manager Joe Girardi, General Manager Brian Cashman, President Randy Levine, and the leadership of Hank and Hal Steinbrenner: Now therefore be it

Three of the most hysterical, knee-slapping, laugh out loud moments of mirth witnessed recently.

1. WAC Commissioner Karl Benson’s statement about the Boise State Broncos: “They certainly have established themselves as a credible, legitimate, bona fide top 10 team.”

It wasn’t a matter of if, but more when. Some expected this last off-season and most expected it this off-season. Mark Teahen is officially no longer a Royal, now a rival as a part of the White Sox. Some may not be happy Teahen is gone because he was a valuable player, but Teahen’s impact will still be felt in numerous ways.