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Winter Meetings: Day One

ryan boyer
David Price will make his season debut Monday against the White Sox. But is he ready? Jesse Pantuosco gives his take in Friday's Dose

Monday at Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings typically consists of the laying of groundwork for subsequent trades and signings. That was again the case this year at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, as the rumors were aplenty but no major acquisitions were agreed to.

Of course, after last week’s frenzy of activity, we could probably all use a little breather.

We at Rotoworld have you covered for all the latest Winter Meetings news, bringing you recaps of all four days of action in this space. You also need to follow along at Hardball Talk on NBCSports.com for their Hot Stove analysis, and, of course, keep refreshing Rotoworld's player news page as we work hard to keep you up to date on all the latest buzz.

D’Backs to Wheel and Deal?

The Mariners made a big splash last week with the Robinson Cano signing and are expected to be among the more active teams this week, but they might have some competition from the Diamondbacks in that regard.

The Angels are making Mark Trumbo available, and it appears at this time that the D’Backs are the most likely landing spot. They, of course, already have Paul Goldschmidt at first base, but they would use Trumbo in the outfield, significantly downgrading their defense but giving the club some punch on offense.

The Angels want pitching back in any deal and are “focused” on Trevor Cahill and Tyler Skaggs, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Tim Brown. Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times hears that the Halos are not willing to do a Trumbo-Skaggs one-for-one, but something could be worked in an expanded deal. Although nothing is imminent, there’s reportedly “traction” for a deal between the two, says ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick.

If a trade for Trumbo doesn’t work out, the D’Backs could turn to free agency and Shin-Soo Choo in their search for offensive help. Arizona is also looking for a starter and could potentially sign Choo and trade for a pitcher or trade for Trumbo and sign a pitcher, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. Choo is also drawing interest from the Rangers, Tigers and Mariners, and talks for the outfielder "appear to be reaching a critical stage."

Who Will Pay the Price for David?

It’s no secret that the Rays are shopping David Price this winter, as he’s only under team control for two more seasons and the club has no shot to sign him to a long-term deal. So who has the best chance to land the Cy Young-winning left-hander? CBS Sports' Jon Heyman lists the Mariners, Rangers and Dodgers among the “most serious” suitors.

The Mariners obviously showed with the Cano signing that they’re ready to make big moves in order to turn things around, and adding Price to their rotation would certainly qualify as another major step. Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reported over the weekend that the M’s would have to include top pitching prospect Taijuan Walker in any deal for Price, which is certainly no surprise. However, general manager Jack Zduriencik doesn’t see Walker going anywhere, and Heyman says the M's don't want to deal James Paxton, either. The Mariners would prefer to build a package around position players, with Nick Franklin likely to go the other way in a deal.

The Dodgers have contacted the Rays to discuss a possible deal for Price, but Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times says they "don’t plan to aggressively pursue” a trade for the lefty due to concerns about depleting their farm system. Of course, with as much cash as the Dodgers have, they could always change their mind and decide to make a win-now move.

Doc Calls it Quits

This space is usually reserved for all the latest buzz on trades and free agents, but we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the retirement of one of the best pitchers of his generation. No, we’re not talking about Mark Prior.

Roy Halladay has decided to call it quits after a 16-year career that included two Cy Young awards, seven top-five finishes in Cy Young voting and eight trips to the All-Star game. In a 10-year stretch from 2002-11, Halladay went 170-75 while posting a 2.97 ERA and 1.11 WHIP, striking out 1,699 and walking just 372 over that span. He authored 67 complete games and 20 shutouts during his career, threw a perfect game and is one of only two pitchers in the history of baseball to throw a no-hitter during the postseason. The no-no came in his first ever playoff start.

Shoulder issues forced the 36-year-old to cut his career short, but he still has a good shot to wind up in the Hall of Fame someday. Halladay signed a one-day contract with the Blue Jays – the team that drafted him and where he spent 12 of his 16 seasons – before officially announcing his retirement.

Winter Meetings Short Hops

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports hears from a source that the Phillies are actively shopping outfielder Domonic Brown. They want a controllable starting pitcher in return ... FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Indians are listening to trade offers for Justin Masterson. They would be eyeing a package of talent that they can control for multiple years ... The White Sox signed Felipe Paulino to a one-year, $1.75 million contract with a $4 million club option for 2015. He’ll enter their rotation, making it likelier that the club deals another starter this winter ... According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Twins are making a "push" for free agent Bronson Arroyo ... The Mets are pushing "very hard" to trade Daniel Murphy, according to Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan. The Orioles have mild interest at this point ... Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com reports that Jason Hammel is receiving interest from 12 teams ... Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN.com reports that the Twins are interested in Rajai Davis and are willing to offer him a multi-year contract. Sportsnetca’s Ben Nicholson-Smith is hearing that the Tigers are the favorites to sign him, though ... ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that other clubs are "getting (the) feeling" that Eric O'Flaherty will re-sign with the Braves ... FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that Jamey Wright has narrowed his choices down to the Rays and Dodgers ... Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports that the Mets are considering Chris Perez as late-inning protection for Bobby Parnell (neck) ... ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that the Astros are interested in bringing back former closer Jose Veras ... ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Dodgers are in touch with four teams regarding possible trades of Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp. Rob Bradford of WEEI.com has essentially ruled out the Red Sox’ reported interest in Kemp ... FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that Lucas Harrell is drawing trade interest ... CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Mets and Orioles are among "many teams" who have expressed interest in free agent left-hander Johan Santana ... Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Cubs are eying Nationals relievers Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard ... Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports that the Brewers met with the Mets on Monday to discuss the team's available first basemen. Ike Davis is seen as the much more likely guy to be dealt ahead of Lucas Duda ... Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Orioles met Monday with the agent for Nelson Cruz ... According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Marlins are telling teams they will trade Logan Morrison shortly. The Rays, Pirates, Brewers and Red Sox are interested ... The Indians have talked to free agent closer Grant Balfour, reports Jon Morosi of FOX Sports ... Despite inquiries from other teams, a general manager told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick that the White Sox are not shopping Chris Sale ...