Peavy to Cubs is dead.
Huge deal - huge in terms of volume, not necessarily star talent - between the Mariners, Indians and Mets. J.J. Putz is the centerpiece of the deal. Franklin Gutierrez and Aaron Heilman are other big names changing teams. Summary of player movement:
Mariners -> Mets: Putz, RHP Sean Green, OF Jeremy Reed
Indians -> Mariners: Gutierrez
Mets -> Mariners: OF Endy Chavez, RHP Aaron Heilman, 1B Mike Carp, RHP Maikel Cleto, LHP Jason Vargas, OF Ezekiel Carrera
Mets -> Indians: RHP Joe Smith
Mariners -> Indians: IF Luis Valbuena
In the AAA phase of the Rule V Draft, the Jays lost Anthony Hatch and Ryan Klosterman, and selected Cody Haerther from St. Louis. There was no Jay-related activity in the Major League phase. The AA phase hasn't been updated yet.
And finally, a Blue Jay transaction! The Jays signed Matt Clement to a minor league deal. Quick analysis after the break.
Update (Friday): Raul Ibanez signs with the Phillies for 30/3. Still on the slugger market: Mark Teixeira, Adam Dunn, Pat Burrell, Manny. And Teixeira is the only one who seems to be drawing much interest.
Clement hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2006, and hasn't had a full season since 2005. He was above average from 2002-2004, but is now 34 and coming off a lot of time missed with a torn labrum. He pitched poorly in 33 minor league innings with the Cardinals last year.
With regards to the 3 team deal summarized above, I like it most from the Mariners standpoint. Jack Zduriencik has acquitted himself well with his first transaction. And man, on days when Ichiro, Gutierrez and Chavez are all playing, that outfield defense is going to be unbelieveable. As Dave Cameron points out, those guys are going to make Carlos Silva and Jarrod Washburn look a lot better.
Mike Carp is a decent prospect who should be ready soon, and the M's have a gaping hole at first base, which is another plus. Aaron Heilman was great from 2005-2007 and had a bad year last year, but if the change of scenery gets him back to his old ways, he could help to make up for the loss of Putz.
From the Indians' point of view, they get a pretty good, relatively advanced middle infield prospect, but give up a solid major league outfielder. This probably means Matt LaPorta will be with the team very soon, with Shin-soo Choo taking the other outfield corner.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20081211135649394