Pyle of List

Wow, after not a lot of action at the winter meetings, everyone went crazy yesterday. Let’s take a look at each team effected by yesterdays activity:

1. Toronto Blue Jays - They did the best they could. They were a bit hamstrung because they HAD to deal Halladay. He already said he wouldn’t resign with them, or sign an extension. They ended up getting two very good prospects in return (accoriding to SI, it’s “top pitching prospect Kyle Drabek, catching prospect Travis D’Arnaud and outfield prospect Michael Taylor“) most of which were the centerpiece of the trade talks last season. So they didn’t really lose that much value by letting Halladay finish out the ‘09 season in a Blue Jays uniform.

2. Philadelphia Phillies - There are only a handful of pitchers that would be considered and upgrade over Cliff Lee…and the Phillies got one of them. Hallady immediately steps as the ace and further cements the Phil’s spot at the top of the NL. The biggest gain in all of this is that they were able to sign Halladay to a below market extension (reportedly 3 years for $60 mil), something they were not able to do with Lee. And in trading Lee to Seattle, they recouped a couple of top end prospects, so they will be able to continue to bring up homegrown talent in the future.

3. Seattle Mariners - Seattle has done a great job of putting themselves in contention in the West. By adding Lee, they now have two aces at the top of their rotation (the other being Felix Hernandez). And as the Diamondbacks can tell you, that’s all it takes sometimes to win a World Series. Of course, they had better go far this year, because Lee will be long gone at the end of ‘10 (he’s hell-bent on testing the free agent market).

4. Boston Red Sox - As much as it pains me to say it, the Red Sox made two great moves yesterday (although they were a bit overshadowed by the trade involving two Cy Young Award winners). By signing Lackey (5 years, $85 mil) they got a one-two punch to rival Sabathia/Burnett in New York. Not only did they get better, but they also hurt a perenial playoff opponent by stealing the Angels’ ace away from them. Their second move, the signing of Mike Cameron, is also a good one. Cameron is a great defensive outfielder, and a suprisingly good hitter. And who knows, he may produce even more with the adrenaline of playing for a contender flowing through him. But, like the Lackey deal, don’t think it was just about the BoSox getting better. No no, they also took a chip away from the Yankees. Everyone knows the Yankees are looking for one more outfielder, and their talks with Damon are stalling. Cameron has been known to be favored by the Yankees for a few years, and now that back up plan is off the table.

5. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Uh oh. It’s officially time to start panicking, Angels fans. This winter really couldn’t have gone worse. First, you lose Figgins to in-division rival Seattle. Then you watch them get Lee. Then you lose Lackey to the Red Sox, who you know you’ll see in the postseason. And who was their big signing? “Hey, honey, we got Matsui!” *storms out*

6. Chicago White Sox - Oh, you didn’t know that the Sox traded for Juan Pierre yesterday? Well, they did. After adding him and Andruw Jones this offseason, I can easily say that the White Sox are well poised to win the 2000 World Series. But, hey, at least they didn’t give up too much for him. The prospects in the deal couldn’t even bothered to be named.

7. Los Angeles Dodgers - Well, they trimmed some payroll. That’s awesome. I guess. With this divorce, it’s probably going to be a down year for Los Doyers, since they probably aren’t going to be able to afford what they need (top of the rotation pitching).