Winter Meetings: Thursday recap

Last day of the meetings and what a week!  Things didn't get too crazy, but the General Managers were working overtime on some of the proposed deals and the rumours were all over the hotel in Indy.  Here is the latest from late last night and throughout the day:

The Rays acquired P Rafael Soriano from the Braves.  After he accepted arbitration, the Braves knew he would welcome a trade out of Atlanta as they had already signed Wagner & Saito to fill the void they thought they had with Soriano and Gonzalez free agents.  Rays have a true closer now after the retirement from Percival

The Blue Jays have signed OF Joey Gathright according to reports

The Royals have release 1B Mike Jacobs to clear a roster spot

Red Sox acquired P Boof Bonser from Twins after they had designated him for assignment

The Red Sox have traded 3B Mike Lowell to the Rangers for C Max Ramirez, the deal is expected to be official in the next few days

Astros signed 3B Pedro Feliz to a 1-year / $4.5M deal & are close to signing P Brandon Lyon to a 3-year / $15M contract.  Good for both these guys.  Feliz would have made more if the Phillies picked up his option, but $4.5M is still a surprise & Lyon, after blowing saves early in Detroit, is getting the contract of the year so far!

Mets still want to spend as they have offered C Bengie Molina a 2-year deal worth over $12M and are in on the Jason Bay sweepstakes.  They will offer him in the $65M range according to reports

The Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay was once again the prime target of discussion Thursday as rumours had him going to the Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies & Angels in the last 24 hours.  The latest news is that the Phillies are prepared to offer P J.A. Happ or P Cole Hamels in any deal.  Angels are still offering Saunders & Aybar.

The NewYork Daily News gives it's take on things in this artice, which oddly enough, was next to a Tiger Woods story on their front page!

All-in-all the meetings were a success in the minds of us baseball fans.  Trades were made, rumours were starting day and night & GM's around the league either signed or came close on players they feel will be helping their clubs in 2010.  To no one's surprise, the big boys, Jason Bay, Matt Holliday or John Lackey didn't sign & Halladay was not traded, but it's still in early December, so we will all stay tuned.