I haven't commented on anything at the MLB Winter Meetings since the Marlins traded Marcell Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals. In particular, I would like to focus on three developments.
Matt Kemp is a Dodger Again - For Now
Matt Kemp spent nine seasons in Dodger Blue and after splitting the past three seasons between the San Diego Padres and the Atlanta Braves, he is back in a Dodgers uniform - for now. The Braves traded Kemp to Los Angeles for Adrian Gonzalez, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy and Charlie Culberson as well as $4.5 million in cash.
But there's a good chance that Kemp might not play at Chavez Ravine in 2018. Speculation abounds that the Dodgers might waive Kemp and try to sign free agent Lorenzo Cain or trade him to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Andrew McCutchen.
As for the Braves, they promptly released Gonzalez who is pretty much at the end of the line anyway. Kazmir didn't pitch in 2017 due to injury while McCarthy was also injured for much of this past season although he did make the World Series roster but was less than effective. If Kazmir and McCarthy return to form, the Braves will have depth in their starting rotation. Meanwhile, Culberson is a good role player.
Wherever Kemp plays in 2018, he is going to need to stay healthy. After having back to back 100 RBI seasons in 2015 and 2016, Kemp hit .276 with 19 HR and 64 RBI. He did miss nearly 50 games with a hamstring injury.
Ian Kinsler & Zack Cozart Are Angels In The Infield
You might remember the movie Angels In The Outfield. After 2018, there might need to be a sequel. On Wednesday night, the Angels acquired veteran second baseman Ian Kinsler from the Detroit Tigers for two minor leaguers. Kinsler had a decent power numbers 22 HRs and 52 RBIs but hit a career low .236. But even at 35 years old he remains an excellent defensive second baseman.
Twenty four hours later, the Angels announced the signing of free agent Zack Cozart to a 3-year contract worth $38 million. In 2017, Cozart had a career year with the Cincinnati Reds hitting .297 with 24 HR and 63 RBI making his first All-Star Team. Cozart will move from shortstop to third base due to Andrelton Simmons' presence at short. With the addition of Kinsler and Cozart to a lineup that already has Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Justin Upton, Simmons and, of course, Shoehei Othani they could represent a threat to the defending World Series champion Houston Astros. However, the Angels haven't really addressed their pitching and the Seattle Mariners have added Dee Gordon and Ryon Healy. Still, the AL West should be a lot more competitive.
Philly Says Hello to Carlos Santana & Goodbye to Freddy Galvis
The Philadelphia Phillies have landed free agent first baseman Carlos Santana for a three year, $60 million contract. Santana has spent the past eight seasons with the Cleveland Indians. In 2017, Santana hit .259 with 23 HR and 79 RBIs. He joins a lineup which includes Odubel Herrera, Aaron Altherr, Rhys Hoskins, Nick Williams and Maikel Franco.
That lineup, however, will not include shortstop Freddy Galvis who they have traded to the San Diego Padres for a minor league player. The Phillies have tapped J.P. Crawford to be their opening day shortstop. Galvis was one of two NL players to play in all 162 regular season games in 2017. The other was NL MVP runner up Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds. Galvis will join an infield in San Diego which includes the returning Chase Headley who was reacquired from the New York Yankees.
I'm sure there will be other moves to come and I shall comment on them as I see fit.
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