NOW THAT THE GM MEETINGS ARE OVER...

Now that the first round of GM Meetings are over, the Hot Stove logs are really starting to catch fire. While these first meetings are more to go over rules, and such, General Managers tend to feel each other out during this time, and get prepared to start talking trades. Talking to free agents and their agents are another big part of this time of year, and some of that happened here as well. So let's recap where we're at, and what might happen.

The Yankees want to resign Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui, but don't know if they should. Scott Boras is playing up Damon's value, but I don't think anyone will buy that line. I like both players for their bats and think one of them should return. That one guy should be Matusi. He's put in his time, done his thing, and just won a World Series MVP for the team. Too many folks are talking about using the DH as a weigh station for the older players. I think it's just a poor excuse for not to bring back Godzilla, and I just don't think the Yanks are at that point yet where they need to do that. 2011, maybe, not next year. Posada is going to do a majority of the catching, and rest of the guys aren't that old just yet. Matsui can be brought back as your dangerous DH weapon for one more year. He's not going to hurt you in field because he doesn't play it, but Damon may, and there's a position you could fill and make younger.

One rumor has the Yankees going after Curtis Granderson of the Tigers. I like this one a lot, and see good value here. Granderson can slip in nicely in center for years to come, while the Caberera/Gardner duo can play left while Austin Jackson readies himself, or one of the former two make a serious case to trade him.

The Red Sox talked to John Lackey's agent over the meetings, but I'm not sure if I see this as a fit. The Sox have Beckett, Lester, Matsuzaka, Buchholz, and Wakefield ready to go for next year, and unless they are expecting to unload one of these guys, then that rotation seems set to me. Of course with the Yankees winning the World Series, the Sox are sure to make a splash and signing Lackey or trading for Roy Halladay would most certainly do that. Buccholz seems to be a great chip for a trade with for Toronto's Doctor. If they do sign Lackey, then they could always trade Buchholz for a shortstop.

The Sox aren't the only ones interested in Lackey. The Rangers, Dodgers, and Mets could also be players. The first two are in dyer need of an Ace, and the Mets desperately need to add some solid depth behind Johan Santana. The Dodgers could make the best bid here, but Texas is his home, and the Bulldog could be swayed by that. I just don't the see him signing with Mets right now as I'm not sure how they can be a desirable location after what has gone down the past few seasons.

The Phillies seem to be still in play for Doc Halladay, a target during the trade deadline, and still have the system to do it, but right now they seem to be more concerned in filling their third base hole that's been vacated by free agent Pedro Feliz. While he's been a good player for them, there is better out there, with the best being lead off specialist Chone Figgins. This is a player tailor made for the Phillies style of offense, and one they should pounce on before their arch rival Mets throw some cash at him to play left field.

And that has seemed to be one of the big rumors floating around the Mets camp, and I can see why. I'm not sold that they really need power. At Citi Field, the formula should be speed, defense, and pitching. Figgins fits with that train of thought, and he'd be a hell of a lot cheaper than Jason Bay or Matt Holliday. The Angels would be silly not to resign him, though.

Improving the Mets is such an interesting topic this off-season, and earlier this week, I gave some thoughts towards it, but the above move is one I didn't mention. Another guy not mentioned was Russell Branyon for first base, but that's because he's just become a free agent. He's looking for a two year deal after his breakout season with Seattle, and I think the Mets should look into him. He'd be a nice addition while they find out if prospect Ike Davis can mature into a real player. There's some serious pop in Branyon's bat, and would solve a lot of power issues while allowing the Mets to go for Figgins for left. Another guy to consider is Johnny Damon. A little pop, a little speed, lots of guts, and he could add some character to this team. They should also inquire about Ryan Doumit from the Pirates as the catcher seems to be on the block. A trade for him and closer Matt Capps could be valuable. Capps can slip into the set-up role for K-Rod, a big hole last year on the team.

A new week begins now, and with it I'm sure a slew of new rumors will come, so I'll be back with more as the week roles on.