Gordon Beckham

ESPN - Peter Gammons Blog: "Scouts in Arizona are convinced that Gordon Beckham, the eighth pick in this past June's draft out of the University of Georgia, will be the White Sox second baseman by June, as are Chicago's minor league people."

With the lack of power production in the middle infield in the American League, Beckham could be an above-average fantasy 2B.

Your 2009 Florida Marlins Starting 3B: Emilio Bonifacio

Emilio Bonifacio deal puts Dan Uggla's status in question -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com:

"A Luis Castillo-caliber defender, Bonifacio may not even open the season on the major league roster, much less depose Uggla from his regular spot.

'Specifically, we're really going to take a look at him at third base,' Beinfest said. 'We talked internally about Bonifacio, [Cameron] Maybin and Hanley [Ramirez] in the same lineup, and we're getting to where we want to be in terms of speed. ... Whether it's the first week in April or soon there after is up to Emilio, but we traded some good players to get him and we think he'll be an everyday guy.'"

Is this the Chone Figgins model finally being copied from the successful Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim?

Whither Dan Uggla?

At a fire sale price of Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen, the Florida Marlins acquired 2B Emilio Bonifacio and some fringy prospects. The question is what happens to Dan Uggla, the Marlins' current 30+ HR 2B.

Does he go to 3B? Does he go to another team? Where does Jorge Cantu go? Etc.

Florida Marlins trade Willingham, Olsen to Nationals - Baseball - MiamiHerald.com:
"The acquisition of Bonifacio, a singles-hitting switch-hitter and defensive whiz in the mold of former Marlins second baseman Luis Castillo, fits with the team's stated desire to improve defensively. The Marlins have been one of the worst fielding teams in the majors the past several seasons.
What remains unclear is how the Marlins intend to use Bonifacio (he can also play the corner outfield positions), and what it means for current second baseman Dan Uggla, whose annual salary is expected to increase to about $5 million through the arbitration process.
Unless overwhelmed by an offer, the Marlins plan to keep Uggla."

MLB Trade Rumors: Matt Holliday

I can't believe the Cards would deal three more years of Ryan Ludwick in a deal for one year of Matt Holliday. And Ludwick would be just one of the pieces going back to Colorado.

Phils, Cards lead pursuit for Holliday - The Denver Post:

"O'Dowd dropped a single hint Wednesday that he might be able to get an All-Star in exchange for Holliday. Turns out that is outfielder Ryan Ludwick, who hit 37 home runs last season."

MLB Trade Rumors: Matt Holliday

This looks like its heading down the Johan Santana pathway - a superstar who is dealt for multiple middling prospects.

"Open-minded" about trading Holliday - The Denver Post:

"Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd increased the likelihood Matt Holliday will be traded with his admission Wednesday he doesn't have to receive a proven starter in return. O'Dowd is looking for the best deal, not the best pitchers, with multiple opposing executives predicting that Philadelphia and Oakland are the most likely trade partners."

MLB Trade Rumors: Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox - Agent Boras pitches value of his client, Red Sox catcher Varitek - The Boston Globe:
"...it appears the Red Sox will talk with the Texas Rangers about their two young catchers, Taylor Teagarden and Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who could be in play if the Sox are willing to give up the right pitching prospect (likely Clay Buchholz or Michael Bowden)."

I can't see the Red Sox leaving their catching solely in the hands of Jason Varitek for more than two seasons. Because of that, the Red Sox will acquire a young, near-major-league/major-league ready backstop this off-season.

MLB Rumors: Cleveland Indians

After a strong year, suitors may be plentiful for Casey at the bat - Cleveland Indians Major League Baseball News - cleveland.com:

"If the Indians add a third baseman, be it Blake or someone else, Jhonny Peralta would stay at short and Asdrubal Cabrera at second. If they add a second baseman, they would have to move Peralta to third and Cabrera to short."

Given the utter weakness of power at SS, I prefer Jhonny Peralta with SS-eligibility. If it means signing Casey blake, then the Indians have to do it!

MLB trade Rumors: Detroit Tigers

So much for closing at the end of last season.

The place might be the thing - The Boston Globe:

"Another player the Tigers are dangling is setup man Fernando Rodney. They are desperately looking for someone to close."