In the American League transaction, the Yankees aquired 1B/OF Nick Swisher and minor league pitcher Kaneoka Texeira from the White Sox in exchange for INF Wilson Betemit, and minor league pitchers Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez. To read more on this move, please follow the link to the ESPN article By Jerry Crasnick. To see what fans are saying about this move, please visit our friends at The White Sox Locker and The White Sox Blog to hear from the Chicago point of view. Then you can also go to Pinstripe Alley who have looked at this move a few times here and here. There’s also River Avenue Blues with their take on the Swisher deal and free agency.

I think this is grand larceny. The Yankees gave up next to nothing to land Swisher, who like I stated above, plays all three OF positions and 1B. The White Sox gave up on Swisher too early and sold him short after a poor season as far as batting average goes. What do you think?

In the National League transaction, the Marlins made yet another move, this one is more understandable than some of the others in the past few weeks. This time they dealt with the Cubs by aquiring 21 year old minor league pitcher Jose Ceda for former closer Kevin Gregg. To read more on this move, please follow the link to the ESPN article which they gleaned from the AP. As the article notes, this seems to indicate that the Cubs will allow their 2008 closer, Kerry Wood sign elsewhere during this off season. To see what fans are saying about this move, please visit our friends at Bleed Cubbie Blue to get their take on seeing Kerry Wood leave via free agency, Carlos Marmol close with Kevin Gregg setting him up. For the other side of the coin, you can go to Fishstripes to get their take on this deal.

I don’t know what the Marlins are going trading away Olsen, Willingham, Jacobs and now Kevin Gregg, but it seems as if they are practically giving players away. I’m just glad I’m not a Marlin’s fan, but at least they won 2 championships already. Some teams haven’t even won their first yet! What are your thoughts?

Now, let the free agent signings begin!

Here’s a link to the list of Type A and B Free Agents via ESPN and Keith Law.

Here’s a link to the latest rumors regarding the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. Should they keep Burrell, and if not, who should be his replacement? Reunite Manny Ramirez with Charlie Manual? Go after Matt Holliday? Or how about Ken Griffey Jr.?

Here’s a link to the latest rumors regarding the Boston Red Sox. Do they keep Varitek? What do they do with SS Lugo and CF Crisp? Should Masterson start or stay in relief (a question the Yankees are trying to decide upon with Joba Chamberlin); and what does Masterson prefer?

These are some of the rumors buzzing around the Chicago Cubs organization. They are eying pitchers and, of course, 2B Brian Roberts of Baltimore once again. I, for one, hope that a deal for Roberts goes through! If for no other reason as to stop hearing about the possibilities, it’s getting tired already.

MLB Trade Rumors listed the latest today from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Does anyone see a team giving Lofton a job at his age after not playing at all in 2008? And why did he not play in 2008, he could have helped some team in a platoon role if not full time (if you ask me)?

Last, but not least, here’s the latest Jake Peavy rumors. As you may already know, he does NOT want to pitch in the AL. Does he like to hit that much or is he affraid to pitc in the AL? Share with me your thoughts on this issue!

I like both teams here, but I have to pick one. I’m not impressed with either team’s bullpen and I have to give the edge to the Brewers with their starting pitching, especially if Gallardo can pitch like he did last year. Catching, 1B, SS and 3B are just about even, but the Phillieshave the edge at 2B and closer. The Brewers have the edge in the OF corners especially if Burrell doesn’t play due to injury. Cameron, Braun & Hart beat out Burrell, Victorino and whoever the Phils put out in RF (Jenkins, Werth, etc.). After the dust settles, this one might just go 5 games. They are both good teams. Whoever gets hot & stays hot will win.

LA Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs

The Cubshave a lot more fire power even with the Dodger’s newest LF, Manny Ramirez. I don’t think he will be enough, but the wild card here is Joe Torre. I’ve seen him enough times to know that you just can’t count one of his teams out too soon. He just gets the most out of his players. LA is a perfect fit for him! This should be another good series, going 4 or 5 games unless the Dodger’s bats go missing, which is a possibility. They do own the worst record of all of the 8 teams in this year’s playoffs. Cubs advance due to an overpowering offense.

Boston Red Sox vs. LA Angels of Anaheim

The Red Sox have dominated the Angels in the past 9 playoff appearences although the Angels had key players hurt last year. What happened in the regular season is almost insignificant. What does matter is the addittion of Teixiera and Hunter in the Angels line up this year. Also a concern is the ability of the Sox injured to play up to par. Lowell‘s hip is a huge concern and Drew‘s back could loose some punch in the line up, but they can survive that and add speed with an OF of Bay, Crisp & Ellsbury (The Human Sparkplug) The Sox youth movement up the middle at 2B and SS (Pedroia and Lowrie) have an advantage over the Angels, but the biggest concern is with Beckett and his oblique. If he is hindered, the Sox could survive this series, but if they were to continue into the ALCS, it would be a major concern against either the White Sox or the Rays. Either way, I like Boston‘s starting pitching over the Angels, but LA has the better bullpen all around. I still like the Sox to advance though.

Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay Rays

I think this is Tampa Bay‘s year to shine! I just think that the extra two games played the past two days are going to hurt Chicago although an all Chicago World Series would be great baseball! Just don’t hold your breath. The Rayshas the pitching strength of the 2005 White Sox, and a solid deffense behind them and without Quentin, the Sox have a less firepower than they had in the regular season. The only question that remains is how many Raysfans will turn out in Tampa in these games? I would like to see Griffey Jr. go deep into the playoffs, but I just don’t see it happening this year!

Now, if the games were only on another station. The announcers last year were painfully bad, but I did enjoy Eckersley & Ripken after the Sox and Twins game last night. Eck’s colorful baseball lingo is a breath of fresh air if you can keep up with him, that is.