What happened on Day 1 of the Winter Meetings? Well, lots went down, actually. There were moves, rumors and more rumors flying around the lobby in San Diego. Here's a quick summary of the relevant info from yesterday.
The Big One
The Astros lost out on another potential relief option, when David Robertson signed a four-year, $46 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. The ChiSox are making some pretty significant moves this winter, already picking up Zach Duke and Adam LaRoche this winter.
While the Astros technically "missed" on Robertson, the White Sox offered him an extra year and $7 million more than the Astros top offer, which was reportedly $39 million over three years.
That means Houston moves on to other relief options, like Luke Gregerson. Though, word is that Gregerson should easily get a four-year deal now, according to SB Nation's own Chris Cotillo. Other relief options for the Astros include Sergio Romo and Burke Badenhop.
Other moves
The White Sox followed up signing Robertson by trading for A's starter Jeff Samardzija. The package Oakland receives from Chicago isn't totally known, but it's rumored to include shortstop/infielder Marcus Semien and right-handed pitcher Chris Basset with a third player.
The A's were involved in another transaction on Monday, trading first baseman/left fielder/designated hitter Brandon Moss to Cleveland for second base prospect Joey Wendle. It's a curious move on the surface, as Moss has become a powerful everyday player while Wendle has never been a top 10 prospect for the Indians AND turns 25 next summer.
Meanwhile, Jason Hammel signed a two-year deal with the Cubs. While it had been reported previously that the Astros had interest in Hammel, Luhnow denied being interested in him on Monday. Hammel got $20 million over two years, with $18 million guaranteed and $2 million in a buyout on a club option for 2017. That sets the price for back-end starter at around $10 million per season, or just about what Scott Feldman got last season.
Astros rumors
Houston was linked to Jed Lowrie most prominently on Monday, with the notion that Lowrie could play third base or shortstop, depending on how quickly Carlos Correa and Colin Moran develop.
The Astros may have "kicked the tires" on Chase Headley. Bill Madden of the New York Post also reported that the Astros had offered free agent third baseman Chase Headley that four-year, $65 million deal that floated around last week. He also said that deal may be forcing the Yankees to go four years on Headley. The third baseman is now expected to sign by the end of the Meetings.
Oh, and the Astros got rid of Marc Krauss, which isn't a rumor, but could mean the Astros are close to needing the roster space. They would have put Krauss on waivers in the middle of last week for him to be awarded to the Angels on Monday, but they could know a deal is close and want the roster flexibility.
Meanwhile, we have an updated priority list from Luhnow's press conference Monday. The Astros GM says the team is focused on adding bullpen arms, then to the lineup, then to the starting rotation.
League-wide rumors
The Cubs and Diamondbacks are talking about a deal involving Miguel Montero. If completed, this could take the Cubbies of the market for Houston's glut of catching.
The Red Sox and others (including the Rangers) have made offers to Justin Masterson.
Jon Lester is expected to sign Tuesday and will likely decide between the Cubs and the Giants, with the Red Sox dropping out of the final decision. Lester's deal is expected to top $150 million.
The Rangers have been active at the Meetings, getting linked to all manner of trade targets including Evan Gattis and the Padres pitching rotation. Of course, new Padres GM A.J. Preller used to work for Texas, so he's predisposed to like their talented young players and could be a fit for someone like Andrew Cashner or Tyson Ross.
The Royals could be open to moving some of their bullpen arms. While Greg Holland and Wade Davis are the names to know here, the Royals have received plenty of calls on Kelvin Herrerra, who doesn't have closing experience, but does have more team control.
The Mariners are not done big game hunting and are trying to sign Melky Cabrera to a significant deal. The Mariners have TV money pouring in this season and could up the payroll to make a run at the postseason. They were in on Justin Upton, but are reportedly reluctant to give up the young pitching it would take to land him.
The Angels have received interest in their outfielders and may have made C.J. Wilson available. The problem is no one really wants C.J. Wilson unless the Angels pick up money. They will likely not do this.