Roster moves continue excitement

Three weeks removed from the final out in the 2013 World Series, and the offseason moves are just as exciting as the Fall Classic.
It’s called “MLB hot stove” for good reason.
The biggest story so far this offseason was the trade Wednesday night between the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers.
Detroit agreed to send All-Star first baseman Prince Fielder and cash considerations — which reports are suggesting comes out to about $30 million — in exchange for second baseman Ian Kinsler.
While at first glance it may seem like an outrageous trade, the Tigers fanboy inside of me is jumping for joy.
Detroit filled a big offseason question they had at second base by bringing in Kinsler, and although it loses the power from Fielder, MLB beat reporters are saying on Twitter that the Tigers have gotten the better end of the deal.
The remaining terms of Fielder’s contract include $163 million over the next seven years, while Kinsler is slated to make $62 million during the next four years.
By sending Prince and cash to Texas, the Rangers don’t have to eat the entire financial burden of Fielder’s contract.
For Detroit, however, the trade frees up some money to sign American League Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer to an extension, and also gives it money to ensure back-to-back AL MVP Miguel Cabrera finishes his career in the Old English ‘D.’
Detroit can also move Cabrera back to first base, his natural position, and fill the void at third base with Nick Castellanos, who is one of the top prospects in the Tigers’ system.
The move has created a lot of buzz on social media, not only from the magnitude of the trade, but many people are saying it is just the first of multiple moves Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski will make to put the organization in position to win a World Series, a feat not accomplished since 1984.
Other big-name players are making waves as well.
Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson, who only started 21 games in 2013 — the second fewest in his 16-year career — inked a two-year deal with the San Francisco Giants.
David Murphy, who spent the last seven seasons with the Rangers, is heading to Cleveland. Josh Johnson signed with the San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals right-handed pitcher, three time All-Star and 2005 National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter announced his retirement Wednesday.
But there is still more to come on what uniforms some marquee players will wear next season.
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo is testing the free agent market. Arroyo amassed a 105-94 record in eight seasons for the Reds, including a 4.05 earned run average and is coming off back-to-back sub-3.80 ERA seasons.
It is reported the Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Dodgers and Giants are all interested in his services.
The biggest free agent on the market though is New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano. Other names who are testing the free agent market are Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann, Rangers reliever Joe Nathan, and outfielders Carlos Beltran (St. Louis Cardinals), Jacoby Ellsbury (Boston Red Sox) and Shin-Soo Choo (Reds).
No matter where those players land, or any other blockbuster trade that may happen, excitement will follow.
Just because there are no games to be played, there is still reason to pay attention to Major League Baseball, even if it is smack dab in the middle of football and basketball seasons.

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