Every year in December, all thirty teams from the MLB send representatives to an arranged location which is usually a luxurious hotel. At the meetings, all free agents, agents, general managers, managers, and owners join to negotiate trades and signings. This year’s meetings were held at the Radisson Hotel at Opryland.
Many transactions happen during the one week in Nashville, but it is also a place where people try and get their foot in the door. Conventions are held every day with current and past organization members where these members hold discussions concerning ways contributions through charities and internships can be made. Inspiring speeches are also given to help young aspiring agents; additionally, general managers and coaches realize the life they want to live.
This year was a surprisingly slow year with the potential of being a blockbuster week, but instead was more of a “calm before the storm” feeling. Small signings plagued the winter meetings day in and day out. The first big splash was by the Boston Red Sox, signing catcher Mike Napoli to a three year-thirty nine million dollar contract. Yunel Escobar was sent to the Tampa Bay Rays after being involved in a huge trade between the Miami Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays. Angel Pagan, who ranked eleventh on the top fifty free agents list this year, resigned with the San Francisco Giants for four years-forty million dollars. Many other valuable acquisitions took place at the winter meeting and can be read at this website. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/12/winter-meetings-in-review-national-league.html
This year was the first year that the winter meetings were broadcasted live on MLB Network. Live coverage from Nashville kept everyone in the action and every transaction was caught by the “wonder boy” Ken Rosenthal. He has information that people don’t even think is possible. Rosenthal’s ablity to acquire and release slightly confidential information continues to astound many people, but is not so appreciated by General Managers.
The big deal rumors wiped out the actual signings. The controversy of who will sign Zack Greinke and Josh Hamilton, or who will trade for Justin Upton completely showered over the Kevin Youkilis and Mike Napoli signing. None of the big deal players signed during the winter meetings, but did shortly afterwards. Zack Greinke signed a six year-one hundred fifty nine million dollar contract with the big spending L.A. Dodgers. Justin Upton has not been traded yet, but is still in talks with at least two organizations. Josh Hamilton signed a five year-one hundred twenty five million dollar contract with the Anahiem Angels.
This year’s Winter Meetings was another success. Raising money for charities and watching the race for talent unfold captivated millions of baseball fans. Next year’s Winter Meetings promises to be even more exciting. With more talent on the horizon and more money to spend, we will all be ready for 2013.