While my twitter account was filling up with announcements that players like Kevin Barker had filed for free agency, there were some actual pieces of news that strolled by as well.

The biggest pop, of course, has to be the trade of  JJ Hardy to the Twins for Carlos Gomez.  While right off the top of one’s head, anyone can see that the Twins got the better end of that deal from an offensive standpoint.  Even though Hardy slumped a little last year, his numbers were still better than Gomez.  Both teams have a younger player ready to take over at the positions of the player they are losing.  The thing you don’t necessarily see, is that Gomez will replace Mike Cameron.  Certainly more power that Gomez, Cameron hit .250 last year with 24 home runs and 156 strikeouts.  But Cameron made $9.5 million last year, and even with Gomez set to get a raise to around $1million this year, that extra $9million saved on Cameron can be better used on pitching.  Gomez also helps the pitching because even though Cameron is fast, the younger player (Gomez) may have an extra step on the 33 year old.  Gomez also has only two years of major league experience, so he will be a cheap solution for several more years.

The Red Sox, it seems, wanted Hardy, but were not willing to give up any top of the line pitching for him.  According to this Tom Haurdricourt piece, the Brewers thought Gomez was as good as any pitcher they could get, and that he would be able to help any pitcher out significantly- thereby still improving pitching.

So who is the winner here?  Well, it depends on two thing.  First it depends on how both players take to their new teams.  Second, it depends on what the Brewers do with that extra $9 million they just found.

The Mets declined the $ 8.6 million option on JJ Putz yesterday ending the relationship.  Putz was the key last off-season to fixing the awful bullpen of 2008.  Unfortunately, Putz’s injuries while with the Mets didn’t help the team, and certainly made him way to expensive for the amount of help he could be going forward.  He may turn out to be healthy soon, but the Mets couldn’t take that chance for $8million dollars.  The Mets gave up many pieces for Putz, the only major league pieces though were Endy Chavez and Aaron Heilman.  Mike Carp was a highly touted first base prospect who had spent the previous year injured himself.

There is some buzz about him going to the Tigers, but I think there could end up being a lot of buzz about him before he signs anywhere, depending on his medical reports.  Assuming he is healthy, he could replace Fernando Rodney nicely.

Cliff Lee’s option has been picked up in Philly. Duh.

Manny Ramirez has chosen to not opt-out of his contract in LA.  Duh.

Lastly, Mark Teahen became the next White Sox third baseman, and Jermaine Dye had his option year bought out,  Additionally, the Sox moved their rookie phenom from third to second to make room for Teahan.  Remember, Buddy Bell, Teahen’s first manager in the bigs, is now a special assistant in the White Sox organization.  The White Sox defense just got much much better, and while Teahen hit only half as many home runs, he hit 20 points higher for average in a year that he was hurt.  Teahen though will make roughly $3.5 million next year through arbitration, while the two pieces the Sox sent to the Royals, Josh Fields and Chris Getz, will both come in around $500,000 or less.

While neither player that Royals received in this deal look to even make the starting roster, they set the team up with depth at a couple of positions, and Getz could end up in the minors even, so that could help the payroll while allowing some flexibility while both continue to develop. They also both play key infield positions.  Its hard to see what the Royals plan is really, other than to get cheaper.  I am hopeful though that this is the first of a few deals that will make them stronger next season.