Latest MLB Trade Rumors, Tigers-Marlins...Big Deal

We are amidst 2007 winter meetings...a time where teams talk, rumors fly, and the baseball world goes nuts. There have been an incredible amount of rumors to surface within the past 48 hours, and I'll get most of those down for you, as well as a review of last night's blockbuster deal.

Tigers-Marlins Trade (Last Night)

Well that trade sure was massive, wasn't it?

The Detroit Tigers and Florida Marlins agreed in principle to a massive blockbuster deal last night. In case you missed it, the Tigers received top third baseman Miguel Cabrera and starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis, in return for two top prospects (Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller), catcher Mike Rabelo, and three minor league pitchers.

This is a great deal for both teams, and the trade seems to be fairly even. Detroit gets one of the best third basemen in the league in Miguel Cabrera. Rumors came up a few weeks ago regarding Florida wanting to move him to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Seeing this, I love how Detroit put their foot down and got a deal done in a swift manner. Miguel will add even more punch to a stacked lineup, and with an above-average starting rotation, the Tigers look like the clear favorite to win the AL Central.

Dontrelle Willis was an interesting addition to this deal. Dontrelle had a spectacular debut in the majors, but his ability to dominate hitters has been waning since the end of 2005. He has experienced a significant drop in his strikeout to walk ratio, which is an indicator of a pitcher's ability to dominate hitters, with a trend downward (3.09 in 2005, 1.93 in 2006, 1.68 in 2007). Simply put, he is no longer the quality of pitcher he was in 2003-2005. Fans love his high leg kick, and he is a great player to market, but he is simply no better than a #4 or #5 starter in the American League. On the Detroit staff, he will probably be the last man in their rotation.

Looking at the deal from a Florida standpoint, they got two of the best prospects in baseball in Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin. Andrew Miller was regarded as the top starting pitcher in his draft, and he is a raw product that should develop nicely in Florida. Cameron Maybin is a five tool player who scouts love, and he could end up turning into a Grady Sizemore-type at his peak. The other players in this deal should provide some good support to their farm system, which they have to rely on as a small market team.

Latest Trade Rumors From Around The League

Maybe this isn't the last time we'll see David Wells pitching in the Major Leagues. Newsday reports that the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds have interest in bringing back the guy. If they do, they really shouldn't expect much. The guy is in his mid-40s and has nowhere to go but down.

The Dallas News reports that Hank Blalock is in demand around the league, but is not on the block. According to the website, the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are all interested in acquiring the third baseman. Blalock has a decent bat, but coming off an injury-plagued season, I have my doubts of his ability to bounce back.

The Athletics have expressed that they want to wait and see what happens with Johan Santana before trading prized starting pitcher Dan Haren, and can you blame them? There is talk that they have worked with the Arizona Diamondbacks to trade Haren, and it could potentially involve RP Jose Valverde. Valverde has been mentioned along with other teams as well. I assume that the Diamondbacks would look to hold onto their young stars in Justin Upton, Stephen Drew, Mark Reynolds, and Chris B. Young, but you never know.

ESPN.com reported that the Giants and Blue Jays were talking a deal involving Toronto's Alexis Rios in exchange for the Giants' Tim Lincecum. But apparently Rios isn't enough to get a deal done; San Francisco wants more in return, or Lincecum out and Matt Cain in the deal instead. There is something here, so be sure to watch these talks closely. Honestly, who wouldn't take the young Lincecum?

Erik Bedard is garnering a lot of interest, particularly from two teams in the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. He'd be a spectacular catch for those who aren't able to get Santana. Bedard is really the only thing the Orioles have that has value, minus Tejada, so hopefully they can get the most out of a team willing to trade for him. More information here.

Well there you have it! Let me know your thoughts on this crazy winter meeting time...