Quick Thoughts

Some quick thoughts on news around the league:

• Cody Ross met with the Rangers last night. Compared to Justin Upton, Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke, Ross isn't exciting but he's likely to be an above average hitter at a fraction of the price of Hamilton. I don't think the Rangers are going to enter the season without some sort of splash and although Ross isn't a splash, it's a good start.

• Nick Swisher was wined and dined by the Indians this week and will continue to meet with other teams before making a decision. Nothing is imminent in Cleveland, but if they were to sign Swisher, trading Choo for Trevor Bauer and replacing him with Swisher would be a solid move. For what it's worth, if the Indians still needed young pitching this time time next year they could probably do a similar deal with Swisher like they did with Choo.

• Michael Bourn must really hate the Twins. The Phillies and Nationals both entered the offseason with a hole in center field but the Twins filled those needs trading Denard Span to Washingon and Ben Revere to Philadelphia. Bourn remains the best free agent hitter (counting fielding) available and both the Mariners and Rangers might have some interest, but Bourn likely won't make as much money as he expected. An expensive one-year deal for Bourn might be in the best interest for both parties where Bourn can angle again for a multi-year deal next offseason.

• I didn't give my take on the Youkilis signing so here's an abbreviated version: 1) The Yankees don't have A-Rod for the first few months and can't necessarily rely on him when he does return so it's a smart and necessary signing for them. 2) I can finally root for a fellow chosen one. 3) Thus far, the Yankees are intent on getting under the 2014 budget but with all of these one-year deals this offseason and Cano and Granderson free agents next year, what will their roster look like? They have to replace or resign Andy Pettitte, Hiroki Kuroda, Curtis Granderson, Robinson Cano, Kevin Youkilis and still don't have a real catcher. They are old. 

• I'd rather spend $80 million on Anibal Sanchez over $147 million for Zack Greinke. Greinke 2010-2012: 604 IP, 3.83 ERA, 8.7 K/9, 2.3 BB/9. Sanchez 2010-2012: 587 IP, 3.70 ERA, 8.1 K/9, 2.8 BB/9. However, I feel I might prefer Shaun Marcum on whatever deal he will receive. Marcum 2010-2012: 520 IP, 3.62 ERA, 7.5 K/9, 2.4 BB/9. Macum obviously isn't as durable or as good of a pitcher as Sanchez or Greinke, but I don't think the difference is worth what will likely be over $100 million. Thinking about it now, wouldn't the Royals be better off signing Marcum and keeping Wil Myers? Do I have to answer my own hypothetical question?