Offseason Update

It's only early November, but already it has been a very busy offseason. Here's a quick recap in case you've missed anything so far.

• The Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros each addressed needs for the 2008 season. The two teams made a trade last week, with the Phillies receiving closer Brad Lidge and utility man Eric Bruntlett for center fielder Michael Bourn and reliever Geoff Geary. The move allows the Phils to move incumbent closer Brett Myers back to the rotation, and gives them another steady bat off the bench. For the 'Stros, they get some much needed help in the bullpen, and a speedy outfielder with lead-off capability.
• The Detroit Tigers have been busy so far, and seem to like the name Jones. They took care of their own closer problems by re-signing Todd Jones to a 1 year, $7 million contract. With flame-thrower Joel Zumaya missing most, if not all, of the 2008 campaign with a shoulder injury, the Tigers needed that dependable arm at the back of the bullpen.
• Additionally, the Tigers acquired outfielder Jacque Jones from the Chicago Cubs for infielder Omar Infante. In Jones, the Tigers get a decent left-handed bat with good speed. Infante will provide the Cubbies with a steady glove at multiple positions, with occassional pop as well.
• The Phillies shored up more of their bullpen by re-signing reliever J.C. Romero to a three year contract. Romero is a solid left-handed reliever who will be an intricate part of the Phils hopes in reaching the playoffs again in 2008.
• The New York Yankees have agreed with free agent catcher Jorge Posada on a 4-year, $52 million contract. Posada was one of the more highly sought-after free agents on the market (a rather weak market), and now Yorvit Torrealba and Paul Lo Duca are the only high-end catchers left on the wire. The Posada signing could signal a return for fellow free agent, closer Mariano Rivera. The Yanks have reportedly pitched Rivera a 3-year $45 million contract offer to stay on as the closer for the Bombers.
• Shortstop Juan Uribe was re-signed by the Chicago White Sox. The Cubs dealt outfielder Craig Monroe to the Minnesota Twins for the ever-popular player to be named later. And, pitcher Curt Schilling will in fact be back in Boston for another season. The Red Sox re-signed the 41-year old righty to a one-year contract, as they look to defend their title in 2008.