Hot Stove News: Out With the Old

The White Sox' schizophrenic off season took another interesting twist when the team traded outfielder Carlos Quentin to the San Diego Padres for a pair of minor league pitchers. According to GM Kenny Williams, the money freed up by the trade "opens up some doors", so the White Sox likely aren't done wheeling and dealing. Yoenis Cespedes is one option Williams may now be able to pursue, but in order to sign the Cuban centerfielder, he'll have to outbid the crosstown Cubs.

The Marlins are the latest entrant in the Matt Garza sweepstake. According to Ken Rosenthal, 20-year old outfielder Christian Yelich could be the centerpiece of a deal between the Cubs and Marlins. However, with teams like the Tigers and Blue Jays also reportedly ramping up their interest, the Cubs aren't expected to move the right hander any time soon.

If the Tigers land Garza, one likely component of the deal is pitching prospect Jacob Turner. According to Buster Olney, the Tigers have let it be known that the 20-year old right hander is available.

The off season game of musical closers is coming to an end, but Francisco Cordero is still without a seat. Barring sudden interest from another team, Cordero seems likely to return to the Reds, who reportedly made him an offer earlier in the week

The Yankees have until Tuesday to reach a deal with Japanese short stop Hiroyuki Nakajima, but the two sides remain far apart on a contract.

Melvin Mora has announced his retirement from baseball. After making his major league debut at the advanced age of 27, Mora hung around for 13 major league seasons, compiling an OPS+ of 105 in over 6,000 plate appearances. The quintessential utility player, Mora played at least 25 games at seven different positions.