MLB Hot Stove Round Up: More Montero Reaction (and Other News)

Have you had your fill of Montero/Pineda trade analysis? If not, here are a few more insights about the deal.

• IIATMS lauded Brian Cashman as a ninja, but also pointed out some of the risks involved in the Yankees’ rotation overhaul.
• TYA took a look at some of the most common criticisms of the deal from the Yankees’ perspective and found some mitigating factors.
• If you come away with only one reaction from the trade, Pinstripe Bible wants you to remember that the Yankees top two starters are very big and strikeout lots of batters.
• Apparently, new Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine wasn’t as impressed by the Yankees’ shopping spree, which I am sure will dishearten Yankees' fans.

The Yankees aren't the only team that has been busy of the late. Amid negotiating with Japanese right hander Yu Darvish, the Texas Rangers have also reportedly touched base with Prince Fielder.

Whether or not the Red Sox respond to the Yankees recent spate of moves remains to be seen, but in the meantime, the team still has to resolve the status of David Ortiz and Jason Varitek.

Indians' GM Chris Antonetti is confident his team can contend in the Central, but that hasn't stopped him from trying to add a bat. One thing the Indians will not consider, however, is a reunion with Manny Ramirez.

The Braves avoided arbitration with Martin Prado, who agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.75 million. However, speculation remains that Prado will eventually be moved in a trade.

The Oakland Athletics and Bartolo Colon are currently in negotiations, which, apparently, puts the Yankees on the cutting edge of Moneyball.

If Justin Morneau is able to recover from his long bout with post-concussion syndrome, it would give the Twins' lineup a boost on par with some of the offseason's big free agent additions. According to GM Terry Ryan, Morneau isn't yet 100%, but the team expects him to be ready by the start of the Spring Training.