Welcome baseball fans to THE NatsGM Live Analysis of the 2014 MLB Winter Meetings.  I will be here much of the next 4 days providing instant insights into various free agent signings and trades made throughout major league baseball.

With free agents such as Jon Lester, Max Scherzer and James Shields still available and rumors swirling about Matt Kemp and Justin Upton, we can expect a busy week in San Diego.  Please join me via the comments section or on Twitter @NatsGMdotcom to share your thoughts on the many transactions these next 4 days.

9:45am Update -> Guess the hotel bar scene was active last night at the Winter Meetings, as we have a tremendous amount of rumors swirling this morning, but no concrete transactions.  Jon Lester could sign soon, the Red Sox and Dodgers are looking to part with their logjam in the outfield, and the Phillies could deal Cole Hamels.

Buckle your seat belts and get your popcorn ready, we should have a wild week!

10:30am Update -> I must depart for a little while to take the Assistant to the NatsGM, aka my dog Nemo, to the vet.  She is not doing well so we are hoping for some good news.  I shall return shortly, and if anything breaks, I hope the wifi at the clinic works.

12:15pm Update -> Non-baseball news but I have to share-  My dog Nemo was diagnosed with cancer last week, just devastating news for our family.  Fortunately this morning we received news that it does not appear to have spread, so we received some good news for her future prognosis.  Thanks to everyone who has contacted us with their kind words, thoughts, and prayers, we definitely appreciate it.  Now back to regularly scheduled baseball talk.

12:20pm Update -> Looks like we have our 1st official transaction of the Winter Meetings, as the Chicago Cubs have apparently reached an agreement with Jason Hammel on a 2-year $18mm contract with a $2 million buyout on a 3rd year option.  These figures are courtesy of Jon Morosi at Fox Sports.

This signings seems like a steal for the Cubs, as Hammel is a strong #4 starter in the National League, and at 32-years-old with limited innings on his arm, he stands an excellent chance of outperforming his contract.

Furthermore, this signing could portend an interesting dynamic at work this offseason, as we seem to see bats being extremely expensive both in salary and prospects, while pitching seems to be needed but easily available.  A few years ago a pitcher like Hammel would have stood an excellent chance of receiving a “Jake Westbrook” type contract (3yrs and $33mm) now he “settles” for 2yrs and $20 million.  I am curious to see if this trend continues all winter.

12:35pm Update -> Breaking news, it appears the long-rumored trade of Oakland 1B Brandon Moss to Cleveland appears to be done.  Still waiting to hear who Oakland receives in return, but the early speculation was intriguing 2B prospect Joe Wendle.

12:55pm -> Now the trade between Oakland and Cleveland is official, as most of the heavy hitters have confirmed the deal – Brandon Moss goes to Cleveland in exchange for minor league second baseman Joe Wendle.

Cleveland has been clamoring for home run power this offseason, and the 31-year-old Moss fits the bill, slugging 76 home runs over the past three seasons.  The left-handed hitting first baseman/designated hitter should provide the Indians with the left-handed power they assumed they were acquiring when they signed Nick Swisher a few years ago.  Now this Moss acquisition makes Swisher expendable, and likely on another team in 2015.  Moss is expected to earn approximately $7 million this season, and is under team control through 2016.

Joe Wendle is a personal favorite of mine, as I have gotten to watch him extensively the past two summers.  Wendle can flat hit, as his quick wrists and short, compact left-handed swing allows him to make contact.  Wendle spent last season mashing at Double-A before an injury cut short his season.  Defensively he is limited to second base, and does not project to be much better than average.  However, it is his bat that will allow him to reach and stay in the majors, as he should have a productive career as an offensive second baseman in the Todd Walker mode.

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Cleveland B                      Oakland B

2:45pm Update -> After the flurry of activity midday with the Jason Hammel signing and Brandon Moss trade, it seems like everyone has taken a needed time out to recharge the batteries.

I am around if you want to discuss trades, signings, baseball, or craft beer as we pass the time.

4:45pm Update -> It has been a surprisingly slow afternoon, with a few small waiver claims occurring.  Moments ago well-known reporter Ken Rosenthal reported that Jon Lester is likely choosing between offers from the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants.  His decision should have an immediate affect on the rest of the pitching market, including those mentioned in trade such as Nats’ Jordan Zimmermann.

On an unrelated note, Happy Hour begins in 15 minutes!

6pm Update -> In news probably of interest to only Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals’ fans, infielder Steve Lombardozzi was outrighted off the 40-man roster and sent to Triple-A Norfolk.  This means Lombardozzi was available for any of the 29 teams to claim, and they chose to pass on adding him to their 40-man.

Lombardozzi was a key member of the Nationals bench in 2012 and 2013 and evolved into quite the fan-favorite.  I was fortunate enough to meet him at the Bethesda Big Train Auction a few years back, and he was one of the nicer people I have ever spoken with.  Here’s hoping he can secure a spring training invite this winter and make a club next spring.

7pm Update ->

I wish this was the Lester we were all discussing this week.

8:55pm Update -> Lots of rumors and hearsay, very little action going on currently at the winter meetings – reminds me much of high school.

9:45pm Update -> Respected reporters Ken Rosenthal, Jon Morosi, and Chris Cotillo are all reporting heavy trade discussions involving the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks, with the key component of the deal being catcher Miguel Montero.  With 3-years and $40 million left on his contract, it would be intriguing to see what the Cubs would send Arizona in return.  This trade seems like it has a chance to happen, please stand by.

9:55pm Update -> There is some minor Nationals news, as earlier today catcher Jhonatan Solano signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins, meaning he was outrighted from the Nats’ 40-man roster.  Solano finds himself reunited with his brother Donovan, who also is a member of the Marlins organization.

11:30pm Final Update -> I want to thank everyone who has joined me throughout the day on Day 1 of the 2014 MLB Winter Meetings.  While it is not quite midnight, I am calling it a night.  We will return tomorrow morning for Live Coverage of Day 2 of the Winter Meetings – hopefully tomorrow will bring us more activity than today!