The Weekend Rumor Mill--The Eve of Opening Day

Hey, it's a new look at MLBlogs, so let's hit the ground running with an in-depth post about the most recent trade and waiver wire rumors. On the eve of baseball's true Opening Day, here is the latest scuttlebutt...

In reality, few trades of any substance are made during spring training. This year has been no different. There were two trades made this week, but both involved back-of-the-roster pitchers lacking in brand names, former D-Back Dustin Nippert and ex-Brave Tyler Yates. The Rangers are hoping that Nippert can contribute to their bullpen depth before eventually moving into the rotation, while the Pirates would like Yates to emerge as a prime set up man to Matt Capps. In both cases, the Rangers and Pirates gave up little, so their gambles are reasonable ones. Yates, in particular, has the kind of live arm that could catch lightning in a bottle for the sad-sack Bucs...

While there figures to be little trading between now and tomorrow's openers, there has been plenty of roster shapeshifting as teams try to lower their rosters to the 25-man limit. Along these lines, we might continue to see some players hit the waiver wire, while others will be claimed from that same place that occupies baseball limbo. So let's takes a look at what has happened--and what might still be to come...

To say the least, the sage of Ruben Gotay has been bewildering. For some reason, the Mets decided to waive the valuable switch-hitting infielder, who was one of their best second-half hitters in 2007. Given Gotay's youth (he's only 25), smooth swing from the left side, and ability to fill in at third base, no one expected him to clear waivers. He didn't, but then again, few would have predicted that the Braves would have placed a claim, especially with Kelly Johnson entrenched at second base and Chipper Jones still manning third. Several other teams, picking before the Braves, decided to pass on Gotay. They include the Dodgers, who need infield depth, and the Pirates, who will be opening the new season with waiver wire material like Luis Rivas at second base. Go figure...

The release of Gotay has cleared the way for Fernando Tatis to make the Mets' roster as a backup first baseman, third baseman, and outfielder. Given their resources, one wonders if that is the best the Mets could have done. Matt Murton, who is even more available than usual these days after the signing of Reed Johnson, would make a lot of sense as a platoon partner for either Angel Pagan or Endy Chavez. There's been so0me talk of an Aaron Heilman-for-Murton swap, but that's a hefty price to pay from the Mets' perspective. Heilman, who is an integral part of the Mets' shaky bullpen, is far more valuable than a platoon partner like Murton...

Other teams that look like good fits for Murton include the Orioles, who need outfield depth in the worst way, especially after the Brian Roberts talks fell apart. Even with Roberts out of the equation, the Orioles and Cubs could still do a smaller deal involving Murton and a minor league prospect or two. One team that can be crossed off the Murton wish list is the Rays, who filled a need for a backup outfielder by claiming Nathan Haynes off waivers from the Angels. Haynes will fill a role as a backup center fielder and late-inning pinch-runner...

David Wells and Jeff Weaver now have company on the unemployment line for starting pitchers, after the Astros surprisingly released Woody Williams. Since the Astros are already on the hook for most of Williams' salary, someone might have been willing to sign the veteran right-hander for the major league minimum, but Williams has already indicated that he will retire. A pitcher of limited physical talents, Williams' ability to maintain a major league career through his 41^st birthday is a testament to both his own perseverance and the continuous lack of quality starting pitching in the contemporary game...

The Reds continue to shop jack-of-all-trades Ryan Freel, who figures to be no more than a platoon center fielder with Corey Patterson. Freel's versatility, never-ending hustle, speed, and decent bat will make him attractive to a number of teams. He'd look good wearing the pinstripes of either of the New York teams. The Mets, with their need for right-handed hitting, and the Yankees, who lack right-handed hitting outfielders, should both be interested in Freel. Freel would also be a perfect fit for the White Sox, who need help at both second base and center field, Freel's two primary positions.