So we know today got cray here for you all trying to keep track of everything from the MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas. (For those of you not hip, the word "cray" is short for "crazy." That's how the cool kids abbreviate it now.)
To make things convenient, we've decided at CubsTalk here to aggregate all the content into one big post. You know, just 'cause we're nice and cool like that.
The first news of the day was the best, by far. Longtime Cubs legend Ron Santo finally earned his bid into the baseball Hall of Fame. In a way, it's too little, too late, coming just 367 days after the beloved icon's death, but we still cherished the news and reminisced on our favorite Ronnie moments. Even Blackhawks president John McDonough got in on the action, saying he was "thrilled" for Santo's induction.
Another Cubs icon and Hall of Famer earned an accolade Monday as well, as Ryne Sandberg was named the Minor League Manager of the Year by Baseball America.
As far as moves being made, it was a rather quiet day around the MLB, especially for the Cubs. Theo Epstein's new crew didn't do anything specific, but they did meet with Albert Pujols' agent, only to let the word out later that it was because Dan Lozano also represents veteran Rodrigo Lopez, whom the Cubs are interested in bringing back next season.
Pujols got more attention Monday, but his slugging free agent counterpart Prince Fielder was anything but silent in the rumor mill, including word the Brewers may have dropped out of the sweepstakes for the big first baseman.
If the Cubs don't wind up with either Fielder or Pujols (something that seems increasingly more likely as time goes on), they could still bring back Carlos Pena if they sign him to a multi-year deal, or they could move on with an in-house replacement in Bryan LaHair.
MLB
Jed Hoyer and Theo keep stressing run prevention and they admit the starting rotation needs a lot of work. Word came out Monday that the Cubs reached out to C.J. Wilson's representation to gauge the market on the top free agent pitcher this offseason. Nothing serious at all, but an interesting move nonetheless.
Meanwhile, the Cubs' top free agent to hit the market, Aramis Ramirez, may get his wish if he wants to play for a contender. The Phillies, who have been anything but in "wait" mode so far this offseason, are reportedly in on the veteran third baseman.
Nothing too cray (there's that cool, hip word again), but it's just day one. As Theo says, it could take 100 conversations to make just one move.
Stay tuned to see what tomorrow brings.