We're one week away from the Winter Meetings with Thanksgiving weekend clearly in the rearview mirror, which means the "hot" part of MLB's Hot Stove season should actually come to fruition any day now. We've already seen a bit of kindling, if nothing else, with one major signing happening on Sunday and serious rumors around some other major free agents starting to gain some steam.
Let's dive in.
Transactions
Braves: Reliever Jim Johnson has agreed to sign on a one-year deal (via Braves Twitter).
Cardinals: They signed backup catcher Brayan Pena to a two-year deal.
Red Sox: Outfielder Chris Young agreed to terms on a multi-year deal Monday.
News and rumors
Barry Bonds/Marlins: Bonds as Marlins hitting coach? It's being discussed.
Cubs: Between two articles -- Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago and Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago -- pretty much all possible Cubs rumors are covered across the board.
Johnny Cueto: Jon Heyman has the latest on the free agent starter, who turned down a lucrative offer from Arizona. There are also notes on David Price and Zack Greinke contained in the article.
Giants: The club signed both Grant Green and Kyle Blanks to minor-league deals, reports Matt Eddy of Baseball America.
Zack Greinke: His market is "quietly heating up," reports Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com.
Indians: The club is showing the most interest of anyone in free agent Shane Victorino, per Rob Bradford of WEEI.com.
Mariners: The move of Robinson Cano to first base is inevitable, even if not coming soon (via Bob Dutton). Also via Dutton with a much more extensive story, the Mariners have interest in free agent outfielder Nori Aoki.
Shelby Miller: The young starting pitcher is on the trade block and the Braves have discussed deals with upwards of 20 teams, reports Heyman.
Orioles: They've shown interest in free agent Denard Span, reports Roch Kubatko of MASN. Yes, they have Adam Jones in center, but Kubatko reports that Span would be used in right field.
David Price: Peter Gammons reports that Price cares more about factors aside from money, such as comfort, liking his city and being able to hit in the NL. Draw conclusions at will and remember that he definitely wants to play for your favorite team because it's the most fun team.
Miscellany
MLB postseason: The players collectively earned $69.8 million in playoff shares this season. That's a record.
Marc Anthony: The pop star has become an agent -- much like Jay Z! -- and has already signed Aroldis Chapman.
