MLB Bullets Has Grown A Mustache

On the 95th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War, we take time to remember America's veterans.

• There are five new managers this offseason, including the Cubs' Rick Renteria. Jay Jaffe looks at all five and examines the challenges facing each one.
• The trend is towards first-time managers and four of the five hires this season had not managed in the majors before. Adam Kilgore looks at the trend and some of the reasons for it.
• The Phillies need to rebuild, but GM Ruben Amaro's lack of job security means they'll likely double-down on the current mess. I think Cubs fans have seen this movie before.
• Christmas shopping season starts this week, and teams are finalizing their free agent wish lists. Ken Rosenthal says the Red Sox have a long wish list this offseason.
• One the Red Sox might lose is Stephen Drew, who has a long list of team interested in him already. The Red Sox did make him a qualifying offer, which Drew rejected.
• One player the Red Sox are interested in is Tim Hudson. They'll need to get in line because as many as 15 teams are interested in signing Hudson.
• "Prince Hal" Steinbrenner says the Yankees are going to be very active at this week's GM Meetings.They have meetings with several agents already lined up.
• After years of austerity, the Mets finally have money to spend, but may have too many holes to fix through free agency. That means they may pass on any expensive free agents anyway.
• Maybe they will and maybe the Mets won't sign anyone, but David Wright isn't taking any chances. He's already calling up free agents and selling them on the benefits of playing for the Amazin's.
• Andrew McCutchen won't be calling players to recruit them to stay with the Pirates. He rather confidently implies that Pittsburgh and the Pirates sell themselves.
• Ervin Santana and Ricky Nolasco are looking for paydays of $100 million and $80 million respectively. Cliff Corcoran says while they may not get that much, the pitchers may get closer to those numbers than you might expect.
• The Reds have agreed to terms with catcher Brayan Pena.
• Two guys who likely won't be on the free agent market are Randy Messenger and Matt Murton. Both players are expected to re-sign with the Hanshin Tigers.
• If you can't afford, or just plain aren't interested, in any of this year's free agents, maybe you might take a look at the trade market. Richard Justice thinks that a lot of big names could be on the move this winter.
• The Cardinals want a shortstop and are willing to part with some of their stud young pitching for one.
• Number one on the Cardinals wish list is Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. So far, the Rockies have said that he's not for sale, but of course, anyone is for sale for the right price.
• If they can't make a deal with the Rockies, maybe they should call the Rangers. Ken Rosenthal thinks it is inevitable that Texas deals Elvis Andrus, Ian Kinsler or both. There's also speculation from a rival GM (and that's all it is, so remember that), that the Cubs might try to package Starlin Castro and Jeff Samardzija to the Diamondbacks.
• The Dodgers want to trade one of their expensive outfielders: Matt Kemp, Carl Crawford or Andre Ethier. Mike Axisa examines the trade value of the three players.
• Speaking of the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, those two teams really don't like each other. D-Backs owner Ken Kendrick said of the Dodgers: "We owe those guys," meaning payback.
• Tracy Ringolsby thinks the Angels don't need a major overhaul, just a little tinkering to return to contention.
• Anthony Castrovince, on the other hand, thinks the Giants have a lot of work to do this offseason.
• If you want Denard Span, the Nationals are willing to listen to offers for him.
• The Twins are considering a reunion with one of their biggest stars of recent years. They've asked to see Johan Santana's medical records, presumably because they're interested in signing the free agent pitcher.
• Phil Miller takes a look at the Arizona Fall League, with an emphasis on the Twins prospects.
• Ted Lilly has joined the Venezuelan Winter League. In a related story, Ted Lilly is the new President of Venezuela. In other related news, Colombia surrendered.
• Bill Mazeroski memorabilia fetched $1.7 million at auction. That includes $633,000 for the jersey he wore in game seven of the 1960 World Series.
• Huh? In one of the more bizarre Hall of Fame arguments ever, Jack Morris said he could have had a lower career ERA if that's what his team wanted. Seriously, Jack? You gave up runs because you weren't sure how your manager felt about letting the other team score?
• Peter Gammons wonders where has all the power gone? He says it's getting harder and harder to find power hitters on the market. Somewhat optimistically, he notes one place you can find power is the Cubs minor league system.
• Have you seen Jose Offerman? Because he's being sued for attacking two minor leaguers with a bat in the Independent Leagues in 2007 and he's no where to be found.
• David Whitley thinks the Astrodome, "The Eighth Wonder Of The World," deserves a better fate than destruction.
• Ben Lindbergh looks at the possibility of robot umpire overlords calling balls and strikes. He notes the technology is still not up to the task. Also at that link is a fine short film about the married couple that did all the MLB scheduling on their dining room table for a couple of decades. You should watch it.
• Finally, if you're into this whole "Movember" thing, Topps has a feature of "30 Mustaches in 30 Days,"looking at the history of facial hair in the game over the past 40 years.