MLB

According to internet speculation, the Seattle Mariners are willing to at least explore the idea of moving prized young starter "King" Felix Hernandez this winter. The thinking is that they may not be able to lock him up long-term.

And, well, the M's just happen to be in need of a third baseman—assuming Adrian Beltre doesn't return. Meanwhile, the Mets desperately need pitching.

It's a match made in heaven, right? I mean, neither player has a no-trade clause.

I've been on record saying that I am a fan of the deal that brought Javier Vazquez to the Yankees for Melky Cabrera, Michael Dunn, and Arodys Vizcaino. Yes, giving up Vizcaino hurt, but Vazquez is a top-notch pitcher so it was worth it to give up real talent for him. You have to give up value to get you value in return.

Over the past year or so, Cubs GM Jim Hendry has been doing a lot of trading. And with the exception of recent deals for Aaron Heilman and Carlos Silva, they've all been major leaguers being swapped for prospects or young major leaguers. Here's a quick recap of these trades:

- Mark DeRosa traded to the Cleveland Indians for Jeff Stevens and minor leaguers John Gaub and Chris Archer.

- Aaron Miles and Jake Fox traded to the Oakland Athletics for Jeff Gray and minor leaguers Matt Spencer and Ronny Morla.

In the '80s, it was all about "Who Shot J.R.?"

In the '90s, we had O.J. and A.C. cruising down the 405 in the white Bronco.

In the aughts 2000s '00s, Snookie's sucker-punch on Jersey Shore appeared to be the clear frontrunner for this decade's defining TV moment.

But that was before Johnny Damon appeared as guest host of WWE's Monday Night Raw.

As Jason Bay and his agent attempt to restart talks with the Boston Red Sox, there are a number of reasons why it would be wise for the Sox to continue to pass.

First, they're over-crowded in the outfield. With the recent signing of Mike Cameron (two years, $15 million) and Jeremy Hermida (one year, $2.25 million), there is no need for Bay.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Cameron, and J.D. Drew would be the regular outfielders.

We all know the well-publicized losses of the Los Angeles Angels: Chone Figgins, John "The Traitor" Lackey, Darren Oliver, and Rex Hudler.

They all hurt in one way or another, although for my money, Figgins is a loss worth losing. I want to see what Brandon Wood can do, and there are other players to fill the gap if he flames out.

It had been a long time coming since the San Francisco Giants had a winning season.

One of the best pitching staffs around overcame major deficiencies on offense, and for the first time since 2004, the Giants found themselves above the .500 mark when the season came to an end.

Tim Dierkes of MLBTraderumors.com is reporting that the Giants are close to a deal with utility man Mark DeRosa.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal tweeted around 12:45 Monday afternoon that DeRosa and the Giants were nearing a two-year agreement worth $12 million. 

(Originally posted at 4SportBoston.com )

As the decade comes to a close, everyone seems to be coming up with Top 10 lists about the best—and worst—of the 2000s (I refuse to call these past 10 years the “Aughts.”).

This seems like a good time for me to put one together, and I chose to focus on the experience that every one of us gets to participate in—the pure joy of being a fan at something special.