Opinion

We're deep into the MLB offseason, which means the speculation machine is running on hot-stove fumes.

Some of the biggest free agents and trade targets have found homes. Now, it's time to sift through the remainder and concoct scenarios—both to stave off boredom and because once in a while this stuff actually happens.

A free-agent storm is on the way, some big names can't find homes and some unintended victims of MLB's new CBA...

An old baseball adage suggests "you can never have enough pitching," and most of the high-profile movement this offseason, both in terms of free agency and trades, is backing up that notion. Front offices around the league are paying sizable prices to improve their rotations and bullpens.

It's hyperbole to call Jose Quintana the offseason's invisible ace.

At the very least, however, rumor-mongers and prospective suitors are treating Quintana as if he's blurry around the edges.

Nearly $200 million and exactly three familiar faces later, the Los Angeles Dodgers have retained a roster worthy of the top of the National League power structure.

Despite a flurry of activity at the winter meetings, Major League Baseball's offseason is far from over with all 30 teams still in search of ways to upgrade their rosters for a run at the World Series.

There are still a number of marquee free agents waiting to find the right deal for their liking, though the trade market has been the most active and engaging this winter. It's unlikely another player of Chris Sale's caliber will be dealt, but the well is still flush with water to fill those buckets. 

Whether it was record-setting contracts for free-agent closers or blockbuster trades involving All-Star-caliber players and big-time prospects, there was plenty for the baseball world to get its hands around at last week's winter meetings. 

But every move a team made had far-reaching consequences.

Potential landing spots suddenly disappeared for some free agents, whether it was due to a team going in another direction or spending the bulk of its disposable income elsewhere.

In a discussion about just how good the Boston Red Sox's starting rotation is, there are two options: Going over it with a fine-tooth comb, or just buying into it as the greatest thing since the last greatest thing since sliced bread.

Given that the genesis of this discussion only began last week, it's oh-so-easy to choose Door No. 2. 

Kenley Jansen spent the weekend getting married in Curacao, per MLB.com's Michael Clair.

Winter isn't only a time for trades and free-agent signings but a chance for speculation.

Attention is paid to those who write the biggest checks or complete the most notable deals. Teams can win by spending money or selling off prospects. It's not always a guarantee, though.

Smaller deals are made, and smaller-market teams receive less attention—and sometimes it's a combination of the two that ultimately pays the biggest dividends in an upcoming season.

They just don't get noticed until, at least, the season starts.