Fan News

Trading for Matt Kemp shouldn't feel like an equivalent to hitting on 17 in blackjack. And yet, there are a few good reasons for why it does.

We'll get to that. But first, we should clarify that it is sounding more and more like the Los Angeles Dodgers are going to trade Kemp this winter.

Imagine if Mark Twain and Grantland Rice drank rye by a bonfire all night and attempted to come up with an American folk hero for the modern sports era. 

Can you feel that? The buzz in the air? Can you hear the whispers and negotiations and deals going down?

That's just the winter meetings in baseball starting to really heat up, as free-agent signings and trades are going down left and right. And that means for every completed deal, there are five times the number of rumors making the rounds. 

Below, you'll find a few of the juiciest ones out there.

Trade talks and free-agent signings are at a fever pitch during this MLB offseason, and the hype for MLB 15 The Show is gaining serious steam as well. On Saturday, the debut sizzle trailer for the game was released at the PlayStation Experience in Las Vegas. 

This has to stop.

Hearts are broken, and that is certainly understandable. But the screaming has to stop. Now.

Billy Beane is not a villain. He is not a moron. He is not attempting to piss off anyone who has ever cheered for the Oakland Athletics.

And most importantly, he is not trying to lose. To think that is his goal is not only ridiculous but also completely ignorant.

Francisco Liriano declined the Pittsburgh Pirates' initial qualifying offer but was able to negotiate and secure a long-term deal to remain with the club on Tuesday.

A busy day in baseball saw another trade go down on Tuesday, as the Oakland Athletics shipped starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija to the Chicago White Sox for a number of prospects, including Chris Bassitt and Rangel Ravelo.      

The A's official Twitter account has the details:

The Atlanta Braves' busy offseason continued Tuesday as they reached an agreement to sign infielder Alberto Callaspo to an undisclosed deal.    

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez confirmed Jim Bowden of ESPN's initial report to MLB Network Radio:

After being acquired by the Oakland Athletics last July, Jeff Samardzija is once again on the move. Oakland has reportedly dealt the right-hander to the Chicago White Sox. The Athletics announced the move on Tuesday:

The pitching market has mostly been at a standstill this offseason with Jon Lester being the presumed catalyst to increased talks on other arms, but the latest MLB trade rumors suggest that several premier arms could be on the move in the near future.