The winter meetings are over, and this year's edition was a turkey. The Reds weren't involved in any big deals, and the one big rumor, about the Reds offering Mark Loretta a deal, was one that sounded just horrible.

They did manage to pick up a couple of guys, though: they selected right-hand pitcher Jared Burton from the As in the Rule 5 draft. The Cubs selected Josh Hamilton from the Devil Rays the same way, then traded him to the Reds. Which is really less of a trade than a sale. I mean, I don't go around saying I went to the store and traded $20 for a miniature statuette of Sean Casey grounding into a double play.

But I digress.

Of course, both deals are interesting, and of course, the Reds needed some pitching fodder. But all you're going to hear about is Hamilton.

Quotes via Marc about the deals:

Wayne on Hamilton:

“There's risk to everything you do. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

The risk, in this case, is the chance that Hamilton will succumb to the drug habit that has rendered him useless the last few seasons. Hamilton, however, sounds determined to stay clean:

UPDATE 2: Hamilton:

“When I got the news I started shaking because I was so excited.”

“Jerry (Narron) saw me catch and pitch in one game. I remember him being at the game and being in awe and knowing who he was.”

“I guarantee I'll come in in the best shape of my life.”

“I didn't think (the Devils Rays) thought that anyone would take a chance.”

So at least we won't have to worry about him going the way of Josh Hancock. That's a relief.

Since he's a Rule 5-er, Hamilton has to say on the 25-man roster all season, or the Reds have to offer him back to Tampa Bay. Personally, I think Kriv-dawg is too stubborn to do a thing like that, but apparently the Rays think different.

Quote from DDN, (ht BubbaFan):

The large hook in this deal is that the Reds must keep the 25-year-old outfielder on their 25-man roster for the entire 2007 season or offer him back to the Devil Rays for $25,000. And the Devil Rays fully expect to get him back.

“At this point of his development, he needs to play, and it will be difficult for him to stick on the Reds roster,” Tampa Bay Executive Vice President Andrew Friedman said. “If we had kept him, he would have played this year at Class A. We fully expect the Reds to offer him back and we'll take him with open arms.”

No official word from the Reds on any of what's going on, but there are plenty of rumors, including:

• The Pirates Zach Duke for an OF
• The Reds' interest in Rodrigo Lopez
• Chris Denorfia to the Marlins
• The Reds pursuing Eric Gagne
• Marc Lancaster moving to Tampa Bay

Maybe we'll get some real action today.

I don't usually like to put up open threads because I'm afraid no one will post on them, and I'll look like a big, fat loser with no friends. But yesterday, discussion of the Mark Loretta rumor had to go on a thread about Adam Dunn, and that just ain't right. The team's subsequent denial of the rumor never made it in the comments at all.

These things need a space all their own.

So, feel free to comment on what you hear about today, winter-meeting-wise. And start a diary if you're so inclined. I'll try to check in from work, but they have this crazy idea about me actually working while I'm there. The nerve of some people!

In a story mostly about the Pirates in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, there's an interesting tidbit that has nothing to do with the Bucs:

The San Diego Padres could be ready to put Scott Linebrink, a top-notch setup guy with closer potential, on the block to attract a power hitter. Reportedly, Cincinnati slugger Adam Dunn is in their sights.

Now, I like Scott Linebrink, though, admittedly that has more to do with his performance on Oh Say Can You Sing? than anything I know about his pitching.

But more than that, I love the idea of the Reds trading all of their outfield power for relief pitchers. Next week, Griffey for Ray King.

Again Chris Denorfia's name has come up in trade speculation in the Florida media. This time, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel identifies him as a possibility for the Marlins center field:

Nate McLouth is well thought of by the Marlins' front office and could be a cheaper fallback option than Duffy. Cincinnati's Chris Denorfia is another intriguing possibility and likely available for pitching help since the Reds are keeping Ken Griffey Jr. in center.

“We'd like to grow with a young center fielder, but I wouldn't say there's a definite profile,” Beinfest said. “We have a good young team and we're looking to add good young talent.”

You might notice that this is very similar to the last Deno rumor I posted about, so it may well just be one reporter's pipe dream. Plus, there's the fact that Krivsky seems to like Denorfia OK and as recently as Redsfest was assuring fans that they'd be seeing him in right field.

On the other hand, the Reds are in need of an outfielder, so it makes sense that Kriv-dawg will trade him away. Plus the fact that the article says the Marlins are looking to give up any pitching, and I think this sounds like a sure thing. I expect we'll be getting Dan Uggla somehow: we're due for another second baseman.