General managers wrap up meeting without major moves

By: JournalNow Staff | THE ASSOCIATE PRESS
Published: November 12, 2009

CHICAGO --

General managers grabbed their bags, caught quick lunches and headed down the corridor a short distance to their flights yesterday after their annual meeting ended in a hotel at O'Hare International Airport.

No trades were announced during the three-day session.

"It's the same thing every year at this time of year," said GM Ken Williams of the Chicago White Sox. "There is nothing to report."

GMs met with their counterparts and also greeted agents attempting to lay the groundwork for free-agent deals after those players can start negotiating money with all teams on Nov. 20. Trade talk likely will percolate heading into the winter meetings in Indianapolis from Dec. 7-10.

The Washington Nationals were on the verge of hiring a manager. The finalists appeared to be Jim Riggleman, who took over for the remainder of last season when Manny Acta was fired, and Bobby Valentine.

"Were pretty far down the road with that," Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said. "We think we're going to have ... an announcement some time this week."

It appears that Milton Bradley won't return to the Cubs, even though he has two years and $21 million left on his contract.

General Manager Jim Hendry wasn't specific on whether he discussed moving Bradley, who was suspended the final two weeks last season -- shortly after he criticized the atmosphere surrounding a team that hasn't won a World Series since 1908. But Hendry did have plenty of general conversations as he tries to get the Cubs back to the playoffs under new ownership.

"I probably talked to seven or eight clubs, just the normal things, just the way I anticipated. You feel like, hopefully, there's some business to be done in the next few weeks," Hendry said. "A lot of people were in the same spots, and it was easy to find guys to talk to."

The free-agent pool includes outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay, pitcher John Lackey and infielder-outfielder Chone Figgins. After that, there are few stars in their prime.

"I think this is a free-agent market where there is definitely a dropoff between the premium guys and the second-tier guys," said GM Omar Minaya of the Mets.

Jimmie Lee Solomon, the executive vice president of baseball operations for the commissioner's office, said that a committee will report to owners on the prospects for an international draft.