MLB's Winter Meetings Kicking Off After Busy Signing Period

MLB's Winter Meetings begin today at the Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando after a "busy week of signings and trades" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 12/8). Giants GM Brian Sabean said, "Everybody's probably viewing the market as one that is very much on the one hand buyer beware and on the other hand, if you can satisfy a need and fit it into your payroll, teams are willing to [spend]" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/8). Padres GM Josh Byrnes: "I'm a little surprised there has been this much activity before the meetings and I'm not sure why. But once it starts going, it forces action by other teams" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 12/8).

CBSSPORTS.com's Matt Snyder offers a rundown of storylines to watch this week in Orlando (CBSSPORTS.com, 12/8).

Meanwhile, Arizona Fall League Senior Administrator Joan McGrath today will receive the Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award at a luncheon as part of the Winter Meetings (MiLB).