And So the Posturing Begins...

As the Hot Stove begins to heat up the rumor mill will go into action and both sides will use the media to try to raise or lower player values.  Today we have news from two teams looking to bring down some prices which in turn could help the Red Sox.  First there is the Mets who say that Jason Bay and Matt Holliday will be too expensive for them.  The Yankees are also trying this approach by saying they are focusing on Damon and Matsui not Bay or Holliday.  Don't believe either of them.  The Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox are all in on Holliday and Bay and will be used against each other in negotiations.  The only thing teams can do to lower prices is make it appear that there is not a big market nor a bidding war going on. It will be very interesting to see if Bay or Holliday gets the better contract since the two have different agents but nearly interchangeable for most teams in on the bidding.