Winter Meetings Day Three

A few of these transactions were reported after I signed off. So here goes day Three:

- Carlos Peña signs with the Chicago Cubs
Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reports that the Chicago Cubs and Carlos Peña have agreed on a 1-year $10 million dollar contract. Peña, formerly of the Tampa Bay Rays, is coming off of a disappointing season at the plate. In 2010, Peña hit .196 with 28 HRs and 84 RBI. In 484 at-bats he had 95 hits (18 2B/0 3B/28 HR) to go along with 87 walks and 158 strikeouts. His OPS was .732 (325 OBP%/407 SLG%).

From 2007-2009 Peña averaged 39 HRs (144 in the last 4 seasons) and 108 RBI with 95 walks and 157 strikeouts so we know he can be an offensive force from the left side of the plate. His signing with the Cubs fills a need for the team since Derreck Lee was traded last season to the Atlanta Braves. Peña joins Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez in a lineup that has the potential to be potent. The question remains whether or not one or all of these players can stay healthy and play at their potential.

- Click Here for Carlos Peña's career statistics from Baseball Reference.com

- Matt Diaz signs with the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates continued with their very active showing at the Winter Meetings by signing outfielder Matt Diaz. Pirates beat reporter for MLB.com Jen Langosch reports that Diaz, formerly of the Atlanta Braves, signed a two-year agreement for "approximately $4.25 million.".

In 2010 Diaz batted .250 with 7HRs and 31 RBI. In 224 at-bats, Diaz had 56 hits (17 2B/2 3B/7 HR) with 13 walks and 44 strikeouts.

Langosch says the following about Diaz in relation to his role with the Pirates:

The Pirates have been looking for someone who can be a threat against left-handed pitching, and Diaz is exactly that. He batted. 273 against lefties last season and is a career .335 hitter against southpaws.

Diaz played primarily in left while with Atlanta, but his fit with the Pirates would be in right. He has played 78 career games as a right fielder and batted .305 in his five-year stay with Atlanta.

I'll be honest when I say I don't know much about Diaz. Guess I'll have to track him in the box scores to see his progress.

- Click Here to access Matt Diaz's career statistics from Baseball Reference.com

That's all for now. I'll be back soon with (hopefully) some more news and signings.

FH