Notes from Day 1 of MLB Winter Meetings

The Winter Meetings began today in Orlando, and will run throughout the week.  Lots of rumors and transactions will be reported this week, and I'll just highlight the parts that have some bearing on the Rangers in one way or another.

• On the eve of the meetings, former Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth surprisingly went to the Nationals, scoring a seven-year, $126 million contract.  (Wow.)  The Rangers did not have interest in him, but his outrageous contract will probably raise the asking prices of many of the free agent hitters still on the market.  Outfielder Carl Crawford, who has been tied to the Rangers in a few rumors but is the main target of the Angels, will use the Werth contract to drive up his price.  However, he might have fewer teams bidding for him, since not many teams will be able to approach what he could be asking.
• Since the Adrian Gonzalez trade did finally go through, Adrian Beltre is now no longer needed in Boston, but the A's are no longer interested in him either.  That leaves the Angels as the most logical landing place for the third baseman.
• Paul Konerko has drawn interest from the Rangers, White Sox, and Orioles.  The White Sox owner wants him back and the team will meet with his agent tomorrow and could hammer out a deal before the day is over.  The Orioles acquired another power corner infielder when they traded for Arizona third baseman Mark Reynolds, so their interest in Konerko may have weakened.
• The main rumors for the Rangers in Day 1 focused on Cliff Lee and Kansas City's Zack Greinke.  There's a lot of talk going on, conflicting reports, and we'll just have to wait to see what happens.  Texas is definitely in on both pitchers.

I'll have another recap tomorrow night, and perhaps more if a major story breaks.  Stay tuned.