LAS VEGAS — At the Hilton, owner of the world’s largest sports book, the Rockies were listed Thursday at 8-to-1 odds to win the National League championship, 40-to-1 to claim the World Series crown.
“The odds don’t really matter. The Tigers were favored last year and didn’t even make the playoffs,” Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins said.
Point is, anything can happen. Unless, of course, it’s the winter meetings. A gathering of executives brought single-minded purpose, endless discussions with agents, not enough gambling to the Bellagio’s liking, but few mouth-agape headlines.
The Yankees agreed in principle on a seven-year, $161 million deal with ace CC Sabathia — and repulsed at least one executive, Florida’s David Samson, with their “irresponsibility.” They are likely to land starters A.J. Burnett and possibly Ben Sheets and Andy Pettitte, but what’s a new rotation among friends?
“I guess the Yankees are recession-proof,” said a member of the commissioner’s office.
In the end, the meetings were just as notable for what didn’t happen. The biggest name remaining on the trade market — Padres right-hander Jake Peavy — wasn’t moved. He had grown comfortable with the idea of becoming a Chicago Cub, but a deal never materialized. Padres general manager Kevin Towers said Thursday the trade is dead for now.
Atlanta and the Angels might get involved, but Towers is considering a pause in discussions, perhaps to prevent bloggers from getting carpal tunnel with endless updates.
While waiting for an answer from Burnett, the Yankees remained active. They were progressing in discussions with Milwaukee for center fielder Mike Cameron in exchange for Melky Cabrera. Cameron’s arrival could ease the transition for Sabathia, his teammate and friend in Milwaukee.
Sabathia’s agreement should eventually serve as an angioplasty to unclog the free-agent market.
All signs point toward slugger Mark Teixeira as the next big name to find a home. Angels center fielder Torii Hunter said he knows Teixeira prefers the East Coast but remained hopeful he would stick with the Angels.
“He knows it’s an A-1 organization,” Hunter said.
Agent Scott Boras labeled Teixeira’s decision complex. The Red Sox, Nationals, Orioles and Angels have interest.
“There’s regional ties. And certainly family is going to be part of his consideration,” Boras said. “The club’s ability to win long term, commitment by the owners long term, to the franchise being successful. He’s played in both leagues. He has an opportunity to make an analysis of what’s best for he and his family. And, of course, the economics.”
Of course. And the odds of Teixeira breaking the bank? The sports book would be better off not taking that bet.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
