LAS VEGAS — Sin City views things in black and white. Unless it’s the Blue Man Group, of course. Either you win or lose. There’s no ties, no kissing your sister.
Baseball executives and agents flooded the Bellagio for four days last week. Their lack of activity was chilling, but there were those who left with a satisfied grin without ever doubling down or rolling dice.
Take the Mets. After paging Dr. Heim-lich for a second straight September, they went a long way in strengthening their collective esophagus by signing closer Francisco Rodriguez and acquiring setup man J.J. Putz.
“As far as Mets fans are concerned, all I kept hearing in the streets of New York when I get bagels was in the morning, ‘Please, please, address the bullpen,’ ” general manager Omar Minaya said. “Well, to you Mets fans, we’ve addressed the bullpen.”
The Yankees, stealing back-page thunder, solidified their rotation. They signed CC Sabathia. They also reached a preliminary agreement on an $82.5 million deal with A.J. Burnett and are waiting to see if Andy Pettitte and Ben Sheets will take their money.
Beyond the New York beasts, it’s hard to declare who made out the best, given the uncertainty.
So while waiting for Scott Boras’ first marquee client to sign — sorry, I don’t count Arizona second baseman Felipe Lopez — it’s time to review the major-league landscape as the Hot Stove cools to a simmer.
National League
West
Division champion Los Angeles made the most noise by signing third baseman Casey Blake and utility infielder Mark Loretta. The Dodgers remain in the hunt for both outfielder Manny Ramirez and shortstop Rafael Furcal, but frustrated GM Ned Colletti admitted that “at some point you have to move on” if deals can’t be struck.
The Rockies made the biggest move, shipping all-star outfielder Matt Holliday to Oakland for closer Huston Street, starter Greg Smith and outfield prospect Carlos Gonzalez. Regardless of what else happens this winter, there will be no monster in this division come spring training.
Moving the sleigh: The Dodgers and Giants have addressed needs, with San Francisco signing shortstop Edgar Renteria and relievers Jeremy Affeldt and Bobby Howry. The Giants could be this year’s Rays if they acquire a big bat. Or three.
Stuck in the snow: The Rockies and Diamondbacks have filled two holes, Colorado with lefty reliever Alan Embree and Arizona with Lopez. If Street ends up closing and Smith succeeds in the rotation, the Holliday trade makes a lot more sense.
Bobsledding downhill: Will the last Padre left please turn out the lights? A $40 million payroll amounts to the Three Amigos — Jake Peavy, Brian Giles and Adrian Gonzalez — and the Small Friars.
Central
The Cubs were the league’s best team, then flopped in the playoffs. Chicago has experienced an uneven offseason, signing Ryan Dempster, but it was unable to land a left-handed slugger.
Can the Cardinals’ Chris Carpenter get healthy? Couple that with the potential addition of closer Brian Fuentes, whom manager Tony La Russa called “a perfect fit,” and the Cardinals are a playoff club.
Moving the sleigh: If slugger Bobby Abreu lands in the Cubs’ stocking, they will have the best winter, having already acquired Kevin Gregg, which frees them to switch Carlos Marmol to closer.
Stuck in the snow: The Astros are trimming costs. They were unable to re-sign starter Randy Wolf and were forced to shop closer Jose Valverde.
Bobsledding downhill: The Pirates are simply filling out a roster, trumpeting signings such as utility infielder Ramon Vazquez.
East
For the next few years, the Mets-Phillies games shouldn’t be held in a stadium. Holding their games in a cage would be more appropriate. This rivalry is real, and has grown into a winter competition. The Mets win with their new bullpen, but Philadelphia got athletic and improved its lineup by signing outfielder Raul Ibañez.
Moving the sleigh: Mets and Phillies are the NL’s version of Yankees-Red Sox.
Stuck in the snow: The Nationals are going all in for slugger Mark Teixeira. If Tex goes there, it’s all about money because the club isn’t any good. Braves swung and missed on Burnett, leaving Javier Vazquez as lone rotation upgrade.
Bobsledding downhill: Florida president David Samson. Apologized for saying Yankees were spending money like “drunken sailors.”
American League
West
Angels outfielder Torii Hunter needs to find a Del Taco for the Teixeira negotiations. It was there that Hunter got his $90 million deal done last winter. The Angels stand to be the winter’s biggest losers after missing out on Sabathia and failing thus far to bring back Teixeira or sign Ibañez. The A’s are certainly better with Holliday, but need another slugger to maximize his value in the lineup.
Moving the sleigh: Getting Holliday was a coup for A’s. Landing Jason Giambi or Furcal would make Oakland a playoff threat.
Stuck in the snow: Seattle traded 77 players in deal with Mets and Indians, but, in all seriousness, Aaron Heilman could be a sleeper in its rotation and Brandon Morrow is ready to take over as closer for Putz.
Bobsledding downhill: If Rangers don’t land a starting pitcher, president Nolan Ryan might have to go downstairs and join the rotation.
Central
This division is not unlike the NL West, decidedly unsexy — so far. The Tigers should dominate, but they are downsizing. They landed a starter in Edwin Jackson, whom manager Jim Leyland labeled “a horse,” but have been shut out in their search for a closer. Fernando Rodney in the ninth? Better replace bobblehead nights with Alka-Seltzer giveaways.
Moving the sleigh: Royals have quietly had a terrific winter, acquiring or signing Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Jacobs and Horacio Ramirez while remaining in the hunt for Furcal. Kerry Wood deal with the Indians is sound given the length — two years — but his health is always a concern.
Stuck in the snow: Twins brought back Nick Punto, one of their famous piranhas, to be the regular shortstop. They still need a third baseman.
Bobsledding downhill: White Sox taking risk going young. Their offseason consists of trading Nick Swisher, Boone Logan and Vazquez.
East
Is it too late for the Big Three auto companies to ask the Yankees for a bailout? The Yankees have spent nearly $250 million on two starters — Sabathia and Burnett — and are still pursuing Pettitte and Sheets. Boston fans are waiting for the first big news conference: If the Red Sox sign Teixeira, they are just as good as the Yankees.
Moving the sleigh: The Yankees bought the sleigh and tricked it out with 20-inch spinning rims.
Stuck in the snow: Orioles believe they still have a shot at Teixeira because he’s from the area. Tampa Bay likes new outfielder Matt Joyce. And the Red Sox know that Jason Varitek’s market is limited, so they should get their captain back at a reasonable price.
Bobsledding downhill: Frigid winter for Blue Jays after losing Burnett. Wonder if it’s time to stockpile some young players by trading closer B.J. Ryan?
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
Free-agent movement
With winter growing deeper, a thaw is hitting the free-agent market. The Post’s national baseball writer, Troy E. Renck, examines the biggest additions and those still looming:
Top 5 stocking stuffers
1. CC Sabathia, Yankees: He will open the new Yankee Stadium and be expected to win the Cy Young Award. No pressure or anything.
2. Francisco Rodriguez, Mets: Provides certainty for a bullpen that was sabotaged last season.
3. A.J Burnett, Yankees: The presence of Sabathia will help the right-hander, who’s never been a staff ace.
4. Raul Ibañez, Phillies: Perfect fit for team’s need in left field — a slugger with athletic ability.
5. Casey Blake, Dodgers: Blue-collar player with a front-loaded, $17 million contract.
Top 5 on the wish list
1. Mark Teixeira, 1B: Will he take most money (Nationals) or best fit (Angels)?
2. Manny Ramirez, LF: Smart money says he returns to Dodgers on three-year deal.
3. Derek Lowe, P: Is there enough remaining in Yankees’ treasure chest for the sinkerballer?
4. Rafael Furcal, SS: Wants four years. Three with creative option could get it done with Dodgers or Royals.
5. Orlando Hudson, 2B: Personality and production. Will improve chemistry wherever he goes.
