Baseball's winter meetings got under way in Nashville on Monday. Chronicle baseball writer Henry Schulman will provide instant analysis on trades and signings as they happen. Check back throught the day for updates.
1:00 p.m. The Deal: The biggest buzz on the opening morning of the meetings is word that the Dodgers and Reds are close to trade four-time All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman to Los Angeles for prospects. However, MLB.com reporter Mark Sheldon reported the deal was not done and other teams might be involved.
Analysis: Two things everyone in baseball knew going into this winter were, 1) The Dodgers had to improve their bullpen, and 2) The Reds needed to move Chapman, the 100-mph strikeout artist who will be a free agent after 2016 and thus not much use for a team that is rebuilding
If the trade happens, the Dodgers will be more dangerous, especially if they keep incumbent closer Kenley Jansen, and new manager Dave Roberts finds a way to placate both.