A Guide To The Off-Season

As the off-season begins to warm up, we thought it would be helpful to provide you with a handy schedule of important dates to circle, and how they affect the timing of how the winter will play out.

November 9-11: GM Meetings

These are going on right now, which is why there are more rumors than usual going on. These are more procedural than substantive, as the GMs will also talk about instantly replay and other non-roster issues. You probably won’t see Roy Halladay traded tomorrow, for instance, but a few teams may leave Chicago with an understanding that they can make a run at him if they want to.

November 10-18: Various Awards Announced

You may care about these. I don’t.

November 18-19: Owners Meetings

Good ideas will be put forth and then tabled until future years. Nothing will happen, but you’ll have to read stories about that nothing that’s not happening.

November 20: Free Agency Begins

The exclusive negotiating window for teams to retain their own players ends, and players who have filed for free agency become eligible to sign with the Yankees.

November 20: 40-man Rosters Finalized

Teams must also finalize their 40 man rosters by this date in order to keep eligible prospects from being snatched up in the Rule 5 draft.

December 1: Arbitration Offer Deadline

It is the last day for teams to offer arbitration to their free agents. Any player who signs before this date is an automatic offer, granting the former team compensation for signing. As such, you won’t see too many contracts made official until after this date.

December 7-10: Winter Meetings

The annual gathering of front offices, media members, and job seekers for what usually turns out to be 72 hours of rumors and one hour of excitement. Expect Scott Boras to hold a bunch of ridiculous press conferences. Also, the Rule 5 draft takes place.

December 12: Contract Tender Deadline

For players eligible for arbitration (but not free agency), this is the last date to tender an offer and retain their contractual rights for 2010. Players who may receive an arbitration award greater than their value (I’m looking at you, Garrett Atkins) will be non-tendered and made free agents. This secondary pool of potentially available players may also serve to keep teams on the sideline in free agency, as the supply increases after several weeks.

January 5-15: Salary Aribtration Filing.

This is where Felix Hernandez will ask for the deed to the state of Washington in exchange for his services in 2010. The Mariners will counter by offering free dinner at the Space Needle. Arguing will ensue.