Rockies Winter Meetings roundup, Day 3: Colorado makes late-night trade, keeps other irons in the fire

Rockies trade Josh Rutledge to Angels for reliever Jairo Diaz - The Denver Post
Patrick Saunders breaks down the most significant move to date in the Rockies' offseason, as they swapped infielder Josh Rutledge to the Angels for Jairo Diaz, a 23-year-old reliever who struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings in a September call-up in 2014. You can also read our own RhodeIslandRoxFan's take on the deal here.

Meetings talk links Rockies to Mets' Gee - Rockies.com
Thomas Harding updates the talk of the Rockies trading for Mets starter Dillon Gee. The 28-year-old righty is slated to make $5 million in 2015 and, adjusted for park, was only slightly better than Yohan Flande last season and does not seem to profile well for Coors Field. Given the names that have been floated as a return for Gee, mainly Rex Brothers, this seems like a deal the Rockies should pass on.

Rockies trade talk: Rosario, Rutledge, Morneau - The Denver Post
In addition to discussing the Rutledge trade that eventually went through, Saunders also had updates on rumors involving catcher Wilin Rosario and first baseman Justin Morneau, with the Rangers and Marlins as the most interested suitors for the respective players.

Rule 5 of thumb: Gems can be found in Draft - MLB.com
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo has a primer for today's Rule 5 Draft, in which the Rockies have the second pick, a pick there have been indications they intend to use. The Rockies did have success in the Rule 5 Draft last year, acquiring reliever Tommy Kahnle.

Around MLB

The Older and Better Dodgers Middle Infield - Fangraphs
After losing Hanley Ramirez to free agency, the Dodgers embarked on a revamp of their entire middle infield, starting by trading second baseman Dee Gordon and pitcher Dan Haren to Miami for a package of prospects headlined by pitcher Andrew Heaney, who was then swapped to the Angels for second baseman Howie Kendrick. Los Angeles also traded for shortstop and 2007 MVP thief Jimmy Rollins in a deal with the Phillies. Mike Petriello has the full breakdown at Fangraphs.

McCarthy, Dodgers close to deal - ESPN LA
The Dodgers also are looking to strengthen their pitching staff and are reportedly close to a four-year, $48 million contract with free-agent pitcher Brandon McCarthy. That seems like a lot of money for McCarthy, but a lot of money is something the Dodgers definitely have.

Red Sox acquire lefty Wade Miley - ESPN.com
The Diamondbacks also made a move yesterday, sending southpaw Wade Miley to Boston for pitchers Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster. This is good news for the Rockies, who seemed to struggle with Miley, especially at Chase Field, and it also opens up the possibility of a De La Rosa vs. De La Rosa pitching matchup when they take on Arizona.