The Major League Baseball hot stove is always evolving, changing course and sending fans spiraling in a different direction.
If you have the destination of a free-agent star figured out, his likely destination is probably elsewhere. If a rumor sounds substantial, it might be the result of an agent trying to drum up the market for his client or faulty information leaking through into the news.
The key to following the hot stove: separating fact from fiction.
For general managers around the sport, possessing this ability can be the difference between overspending on flawed players or finding a diamond in the rough.
For the average fan, it can be the difference between sounding like the smartest guy or a total fool at the company holiday party.
Luckily, we have you covered, regardless of your standing in the baseball community.
The following is an attempt to separate fact from fiction after a wild week of action and rumors in Major League Baseball.
*Note: All statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.