Mascot hats to hot dogs, trade show baseball's other high-dollar business at winter meetings

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The fluffy green-and-white Phillie Phanatic hat is eye-catching enough. Then with a simple push of a pump wrapped in red cloth, the furry mascot's red tongue unfurls.

Yes, the Phanatic is sticking its tongue right at you.

Welcome to the baseball trade show at the winter meetings where business is everything but the high-profile signing and trading of players.

Companies pitch their wares to both major and minor league teams — everything from the expected to the outrageous.