Top News:
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Astros decided to let Pettitte walk over $2 million … What just happened here? — How did the Astros lose Andy Pettitte to the Yankees over a measly couple of million bucks? — Before Pettitte accepted the Yankees' offer, sources familiar with the negotiations told me he gave the Astros …
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
MacDougal, Sox a team through '09 — Trade with Astros could be resurrected — The White Sox gained more financial certainty Friday when they signed late-inning reliever Mike MacDougal to a three-year, $6.45 million contract. — MacDougal, 29, becomes the fourth Sox player under contract through 2009.
Associated Press:
See ya, 'Stros — Pettitte says Yankees' interest was the difference — HOUSTON (AP) — Andy Pettitte says he moved from Houston back to New York because the Yankees put on a "full-court press" and the Astros showed signs they were ready to move on without him.
Discussion:
Associated Press
George King / New York Post:
YANKEES SEEKING GLOVE AT FIRST — With Andy Pettitte joining fellow ground-ball specialist Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankees have shown an interest in slick-fielding first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz. — Even though Mientkiewicz is a left-handed hitter and the Yankees are seeking a right-handed bat at first …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Houston eyeing Jennings — With Pettitte back in N.Y., Astros need starters — Three years after staging his escape from New York, Andy Pettitte returned to the Yankees on Friday. His decision to sign a new one-year deal with his old team could have repercussions in Colorado.
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Andy is back in pinstripes — Will Rocket follow suit? — Last month, Andy Pettitte stood in front of a group of reporters at Joe Torre's charity dinner and talked about how difficult his latest career decision would be. To pitch or not to pitch, Pettitte wondered …
Discussion:
Off the Facade
George King / New York Post:PETTITTE BACK IN PINSTRIPES — LEFTY A YANK AGAIN; MAYBE ROCKET, TOO
Discussion:
Surviving Grady
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Springer signs a one-year deal — THE ACQUISITION: Russ Springer signs a one-year, $1.75 million contract. — THE RETURN: He's back after an injury-marred 2003 season here. — HIS ROLE: He helps stock a bullpen that may well be used as leverage for trade.
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Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Cubs, Marquis reportedly agree to deal — Right-hander was 14-16 with a 6.02 ERA, 96 strikeouts in 2006 — CHICAGO — The Cubs may have landed another starting pitcher in Jason Marquis. — According to multiple reports, Marquis has accepted a three-year offer from the Cubs.
Discussion:
GROTA, A Cub Fan's Obsession, Pinstripe Alley, The View From The Bleachers and Go Crazy, Folks!
ESPN:
Cubs to bring in Marquis to shore up starting rotation — The Chicago Cubs aren't done spending money just yet. Free-agent pitcher Jason Marquis has signed a three-year deal with the team, according to multiple reports. — The St. Louis Post Dispatch first reported the deal late Friday as being worth $28 million.
Rick Gano / Associated Press:
Marquis likely to join Cubs — CHICAGO (AP) — Pitcher Jason Marquis is likely to become the latest acquisition in the Chicago Cubs' offseason spending spree. — Marquis and the Cubs are negotiating a three-year contract, a person with knowledge of the talks said Saturday …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Steve Henson / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers may seek tampering probe — Team has 'looked into' the possibility of asking MLB to investigate whether Red Sox, Boras discussed Drew before outfielder opted out. — The Dodgers are leaving open the possibility of asking Major League Baseball to investigate whether …
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Richard Durrett / Dallas Morning News:
Mulder to visit Rangers on Tuesday — Another pitcher with Oakland Athletics ties is headed to Arlington for a visit. First it was Barry Zito, arriving nearly two weeks ago to be wined and dined by Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and owner Tom Hicks. — Now it's Mark Mulder's turn.
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Bruce Jenkins / San Francisco Chronicle:
Giants: no plan, no pride — and no chance — The Giants' season is over, a lost cause before it begins. For that you can thank Peter Magowan, chief executive Larry Baer and general manager Brian Sabean. If any of those men want to acknowledge their resistance to the Barry Bonds signing, stand up and be counted right now.
Discussion:
Purple Row
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MLB.com:
Royals sign Dotel to one-year deal — KANSAS CITY — The Kansas City Royals announced today the signing of reliever Octavio Dotel to a one-year contract for the 2007 season. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. — "The back end of our bullpen was a major emphasis this off season …
Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:
Sanchez worth risk for Marlins — Desperate for an affordable but experienced center fielder, the Marlins are taking a chance on the first player disciplined in 2005 under baseball's toughened steroids rules. — Alex Sanchez, a career .297 hitter with speed but questionable defense …
