Top News:
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Henry makes a pitch — Matsuzaka talks frustrating owner — The gloves came off yesterday in the Red Sox ' efforts to sign Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is facing a Thursday midnight deadline in striking a deal with the Sox, or his rights revert back to his Japanese team, the Seibu Lions.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Sox trying to make a deal: Brass in LA; Henry rips Boras' tactics — Frustrated by the pace and style of the negotiations with Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Red Sox [team stats] entered attack mode by flying their top two executives to southern California for face-to-face negotiations last night.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Contra Costa Times:
Payton agrees to go from A's to O's for $9.5 million — Free agent Jay Payton agreed Monday to a $9.5 million, two-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles, who have spent much of the offseason searching for a right-handed hitting outfielder. — Payton batted .296 with 10 homers and 59 RBI in 142 games with the A's this year.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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George King / New York Post:
YANKS, BOSOX GUN FOR BUC — Is there anything the Red Sox and Yankees won't fight over? Now it's Pirates lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez. — While the Red Sox are engaged in the high stakes Daisuke Matsuzaka negotiations that have to be completed by midnight Thursday …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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Baseball America:
Yankees Close On Cuban Defector — The Yankees had an active summer on the international front, and that aggressiveness hasn't stopped, even though the organization currently does not have a director of international scouting. — Mark Newman, the Yankees' senior vice president for baseball operations,
Discussion:
Pending Pinstripes
Geoff Baker / Seattle Times:
M's agree to terms with starting pitcher Miguel Batista — The newest starting pitcher to join the Mariners doesn't want anyone pointing out how old he is. — Right-hander Miguel Batista knows there will be skeptics noting he'll turn 36 before the season begins.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Notes: Cirillo likely to join Twins — Decision to leave Brewers came down to playing time — MILWAUKEE — Jeff Cirillo's heart may stay in Milwaukee, but he is poised to take his bat to Minnesota. — One of the Brewers' most popular players and the franchise's career batting average leader …
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ESPN:
Yanks promote Mattingly to bench coach … NEW YORK — The New York Yankees finalized their coaching staff for the 2007 season on Monday, promoting Don Mattingly to bench coach and naming Kevin Long hitting coach. — One of the most popular players in franchise history …
Discussion:
Yanksfan vs Soxfan
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Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Maz is back with Mets as broadcaster — Former player, manager will be SNY's lead studio analyst — NEW YORK — Lee Mazzilli, once the Mets' centerfold center fielder and the face of the organization, is now one of the voices for SportsNet New York, the Mets' television home.
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Andrew Baggarly / Contra Costa Times:
Giants' Sabean goes on offensive — General manager fires back at his critics, says he won't apologize for pricey re-signing of Bonds — SAN FRANCISCO - The Giants are getting pummeled over re-signing Barry Bonds to a one-year contract that could be worth close to $20 million.
Michael Morrissey / New York Post:
METS LUKEWARM ON ZITO & MULDER — The Rangers reportedly anted up for Barry Zito yesterday, though the numbers were not disclosed. But if they ultimately offered six years and around $100 million - an ever-popular prediction - then he will play in Arlington. — At least, that's the conclusion the Mets are bracing for.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Associated Press:
Angels sign Oliver to one-year deal — LOS ANGELES (AP) - Reliever Darren Oliver and the Los Angeles Angels agreed to a one-year contract worth US$1.75 million Monday with a club option for a second season. — Oliver appeared in 45 games for the New York Mets last season, going 4-1 with a 3.44 earned-run average.
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Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Tigers sign Mesa to one-year deal — Righty adds veteran presence to otherwise young bullpen — DETROIT — While the Tigers' focus in the Winter Meetings was on finding a left-hander for the bullpen, team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski cautioned that they could also add a right-hander for certain situations.
Bryan Tsao / Hardball Times:
THT Mailbag — When we first announced the mailbag a couple weeks ago, I felt like a teenager waiting for his first date. What if she doesn't show up? What if she only writes questions that we can't answer? I began compulsively checking my email every few minutes for new mailbag questions …
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Marc Stein / ESPN:
Leather ball will return on Jan. 1 … In a stunning reversal, NBA commissioner David Stern has decided to shelve the league's new microfiber composite basketball after just a few months of use and switch back to the old leather model for all games starting Jan. 1.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Is Cordero on the move? — Beat reporter Bill Ladson answers Nationals fans' questions … I'm a big Chad Cordero fan, and I've been startled to hear his name bandied about in recent trade rumors. I really hope it doesn't happen. Is there any chance it will? — Aaron, Washington, D.C.
