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.
RELATED:
ESPN:
Boras says Matsuzaka worth $100 million — NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Scott Boras, the agent for Daisuke Matsuzaka said his client "is worth well in excess of $100 million." The Boston Red Sox may not agree, but they said on Monday night that they were prepared to increase their offer to the pitcher.
Gordon Edes / Extra Bases:
High noon has arrived — So now, it comes down to this ... if Daisuke Matsuzaka is on John Henry's plane tomorrow, the Sox have a deal. If he isn't, it's over, and he's going back to Japan. — Sox sources say that the offer Theo Epstein and Larry Lucchino intend to present agent Scott Boras is a boatload of money.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:Sox trying to make a deal: Brass in LA; Henry rips Boras' tactics
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
RELATED:
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 …
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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
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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Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Rays to seek bargains in new batch — ST. PETERSBURG - Soaring salaries made the initial round of free agency too expensive for the Devil Rays. Now they are curious to explore the market for a new group of players who become free agents if not offered contracts by tonight's deadline.
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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
RELATED:
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.
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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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.
Discussion:
Oleanders and Morning Glories
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.
Bob Dutton / Kansas City Star:
Buddy breaks down his team — After a flurry of winter acquisitions, manager Bell analyzes how the roster of his 2007 club is taking shape. — Buddy Bell was already well on the way to recovery from throat surgery even before the Royals overhauled their pitching staff.
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.
Jack Etkin / Rocky Mountain News:
Fogg, Torrealba wait for call by Rockies — Pitcher Josh Fogg and catcher Yorvit Torrealba will learn today whether they fit in the Rockies' plans for 2007 or will become part of the club's history after one season in Denver. — The Rockies must tender contracts to both players by 3 p.m. Otherwise …
