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.
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Rangers, Gagne close on one-year deal — One day after reportedly making an offer to left-hander Barry Zito, the Rangers are close to signing another Scott Boras client, free-agent closer Eric Gagne, to a one-year contract, FOXSports.com has learned. — The deal, which likely is pending a physical …
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Matsuzaka deal will get done — The perception is that Japanese right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka has no leverage in his negotiations with the Red Sox. — Agent Scott Boras would beg to differ. — The other perception is that the Red Sox can walk away from Matsuzaka, sign free-agent right-hander Roger Clemens and live happily after.
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.
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:Sox trying to make a deal: Brass in LA; Henry rips Boras' tactics
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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
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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Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Zambrano making pen pitch — Victor Zambrano's agent expects the pitcher will return to the Mets for the 2007 season, and indicated that the righthander has even offered to pitch in relief so he can be back on a major league mound sooner. — The Mets must offer Zambrano a contract of at least $2.4 million …
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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.
Associated Press:
Reports: Batista to sign 3-year contract with Mariners — SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners have reached a preliminary agreement with veteran free agent right-hander Miguel Batista on a three-year contract worth $24 million, according to newspaper reports published Tuesday.
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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.
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Iwamura's agent is still playing hardball … ST. PETERSBURG - With only five negotiating days until Friday's midnight deadline, Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura and the Devil Rays remain far apart. — There are significant differences in terms of money and contract structure, as well as philosophy.
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Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Suppan feels unloved — A month and a half after winning it all, the Cardinals have found themselves merely finalists for four free-agent starting pitchers whom they targeted, and now they may no longer be in the running for one of their own. — The Cardinals were told over the weekend …
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
B. Giles' brother eyes spot on Pads — Braves could part ways with Marcus — The Dodgers have guaranteed more than $105 million to four free agents since finishing tied with the Padres atop the National League West. Only time will tell whether the money was well spent …
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
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.
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.
