Top News:
Jeff Horrigan / Boston Herald:
Sox, Boras still at odds: Matsuzaka talks on hold — Talks between the Red Sox [team stats] and the agent representing Daisuke Matsuzaka were limited and unproductive over the weekend, increasing the possibility that the Seibu Lions star will not be signed by Thursday night's deadline …
Discussion:
the metropolitans, Can't Stop The Bleeding, Ben Maller's Sports … and Pride of the Yankees
RELATED:
Jim Allen / ESPN:
Hopes of a nation are riding on ace — TOKYO — Even if it sometimes has taken longer than expected, Daisuke Matsuzaka has always delivered, and Japan's fans are counting on him to do so again. — As the deadline approaches for the right-handed wunderkind to put pen to paper and officially …
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.
RELATED:
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:Pettitte no bargain for Yankees
Discussion:
U.S.S. Mariner, Cardinal Commentary, MLB Trade Rumors, Lone Star Ball, Purple Row and MetsBlog.com
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
RELATED:
Bob Klapisch / ESPN:
Future uncertain for lame-duck Torre — Soon enough, Joe Torre will find himself in the middle of the clubhouse at Legends Field in Tampa, Fla., opening spring training with the kind of speech that's characterized his 12-year run as the Yankees' manager. — The words will be professional …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
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 …
RELATED:
Drew Olson / onmilwaukee.com:
Cirillo to sign with Minnesota — Veteran third baseman Jeff Cirillo, a popular and reliable player on the Brewers bench the past two seasons, is on the brink of signing a one-year contract with Minnesota. — A deal will be announced this week, after Cirillo passes a physical examination in Minnesota.
Richard Durrett / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers agree to terms with Lofton — The Rangers have agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder Kenny Lofton on a one-year deal worth $6 million pending a physical, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. — The 39-year-old gives the Rangers some speed at the top of the lineup and experience in center field.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Richard Durrett / Dallas Morning News:Rangers close to deal with Lofton, interested in Gagne
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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.
John Perrotto / Beaver County Times & Allegheny Times:
LATEST NEWS: Pirates to sign pitcher Kuwata; LaRoche deal still on? — The Pittsburgh Pirates are close to filling their need for a veteran right-handed starter by signing long-time Japanese League pitcher Masumi Kuwata as a free agent, baseball sources from Japan told the Times on Monday.
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves face Tuesday deadline — While the rumor-an-hour mill continues grinding, the Braves face a very real decision Tuesday that's probably already been made and may well offend a significant segment of their fan base. — Marcus Giles fans, of which there are plenty …
Chris Constancio / Hardball Times:
A Closer Look at James Loney — Today, I will continue my series on prospects who I believe are widely underrated with an examination of the past and future of James Loney, a first baseman in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Loney won a batting title in the Pacific Coast League in 2006 …
David Laurila / Baseball Prospectus:
Prospectus Q&A — Freddy Sanchez — A 29-year-old infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Freddy Sanchez won the National League batting title in 2006, posting a .344 average. A lifetime .313 hitter in 1,104 big league at-bats, the native of Burbank, California also led the NL with 53 doubles …
