Top News:
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
In the Neighborhood, the Mets Stop at Suppan's — Mets officials returned last night after spending less than 24 hours in Southern California visiting not one, but two free-agent pitchers. They followed up Tuesday night's dinner meeting with their top target, Barry Zito, and his agent …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Michael Morrissey / New York Post:
METS MIGHT MAKE PITCH FOR SUPPAN — Even if the Mets engaged in sunny negotiations with Barry Zito and his agent, Scott Boras, in Los Angeles, there are still storm clouds on the horizon. Zito's number of suitors has grown this week, and the Mets' primary competitor is taking the bull by the horns.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Mets have backup plan for Zito in Suppan — Left-hander Barry Zito wasn't the only free-agent pitcher that Mets' executives visited in southern California. — The Mets, perhaps lining up an alternative if Zito signs with another club, also met with free-agent right-hander Jeff Suppan, major-league sources tell FOXSports.com.
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding, MetsBlog.com, MLB Rumors, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Al's Ramblings
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:Mets talk to Jeff Suppan in case Zito deal folds
Discussion:
The Musings and Prophecies …
Associated Press:
Alou, Thome information found in suspect's home — CHICAGO — Police have found personal information on White Sox slugger Jim Thome and Mets outfielder Moises Alou at the home of a man charged with identity theft. — David Dright, 38, faces 27 counts of identity theft involving …
RELATED:
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Mets have Zito for dinner, Supp for dessert — Barry Zito dined with the Mets on Tuesday. And before team officials departed Los Angeles, they met with another free-agent starting pitcher, too. — Mets brass - which flew cross-country to meet with Zito and agent Scott Boras …
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Tapping In to an Economy of Sale — Dominican Prospects Such as the Nationals' Esmailyn Gonzalez Are Products Of a System Where Players Are Auctioned Off by Sometimes Unethical Agents — PIZARRETE, Dominican Republic The face of the Washington Nationals' presence in Latin America dodges gaping potholes …
RELATED:
Richard Durrett / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers still in mix for Mulder — Lefty's agent says he's sent counterproposal to GM Daniels — Left-handed starting pitcher Mark Mulder's agent, Gregg Clifton, said he sent a counterproposal to Rangers general manager Jon Daniels on Monday and said Texas is still very much in the mix for Mulder.
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Cubs promote Bush to assistant GM — Randy Bush was promoted to assistant general manager by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. — Bush, a member of two World Series winning teams with the Minnesota Twins, had joined the Cubs as a special assistant to general manager Jim Hendry on Jan. 26 …
RELATED:
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Rox add reliever Graves — Former closer went 2-1 with a 5.79 ERA for Cleveland last season — Lost in the trade talk swirling like a blizzard around pitcher Jason Jennings, general manager Dan O'Dowd promised a few minor-league, free-agent additions to bolster the pitching staff.
Discussion:
Purple Row
Marcus Hayes / Philadelphia Daily News:
Phils poised to sign catcher Barajas — The Phillies yesterday were poised to sign free-agent backup catcher Rod Barajas. — A league source indicated that Barajas, 31, had a 1-year deal on the table, but had yet to pass a physical. The deal is worth a reported $2.5 million, with a team option for a second season.
RELATED:
Chris Constancio / Hardball Times:
Will Brandon Wood Strike Out? — He was named The Sporting News' Minor League Baseball Player of the Year in 2005. Baseball America rated him the third-best prospect in baseball last winter. He launched 101 extra-base hits in 2005 and has been involved in dozens of major league trade rumors since then.
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
Could Marlins' Cabrera be first $200 million player? — It's three years away. — No pressing need for the Marlins to look that far ahead. But if anyone from owner Jeffrey Loria to General Manager Larry Beinfest already has hit the fast forward button, they likely returned to the present in a hurry.
Fran Spielman / Chicago Sun Times:
Cubs woo Dave Matthews despite poo — After committing nearly $300 million to free agents this winter, the Cubs are more desperate than ever for cash not subject to Major League Baseball's revenue-sharing edict. — Enter the Dave Matthews Band, whose bus driver unloaded 800 pounds …
MLB.com:
Royals sign relief pitcher David Riske to one-year deal with '08 option — KANSAS CITY, MO. — The Kansas City Royals have signed right-handed reliever David Riske to one-year contract for the 2007 season with an option for 2008. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Strawberry: Jeter must embrace A-Rod — NEW YORK - Darryl Strawberry thinks the Yankees' clubhouse is beset by bad chemistry that can be cured only one way: Derek Jeter needs to "embrace" Alex Rodriguez. — "They've got to come together," Strawberry said Tuesday.
Discussion:
Surviving Grady
RELATED:
Ken Davidoff / AM New York:Yankees — 'Embrace' A-Rod — Strawberry urges pal Jeter …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Bill Center / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Klesko joins exodus to S.F. — Padres awarded extra draft pick for slugger, 35 — The Padres added to their stockpile of draft picks yesterday when Ryan Klesko ended his seven-season run as a Padre by signing a one-year contract with San Francisco. — Klesko joins manager Bruce Bochy …
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
RELATED:
