Top News:
Joseph A. Reaves / Arizona Republic:
D-Backs wary of Johnson's back — At his first news conference as a new member of the New York Yankees, Randy Johnson was asked what he thought he had to prove in spring training. — "That I don't need a walker," Johnson replied. — He was joking about his age. Mind you, that was two years ago.
RELATED:
Fox Sports:
Yankees should jump on chance to trade Unit — If the rumors are any guide, then the New York Yankees are thinking of trading Randy Johnson and, in order to replace him, making a run at Barry Zito, the last notable free agent left standing. — If the Yankees were able to pull off this tandem of moves …
Sports Illustrated:
Yankee ingenuity — Bombers poised to make customary offseason splash — The New York Yankees are a team that will switch plans at a moment's notice, a team that will appear to be lost or losing badly and then will suddenly steal the show. That may be exactly what's happening this offseason.
Ed Price / New Jersey Online:
Pitch for Johnson better from Padres — NEW YORK — The San Diego Padres have made a more attractive offer for Randy Johnson than the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the Yankees will trade Johnson only if they consider it a good baseball move. — "Unless it's a deal (the Yankees) really want …
Discussion:
Replacement Level …
Steven Goldman / yesnetwork.com:
Big Unit, Go Home — Dealing Randy Johnson back to Arizona will help the Yankees long-term — The Yankees are a little tardy in giving the fans a Christmas present, but no doubt they'll take the "it must have gotten lost in the mail" excuse if it means not having to watch Randy Johnson's rehearsals for retirement next year.
Associated Press:
Angels will be Hillenbrand's fifth team since '01 — ANAHEIM, Calif. — Free agent first baseman Shea Hillenbrand and the Los Angeles Angels agreed Tuesday to a $6.5 million, one-year contract. — Hillenbrand, who split last season between Toronto and San Francisco, gets $6 million next year …
Discussion:
Off the Facade
RELATED:
Ken Peters / Associated Press:Hillenbrand agrees to $6.5 million deal with Angels
Discussion:
Chronicles of the Lads
Joe Cowley / Chicago Sun Times:
Cooper: Rangers prospects worth trading McCarthy — It was Don Cooper's turn to talk White Sox fans off the ledge Tuesday. — The Sox pitching coach fully endorses the offseason moves made by general manager Ken Williams, and added, ''I'm not just kissing the GM's ass.''
Sal Baxamusa / Hardball Times:
The Memory Remains — We often hear about pitchers setting up batters, changing eye level, throwing pitches out of the zone, pitching backwards, etc. Instinct and reaction are of utmost importance in catching, throwing, and hitting, but pitching is deliberate. First pitch strike? Inside or outside?
Jeff Sackmann / Hardball Times:
How Good Is Your #4 Starter? — When pundits talk about a free-agent pitcher, they often refer to him as a "#3 starter" or, say, a "#4 starter for a contender." It's common enough usage that most baseball fans know what that means, or at least know what the pundits are getting at.
Discussion:
Purple Row
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
New owners take control — Soriano's exploits, sale of club, new stadium highlight 2006 — WASHINGTON — Although the Nationals endured a disappointing season that started with a 9-21 record in Spring Training, there were some exciting moments in the 2006 campaign.
Discussion:
District of Baseball
Steve Keane / The Eddie Kranepool Society:
WHAT'S THE FREQUENCY SNY? — So on Christmas Eve I have a house full of family over and after dinner I asked a couple of family members if they want to sneak down to my den and watch TV. "Of course" they say in unison so down we go into my inner sanctum.
Discussion:
LoneStar Mets
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Upstart Marlins net surprising season — Young squad comes together to exceed initial expectations — MIAMI — Typically, losing 84 games is not considered a rewarding season. — Then again, 2006 was anything but an ordinary year for the unpredictable Florida Marlins.
Discussion:
FishStripes
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Padres interested in Mariners' Beltre — The Padres, continuing their search for a third baseman, are taking aim at a talented, expensive and perhaps unattainable option — the Mariners' Adrian Beltre. — The Mariners likely will entertain offers for Beltre only if they fall out of contention by the July 31 non-waiver deadline.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Jerry Crowe / Los Angeles Times:
He uncovers a rare gem and shares it with the artist — Not everything was for sale this holiday season. — A Claremont man, for instance, discovered in an old box a rare, vintage recording of an immensely popular and critically acclaimed artist, spent hours digitizing it to improve …
Discussion:
Dodger Thoughts
