Top News:
Murray Chass / New York Times:
Shopping Zito in New York May Give Fits — Scott Boras's dream: to have the Yankees and the Mets compete for one of his highly valued clients. — Scott Boras's nightmare: to have a highly valued client who is a good fit for both the Mets and the Yankees, but one team isn't interested.
RELATED:
Associated Press:
D-Backs confirm interest in Yanks' Big Unit — NEW YORK — If the New York Yankees are serious about trading Randy Johnson, the Arizona Diamondbacks would love to have him back. — Arizona confirmed its talks with New York about the Big Unit, who won four Cy Young Awards with the Diamondbacks …
Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
Enough Teasing — So on Christmas, I had enough information to post that something was close. But first, let's talk about the continuing Randy Johnson rumors. Yes, there's a possibility that he's headed out of New York and due to his no-trade clause, the only location he'd approve a deal to would be Arizona or Southern California.
Discussion:
Off the Facade, El Guapo's Ghost Rambles …, MLB Trade Rumors and Can't Stop The Bleeding
Mark Feinsand / MLB.com:
Yankees mum on Johnson trade talk — Official puts odds of Bombers dealing Big Unit at '65-35' — NEW YORK — While the Diamondbacks have publicly acknowledged talks with the Yankees about a potential trade for Randy Johnson, the Yankees are staying quiet when it comes to the left-hander's future in New York.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
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:
Chris Foster / Los Angeles Times:
Angels sign Hillenbrand to one-year deal — Angels add an extra bat after Rivera breaks his leg — The Angels moved quickly to plug an unexpected hole in their lineup by signing Shea Hillenbrand to a one-year contract with a team option for 2008. — The move was made after outfielder …
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Angels sign Hillenbrand to one-year deal — Free-agent first baseman Shea Hillenbrand has agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, FOXSports.com has learned. — The New York Yankees had shown interest in Hillenbrand, but are now believed to be turning …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Ken Peters / Associated Press:
Hillenbrand agrees to $6.5 million deal with Angels — ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels didn't waste much time finding another hitter after Juan Rivera broke his left leg playing winter ball in Venezuela. — The Angels agreed with free-agent first baseman Shea Hillenbrand on a $6.5 million …
Discussion:
Chronicles of the Lads
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
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
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Tribe close to deal with Foulke — Reliever's agent says contract could be finalized this week — CLEVELAND — The Indians are closing in on another closing candidate. — The club is on the verge of signing free-agent right-hander Keith Foulke to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2008 …
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
Dallas Morning News:
Rangers couldn't wait for help — Lack of homegrown pitching talent forced team to move Danks — There are Rangers fans out there who are still wandering through the house, picking up rivers of ribbon, pieces of paper and tendrils of tinsel in a daze. — Yes, the gift-giving frenzy can leave a person in that zombie-like state.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
