Top News:
Dallas Morning News:
Zito's deal would burden Rangers — The Rangers got some good news Thursday. They aren't going to be the ones to overpay Barry Zito. — Texas fans should embrace the Giants' decision to lure Zito across the Bay Bridge with a seven-year, $126-million contract.
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Jan Hubbard / Dallas Star-Telegram:
Zito set to sign a Giant contract — Tom Hicks would have enjoyed seeing Barry Zito in a Rangers uniform, but he's known for awhile that it was little more than a mirage. In conversations with Scott Boras, Zito's agent, Hicks was told that Boras had an offer on the table for seven years.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Nate Silver / Baseball Prospectus:
Barry Zito and "Smart" versus "Dumb" Projections — We probably don't need to tell you that the Giants overpaid for Barry Zito. But understanding just how and why Zito was overpaid is revealing. — My first reaction upon learning about the signing was to plug Zito's contract …
NY Daily News:
Yanks, D-Backs close to Unit deal — The Diamondbacks have been the most aggressive suitors for Randy Johnson and sources close to the negotiations said yesterday that the Yankees and Arizona could complete a trade to send Johnson back to the desert before next week.
Bob Klapisch / Associated Press:
No ace in the hole — When word began spreading that Barry Zito was handed the winning Power Ball ticket by the Giants on Thursday, one major league executive chuckled and said, "someone better talk Omar [Minaya] off the ledge." It was meant as a joke. Then again, with the Mets' starting rotation full …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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NY Daily News:
Omar balks at years, is in for long days — Two winters ago, the Mets were as desperate to make a statement as the Giants are now, and overpaying for Pedro Martinez was a necessary first step toward respectability. This winter they are far from desperate, and as such they had every right …
Bill Madden / NY Daily News:
Murcer surgery called a success — Bobby Murcer emerged in good spirits yesterday from six hours of surgery to remove a brain tumor and, according to close family sources, the Yankee legend's doctor was "completely happy" with how the operation went. — According to former Yankee publicist Marty Appel …
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Kevin Kennedy / Fox Sports:
Giants now have shot at NL West crown — It's a Happy New Year for Barry Zito and the San Francisco Giants. — The classy left-hander surprised a lot of people when he decided to remain in the Bay Area and inked a seven-year, $126 million pact with the Giants, the largest contract ever given …
Dave De Grace / Associated Press:
Brewers sign Suppan to $42 million, 4-year deal — MILWAUKEE (AP) — NL championship series MVP Jeff Suppan signed his $42 million, four-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday after he passed a physical. — The Brewers announced the deal on Christmas Eve, but it was contingent on the physical.
MLB.com:
Marlins sign infielder Aaron Boone — MIAMI — The Florida Marlins today announced the signing of infielder Aaron Boone to a one-year contract. The announcement was made by Marlins Executive Vice President and General Manager Larry Beinfest. — Boone, 33, spent the past two seasons with Cleveland …
Rocky Mountain News:
Ringolsby: Endorsed checks for Gwynn, Ripken — Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. represented what baseball would like to be during their playing careers. — Each played for only one team - Gwynn with San Diego for 20 years and Ripken with Baltimore for 21 - ignoring the lure of the bright lights …
Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer:
Tribe among Mulder's three suitors — Agent Gregg Clifton said Thursday that the Indians, Texas and St. Louis are the three finalists in the bidding for injured left-hander Mark Mulder. — Mulder wants a two-year deal to keep his options open as he recovers from rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder.
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Bombers reunion on tap in April — The Big Cat's big honor, induction into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, will likely extend beyond a formal banquet. The Rockies are planning to honor the Blake Street Bombers in conjunction with Andres Galarraga's induction on April 10.
