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NY Daily News:
Unit talks hit Big snag — Pitcher wants extension — The Yankees' possible trade of Randy Johnson to the Diamondbacks, a deal that appeared to be gaining steam toward the end of last week, has slowed over the structuring of a potential contract extension for Johnson, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.
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Baseball Musings
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Sports Illustrated:
Staff shakeup — Yanks envision Clemens as replacement for Johnson — While the Yankees continue their efforts to trade Randy Johnson — Arizona still seems the most likely landing spot — they are envisioning Roger Clemens as the one to replace Johnson, to the point where they hope …
New York Times:
Yanks and Arizona Still Talking of Trade — The Yankees and the Diamondbacks continued to discuss a trade this weekend that would send pitcher Randy Johnson to Arizona. — A major league official informed about the talks said that the Yankees were prepared to pay some of the $16 million Johnson …
Dan Benton / Off the Facade:
Yankees, Diamondbacks Agree to Trade — There had been rumors for days and many thought the deal was falling through. That was not the case as the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a trade that will send Randy Johnson back to Arizona. — This has not yet been announced, so yes you've heard it here first.
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
Orioles reach agreement with Huff … The Orioles reached an agreement early this morning on a three-year contract with free agent Aubrey Huff, several industry sources confirmed today. — Huff, a 30-year-old slugger who can play first and third base and both corner outfield spots …
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ESPN:
Orioles reportedly reach agreement with Huff — The Orioles have reached agreement with free-agent utilityman Aubrey Huff, the Baltimore Sun reported Saturday, citing several industry sources. — The offer is believed to be for three years and $20 million, the newspaper reported.
Discussion:
Bucco Wire
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Huff, Orioles close to three-year deal — The Orioles, thwarted in earlier attempts to add a top slugger, are close to signing free agent Aubrey Huff to a three-year contract worth at least $18 million, FOXSports.com has learned. — Huff, who recently turned 30, will be the Orioles' second …
Tom Powers / TwinCities.com:
WORLD CLASS — Venezuelan Johan Santana, Canadian Justin Morneau and St. Paul native Joe Mauer helped lead the Twins to their fourth divisional title in five seasons and brought great joy to Midwest baseball fans. — Three ballplayers, from three countries, taking three different paths to the Twins have equaled one great result.
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Murray Chass / New York Times:
Season of Plenty, but No One Reached 20 — The 2006 season was filled with highlights. — The Braves' unparalleled run of 14 consecutive division titles ended; the Yankees won their ninth consecutive division title. The Pirates endured their 14th successive losing season.
Fox Sports:
Signing doesn't make sense for Zito, Giants — In the run-up to his recent signing, Barry Zito said his aim was to join a team with a legitimate shot at winning the World Series. However, his recent decision to ink with the San Francisco Giants suggests other priorities.
Discussion:
Mike's Mets
Associated Press:
AP: Bulked-up Pedro still recovering — SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez is recovering well from rotator cuff surgery, but the ace right-hander still doesn't plan to return to the mound until July or August. — "The progress has been excellent," …
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Solid Witt pitched with guts, savvy — Longtime Ranger held his own with league's best — The Rangers were 44-44 and six games out of first place on July 13, 1997, when they sent Bobby Witt to the mound to face the division-leading Seattle Mariners at the old Kingdome.
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
Boone agrees to deal with Marlins — Ex-Indian, Red will be backup corner infielder — The Marlins finally made a purchase in the free-agent market, landing Aaron Boone as their backup corner infielder. — Boone, who has played all but 54 of his 969 games with the Reds and Indians, agreed to a one-year, $925,000 deal.
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
The wild and wacky from 2006 … Once again this year, baseball proved that truth is stranger than sci-fi, stranger than a Britney Spears marriage, stranger even than Nicole Ritchie's interpretation of her GPS instructions. — So with 2007 lurking over the horizon, let's look back at the Strange But True Feats of the Year:
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Hot Foot
