Top News:
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.
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding, MLB Trade Rumors, What's Wrong With Portland … and Baseball Musings
RELATED:
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 …
Andrew Marchand / New York Post:
YANKS SEEK AN UPGRADE OVER UNIT — As the Yankees work toward unloading Randy Johnson, they are trying to reload their farm system, which may one day put them in position to land a younger version of the Big Unit. — Though a trade of Johnson to the Diamondbacks is beginning to feel inevitable, no official deal is done yet.
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 …
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 …
RELATED:
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
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Reality check on a closer — The job is still open in Red Sox bullpen — If the Red Sox need a money-making venture to offset Daisuke Matsuzaka's costs, perhaps they could come up with a reality show centered around their search for a closer. Call it "Closer Idol."
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Contra Costa Times:
Yes — SEVEN NAMES WERE circled on the Hall of Fame ballot I mailed in earlier this month. — Among them: Mark McGwire's. — The six other players I voted for? Ripken, Gwynn, Lee Smith, Goose Gossage, Jim Rice and Tommy John. — I'd be surprised — no, make that shocked …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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.
RELATED:
Ray Ratto / San Francisco Chronicle:
Overspend or overhaul? Teams trying to get over — The Barry Zito hangover is just now wearing off, and with it the turgid analyses of why it was a great idea (the Giants replace Jason Schmidt and spend the kind of money that suggests that they are now flush to the point of utter extravagance) …
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Hot Stove: Tracy's spirit a fit for the season — By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — Jim Tracy is starting to smile again. And laugh a little. And even, on occasion, to think about baseball. — But none of that has come without some significant effort since Nov. 30 …
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.
