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, What's Wrong With Portland …, Baseball Musings and MLB Trade Rumors
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 …
Jack Magruder / East Valley Tribune:
D-Backs closer to Johnson reunion — If Randy Johnson lands anywhere this offseason, it is more and more likely that it will be right back home with the Diamondbacks. — As the D-Backs continued negotiations with the New York Yankees during the long holiday weekend, "there is a deal to be made …
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.
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) …
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Bulked up Pedro aiming for midseason — Pedro Martinez is a bigger story than ever, apparently. Though the chance of the Mets ace pitching before the All-Star break is quite slim, the pitcher himself is no longer so. While rehabilitating his surgically repaired right shoulder, he has added 10 pounds of self-described muscle.
Discussion:
Archie Bunker's Army
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.
RELATED:
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Cooper: Get Buehrle back on right track — Must replace Garcia, McCarthy — When you ask White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper who the team's fifth starter will be Opening Day, he hopes he doesn't forget anyone from a long list of aspirants. — Cooper mentions six off the top of his head.
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
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
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 …
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.
