Top News:
USA Today:
Source tells USA TODAY Yankees will trade Johnson to Arizona this week — The Arizona Diamondbacks expect to complete a deal with the New York Yankees by the end of the week to bring back pitcher Randy Johnson, according to a high-ranking Diamondbacks official familiar with the negotiations.
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Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Big Unit-to-Arizona deal closer — Momentum continues to build toward Randy Johnson's return to Arizona, as one official involved in the discussions described the odds of such a deal as "good." It appears just a matter of time now before the Yankees ship the Big Unit back to the team from which they acquired him two years ago.
Discussion:
Off the Facade
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Yankees Crave Young Pitchers, but Have One Eye on Clemens — The Yankees hope to have at least one 44-year-old starting pitcher later this year. If they can trade Randy Johnson to the Arizona Diamondbacks, they will have more money available to sign Roger Clemens.
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nats' Johnson May Miss First Month — Washington Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson is well enough to fly, well enough to walk without crutches, well enough to travel with his wife for a Las Vegas getaway, as he did this week. But he still has a limp — favoring the right leg he broke …
RELATED:
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Mets interested in Okha for rotation — Like many baseball general managers, Omar Minaya has a comfort level with players he has employed before. Minaya knew Endy Chavez and Orlando Hernandez from his days with the Expos, and the outfielder and pitcher both played significant roles with the 2006 Mets.
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Indians sign infielders Rivas, Ginter — Minor League contracts include invitation to Spring Training — CLEVELAND — Looking for a little more depth in their middle infield, the Indians signed Luis Rivas and Keith Ginter to Minor League deals on Tuesday with invites to Spring Training camp.
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Associated Press:
Physical last step before Foulke joins Indians — CLEVELAND — Free agent reliever Keith Foulke arrived Tuesday to take his physical for the Cleveland Indians, the final step before the club can complete a one-year deal with the right-hander. — Foulke and his agent, Dan Horwits …
John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Mariners may not be done dealing — 'You're never done ... we'd like to get better,' Bavasi says — The Mariners may not be done adding players for 2007, as general manager Bill Bavasi said Tuesday the club still sees room for improvement. — "You're never done," Bavasi said.
RELATED:
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
O'Dowd: Bench help on the way — With two 40-man spots open, the Rockies' roster roulette is close to stopping on a left-handed bat off the bench and a catcher. — Colorado has agreed in principle with a reserve hitter, though general manager Dan O'Dowd said Tuesday he wasn't ready to reveal the player.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
ESPN:
Millen returning; Lions 24-72 under his watch — Another subpar season won't cost Lions president Matt Millen his job. — Millen, who has a 24-72 record in his first six seasons, will return next season. He still has four years left on the contract extension he was given last season.
Baseball America:
Atlanta Braves — Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel. All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.
Discussion:
Braves Baseball Blog
Associated Press:
From A to Zito — Bonuses, perks of new Giants ace's contract revealed — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Pitcher Barry Zito will make a base salary of $10 million from the San Francisco Giants in 2007, then receive raises of $4 million in each of the next two seasons.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Thomas Harding / MLB.com:
Rockies still shopping for pitching — Colorado believes in having more than just five starters — DENVER — The Rockies emerged from the holidays still shopping for starting pitching, with experienced right-handers Brian Lawrence and Chris Reitsma high on their list.

