Top News:
Associated Press:
Yankees have tentative deal to send Unit to D-Backs — NEW YORK — The New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks reached a tentative agreement Thursday on a trade that would send Randy Johnson to Arizona, a move that allows the Big Unit's agents to get him a contract extension.
Discussion:
Dodger Hits, Baseball Musings, MLB Rumors, Bronx Banter, El Lefty Malo, Off the Facade, Rotoworld.com, Batter's Box Interactive … and 6-4-2
RELATED:
Steve Gilbert / MLB.com:
Structure of Unit deal agreed upon — D-backs likely to get 72-hour window to open extension talks — PHOENIX — The D-backs and Yankees have agreed on the structure of a deal that would send Randy Johnson back to Arizona, a source with knowledge of the negotiations said.
Michael Morrissey / New York Post:
YANKS, DOUG REACH TENTATIVE DEAL — While no agreement was reached regarding Randy Johnson yesterday, the Yankees did make one move. They reached a tentative deal with first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, and he will be undergoing a physical today. — Mientkiewicz, a former Met who recorded …
Sports Illustrated:
Yanks, D'backs reach deal — Trade would send Big Unit to Arizona for four players — The Yankees and Diamondbacks have reached an agreement on a trade that would send Randy Johnson to Arizona. All that remains is for the 43-year-old pitcher to finalize a one-year extension with Arizona, SI.com has confirmed.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:Breaking news: Johnson traded
Discussion:
Pending Pinstripes
Associated Press:
Foulke signs with Indians, getting chance to close — CLEVELAND — Keith Foulke wants to be a closer again. The Cleveland Indians will give him the chance. — The free agent reliever finalized a $5 million, one-year contract with the club Thursday, a deal both sides hope turns into a longer partnership.
Discussion:
D-Town Baseball
RELATED:
Tom Withers / Associated Press:
Foulke and Indians finalize $5 million, 1-year deal; Mulder still in mix — CLEVELAND (AP) — Keith Foulke wants to be a closer again. The Cleveland Indians will give him the chance. — The free agent reliever finalized a $5 million, one-year contract with the club Thursday, a deal both sides hope turns into a longer partnership.
Amy K. Nelson / ESPN:
Agent says 2B Loretta will sign with Astros … Mark Loretta will sign with the Houston Astros on Thursday, his agent said. — The agreed-to deal is for one year at $2.5 million, but could be worth as much as $3.5 million with incentives, said Loretta's agent, Bob Garber.
Discussion:
Mets Today, The Feeding the Monster Blog, Brew Crew Ball, Baseball Musings and MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Agent: Astros, Loretta agree to deal — Team source says contractual issues must be resolved — HOUSTON — Infielder Mark Loretta had offers from two Texas teams but decided to sign with the Astros, his agent, Bob Garber, said on Thursday. However, a team source said the deal …
Discussion:
Over the Monster
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Reports: Yankees to sign Mientkiewicz — Addition of veteran shifts Giambi into full-time DH role in '07 — NEW YORK — The Yankees have reached terms on a tentative deal with first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, the New York Daily News and New York Post reported Thursday.
RELATED:
John Nadel / Associated Press:
Hillenbrand happy to land far away from Toronto — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shea Hillenbrand is pleased he wound up close to his childhood home and far away from Toronto. — Speaking with reporters for the first time since agreeing to terms with the Los Angeles Angels last week …
Discussion:
Halos Heaven
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
One man's Hall-of-Fame ballot — Way back when I was a young baseball writer, I thought voting for the Hall of Fame would be easy. — Once I became a 10-year member of the Baseball Writers Association of America, I would vote only for the very best. — I would be a strict constructionalist …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
RELATED:
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Anderson to join TV broadcast team — Announcer had been with The Golf Channel since 2003 — MILWAUKEE — A source with knowledge of the decision confirmed that the Brewers will introduce new television play-by-play man Brian Anderson at a press conference next week.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Pat / Where have you gone, Andy Van Slyke?:
Fun with lineup tools — As I like to do at this time of year, I've been playing around with Baseball Musing's Lineup Analysis tool and the ZiPS projections to take a look at the Pirates 2007 offense. As usual, everything is subject to change with a trade or something and I do know that …
Steinbergd / D.C. Sports Bog:
Gilbert Arenas Has Phenomenal Swag — That's what Gil said, and that's what Andray Blatche was telling everyone in the locker room last night. It's all getting sorta ridiculous, Gil averaging 36 ppg over his last nine, the national media rolling in, Diddy and T.I. and Busta Rhymes on tap …
David Gonos / CBS SportsLine.com:
Fantasy Extra: State of the senior circuit — The Fantasy Football season is over and people are returning to work after the long New Year's weekend with thoughts of Fantasy Baseball dancing in their heads. — Last month, we previewed some of the major transactions in the American League.
Discussion:
Gotham Baseball
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Mets target free-agent pitchers — The Mets are open to any and all ideas when it comes to improving their starting rotation. But right now, the most likely path to an upgrade appears to be free agency. — While most of the big names have signed, the Mets have interest in Tony Armas Jr. …
RELATED:
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Franklin expresses interest in Nationals — Right-handed reliever looking to secure starting role — WASHINGTON — The Nationals are looking for starting pitching, and right-hander Ryan Franklin said on Wednesday evening that he could give the team 200 innings.
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Marlins agree on Minor League deals — Club extends spring invitations to 17 six-year free agents — MIAMI — Several of the Marlins' top prospects will get their first taste of big-league camp when Spring Training begins on Feb. 17 at the Roger Dean Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla.
