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:
Baseball Musings, Dodger Hits, MLB Rumors, Bronx Banter, El Lefty Malo, Off the Facade, Rotoworld.com, Batter's Box Interactive … and 6-4-2
RELATED:
Ronald Blum / Associated Press:
Yankees and Diamondbacks reach tentative agreement on Johnson trade — NEW YORK (AP) — Randy Johnson is headed back to the Arizona Diamondbacks after two unfulfilling years with the New York Yankees that began with a nasty sidewalk confrontation and ended with a messy playoff loss.
Discussion:
Surviving Grady
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.
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:
Pineiro, Boston's potential closer, finalizes contract — BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox took an unusual step Thursday toward finding a closer by finalizing a $4 million, one-year contract with Joel Pineiro, who has one save in 185 major league games. — With Jonathan Papelbon headed …
Discussion:
Baseball Crank
RELATED:
Jeff Horrigan / Boston Herald:
Sox turn to Pineiro for help in 'pen — The Red Sox [team stats]' search for a closer may have reached an unexpected end. — The Sox came to an agreement on a one-year deal with former Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Joel Pineiro, according to sources. He will most likely replace Jonathan Papelbon [stats] as closer.
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
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
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:
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
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Mets Wait for Price of Starters to Drop — Until the cost of a front-line starter drops to a more palatable price, the Mets will continue to debate whether to add a cost-effective veteran to smooth the transition for their younger pitchers. If the price is right, the Mets are interested …
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 …
Thomas Harding / MLB.com:
Rockies close in on Gomez, catcher — Outfielder awaits physical; talks with backstops 'serious' — DENVER — Talks between the Rockies and catchers Javier Lopez and Sal Fasano have reached a serious stage, as the club attempts to sign a veteran to provide competition and injury protection in camp.
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 …
