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.
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.
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:
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Pineiro could assume closer role — Sox ink righty, may move veteran starter to ninth-inning role — BOSTON — The Red Sox still haven't definitively stated who their closer will be in 2007, but an apparent front-runner has emerged. This, after Thursday's announcement that Boston …
Discussion:
The Baseball Desert
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.
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Starting Pitchers Might Be Out of Club's Range — At last month's winter meetings, as mind-blowing deals were being brokered in all corners of the baseball world, officials from the Washington Nationals — determined to stick to a plan of not spending on free agents until they believe the club …
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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.
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
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.
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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 …
Discussion:
the metropolitans
MLB.com:
Marlins hire Roger Jongewaard as professional scout — Baseball America's 2005 West Coast Scout of the Year joins Marlins — MIAMI — The Florida Marlins today announced they have hired Roger Jongewaard as a Professional Scout. The announcement was made by Marlins Executive Vice President and General Manager Larry Beinfest.
Discussion:
FishStripes
Associated Press:
Padres Pitcher Jake Peavy Arrested — MOBILE, Ala. — San Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct Thursday at Mobile Regional Airport. — The 25-year-old Mobile native was taken to the Mobile County Metro Jail shortly before 7 a.m. and was released on a $350 bond, according to the jail log.
Discussion:
Bucco Blog
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 …
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.
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
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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.
Dan Fox / Baseball Prospectus:
New Year's Wishes — "Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. - Mark Twain — For me, New Year's resolutions are always problematic. Do I really want—let alone will I even be able …
Discussion:
Dan Agonistes
