Top News:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Yankees Send Johnson Back to Arizona — With every move they make, the Yankees are looking back to go forward. They traded Randy Johnson to the Arizona Diamondbacks yesterday, effectively returning the pitcher they could not live without just two years ago.
Discussion:
Off the Facade, Pride of the Yankees, Mets Today, DRaysBay, Ben Maller's Sports … and MLB Trade Rumors
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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Adding Mientkiewicz Shifts Giambi to D.H. — When Doug Mientkiewicz was a rookie, struggling to stick with the Minnesota Twins, Jason Giambi pulled him aside for a pep talk. Giambi was a star for the Oakland Athletics at the time, and Mientkiewicz did not know him. But the encouragement helped.
Bob Klapisch / ESPN:
Johnson's departure leaves big void — NEW YORK — So what's in store for the Yankees in the post-Randy Johnson era? The uncharacteristic stockpiling of prospects continues, but the starting rotation is nevertheless being held together by a series of hopeful assumptions …
Discussion:
The Feeding the Monster Blog
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Platoon at first base could mean end for Bernie — The Yankees are committing to a platoon at first base, and that creates one more hurdle in Bernie Williams' desire to spend another year in pinstripes. Williams, the ultra-popular outfielder, soon might have to decide between retiring and continuing his career elsewhere.
Discussion:
Off the Facade
Kevin Kernan / New York Post:SCOUT: YOUNG PITCHER 'STEAL' OF DEAL FOR CASHMAN
Discussion:
The LoHud Yankees Blog, Off the Facade, Canyon of Heroes, Bronx Banter and Baseball Musings
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Mets ink Newhan to one-year deal — Veteran will bring versatility, left-handed bat off the bench — NEW YORK — The Mets' remodeling of their bench reached a third step Friday. The club signed free agent Dave Newhan to a one-year contract with the intent of using the veteran left-handed hitter as an all-purpose reserve.
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Associated Press:
Mariners sign ex-Braves closer Reitsma for one year — SEATTLE — Former Atlanta Braves closer Chris Reitsma agreed Friday to a $2.05 million, one-year contract with Seattle to become the Mariners' setup reliever. — Reitsma gets $1.35 million this year and can earn additional bonuses based on appearances and games finished.
Dionisio Soldevila / Associated Press:
Uribe says he may sit out season — SAN CRISTOBAL, Dominican Republic — Chicago White Sox shortstop Juan Uribe may sit out the 2007 season after a judge ordered him to make twice-monthly court appearances in a Dominican Republic shooting case. — "I am going to decide if I am playing …
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Alou returns to Giants as special assistant — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Felipe Alou has worn a baseball uniform for more than a half-century, and he might pull one on again this spring in a new role. — Alou formally rejoined the San Francisco Giants on Friday as a special assistant …
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
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San Diego Union-Tribune:
Peavy gets arrested on disorderly charge — Padres pitcher Jake Peavy was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct early yesterday in Mobile, Ala., after not heeding instructions from an airport official to move his truck from where it was parked at Mobile Regional Airport.
Discussion:
DRaysBay
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Joe Sheehan / Baseball Prospectus:
My Hall of Fame Ballot — Next Tuesday, the Hall of Fame will announce the results of the 2007 BBWAA balloting. Unlike last year, when just one player earned induction and no newly-eligible players made a dent in the voting, this year's voting will certainly honor two first-time eligibles and could see at least one other elected.
Discussion:
TigerBlog
Michael Morrissey / New York Post:
METS MAY MAKE PITCH FOR WEAVER — If Jeff Weaver wants to take a second chance at New York, it would have to be on a short-term deal. And the Mets haven't even decided who they like best in a paltry free-agent market. — The Mets are still trying to fill out their starting rotation …
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding, MiracleMets.net, Always Amazin', MLB Trade Rumors, MetsBlog.com and New York Times
seattle.mariners.mlb.com:
Tickets On Sale Now — The Mariners 9th Annual FanFest will be held at Safeco Field Saturday, January 27th and Sunday, January 28th. FanFest is your chance to meet some of your favorite players, get autographs and go behind the scenes at Safeco Field. — Sat., January 27 and Sunday, Jan. 28 - 10am - 4pm
Discussion:
Lookout Landing
Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Yanks envision a hoss in Ross — One scout at the Princeton-Old Dominion game clocked the ball that struck Ross Ohlendorf above the right elbow as traveling 106 mph coming off the bat. Ohlendorf, pitching a few years ago in a marquee game against ODU star Justin Verlander that attracted …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Sox take scout's word — Pineiro signing may help in end — This, ladies and gentlemen, is about pure scouting. — It's not about numbers or spreadsheets or anything you can download from a computer. This is old-fashioned scouting. The type that projects a player into a role he's not used to.
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Notes: Indians planning extensions — Westbrook negotiations upcoming; Sabathia, Hafner on deck — CLEVELAND — Free agency never really stops. If clubs aren't thinking about this year's Hot Stove action, they're looking ahead to next year or the year after that.
