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.
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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.
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.
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.
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
RELATED:
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
Associated Press:
Peavy arrested at Mobile Airport — MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — 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 …
Peter Schmuck / Baltimore Sun:
O's don't rock house, but make progress — I believe it was the ancient philosopher, Mick Jagger, who eloquently preached the value of pragmatism in all things, a lesson that seems quite relevant as the Orioles complete their latest offseason rebuilding effort.
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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 …
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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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
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 …
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
