Top News:
T.J. Quinn / Sports Illustrated:
Speed trap — Bonds failed amphetamine test, blamed teammate — Barry Bonds, already under investigation for lying under oath about his steroid use, failed a test under Major League Baseball's amphetamine policy last season and then initially blamed it on a teammate, the Daily News has learned.
Discussion:
Deadspin, Sweaty Men Endeavors, WasWatching.com, Peter's Red Sox Forever and Can't Stop The Bleeding
RELATED:
Michael O'Keeffe / Sports Illustrated:
Friendly disagreement — Bonds' entourage major sticking point in negotiations — NEW YORK — Barry Bonds' buddies have become the biggest obstacle between the embattled slugger and the one-year, $20 million contract the San Francisco Giants offered him more a month ago.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Associated Press:
Report: Bonds failed amphetamine test — NEW YORK — Barry Bonds failed a test for amphetamines last season and originally blamed it on a teammate, the Daily News reported Thursday. — When first informed of the positive test, Bonds attributed it to a substance he had taken …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Robinson offered spring job — Team doesn't extend full-time position to former manager — WASHINGTON — The Nationals announced during a press luncheon on Wednesday that Frank Robinson will not be offered a full-time job with the organization. Washington, however …
Discussion:
Capitol Punishment, D.C. Sports Bog, Nationals Farm Authority, The Nationals Enquirer and Nats320
RELATED:
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nats Will Not Offer Robinson a Paid Job — Washington Nationals President Stan Kasten said yesterday that Frank Robinson, the Hall of Fame player who served as manager during the club's first two seasons in Washington, will not be offered a paid position in the front office.
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Around the Horn: Corner Infielders — Slugger moved back to original position of third base in 2006 … MIAMI — In his comparatively short career, Miguel Cabrera has already established himself as one of the premier hitters in the game. But can the Marlins' three-time All-Star emerge as an all-around third baseman?
Discussion:
FishStripes
Anthony Rieber / Newsday:
Minaya adds lefty to the pen — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Despite saying he is comfortable with his pitching staff, Mets general manager Omar Minaya keeps tinkering with it. — After striking out on righthander John Thomson, Minaya yesterday reached a preliminary agreement …
RELATED:
Michael Morrissey / New York Post:
PEDRO WON'T TAKE CHANCE — REHAB ON 'EXACT TIMETABLE' — The Mets began their annual minicamp yesterday in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Pedro Martinez came to work. The bad news is, Martinez won't pick up a ball until March and doesn't want to rush simply to return before the All-Star break.
Kevin Czerwinski / MLB.com:
Pedro not rushing his return — Mets' ace eager to pitch, but will not rush his comeback — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Pedro Martinez was all smiles Wednesday afternoon as he walked through the Minor League clubhouse at the Mets' Tradition Field complex — and with good reason.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
RELATED:
Anthony Rieber / Newsday:A Pedro sighting — Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez is upbeat …
Discussion:
Faith and Fear in Flushing
Eric Pfahler / TCPalm.com:New York mets mini-camp: 'Hungr' Wright eager for next step
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Cubs may still have some moves to make — After spending nearly $300 million this off-season, the Cubs still aren't finished. — The team is trying to add two outfielders, and a trade of right fielder Jacque Jones remains a possibility. — Jones, signed for $9 million over the next two seasons …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Off the Facade, The Chicago National …, MetsBlog.com, BBTF's Baseball Primer … and FishStripes
ESPN:
Mulder to return to Cardinals — After weeks of speculation, Mark Mulder has finally decided where he will pitch next season. — ESPN's Peter Gammons reported Wednesday that Mulder will return to the St. Louis Cardinals. The guaranteed deal is for two years and $13 million …
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos, Bucco Wire, Bucs Dugout, The FYC, Batter's Box Interactive …, Baseball Musings, Let's Go Tribe and Wrigleyville23
RELATED:
Ian Begley / NY Daily News:
Back to the Boogie Down — Former South Bronx star Sanchez hopes to make mark with Bombers — Humberto Sanchez made his annual appearance at South Bronx High School late last month to provide some of the Phoenix baseball players with perspective and instruction from a professional pitcher.
Kat O'Brien / Dallas Star-Telegram:
Rangers plan to move summer night games' start time to 7:35 — DALLAS - Rangers fans ready for spring training to begin had the chance to talk some baseball with members of the organization at the first of five planned town hall meetings Wednesday night at an Academy Sports & Outdoors.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Fans get right to be stuffed — Dodgers converting right-field pavilion into an all-you-can-eat section and raising the cheapest seat to $10. — You won't be able to buy a ticket for under $10 on game day at Dodger Stadium next season, but you will be able to pay $40 for a bleacher seat and an endless supply of Dodger Dogs.
Discussion:
Dodger Thoughts
Richard Sandomir / New York Times:
Murcer Says Brain Tumor Is Malignant — Bobby Murcer, a former Yankees outfielder and their longest-serving current announcer, said yesterday that a tumor removed from his brain during surgery on Dec. 28 was malignant. He did not describe his prognosis. — "As we begin a new year …
