Top News:
Michael Morrissey / New York Post:
LO DUCA'S AGENT RETORTS THOMSON — Paul Lo Duca's agent, Dave Stewart, hadn't seen the critical comments Blue Jays righty John Thomson made about his client Wednesday afternoon. He hadn't spoken to the Mets catcher as of yesterday afternoon, so he doubted Lo Duca had seen them, either.
Discussion:
Yankees 2000
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Michael S. Schmidt / New York Times:
Mota's Admitting Mistake Is Impressive to the Mets — An assortment of Mets players and front-office officials were on hand Thursday in Santo Domingo as the organization presented a $25,000 donation to Esperanza International, an organization that assists families in starting small businesses.
Associated Press:
Pedro visits a Mets prospect — his son — BOCA DE NIGUA, Dominican Republic — Pedro Martinez got an extra benefit from making a charity visit with teammates — he checked up on his 19-year-old son at the Mets' training academy. — Martinez drove up to the camp about 16 miles from Santo Domingo in a bright orange Dodge Charger.
Enrique Rojas / ESPN:
Martinez expects fastball to return by midseason … NIGUA, Dominican Republic — New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez is so surprised with his right shoulder rehabilitation that he is almost certain that he will recover the powerful fastball that helped him win three Cy Young Awards.
Jim Reeves / Dallas Star-Telegram:
Big Mac got his just due — I'd like to tell you that justice was served Tuesday, when Baseball Hall of Fame voters slammed the door in Mark McGwire's face. I just don't know for sure if that's true. — Oh, McGwire got what he deserved, I don't doubt that.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Contra Costa Times:
GIANTS STUCK IN LA-LA LAND — THERE WAS BARRY BONDS news Thursday, and reaction from the Giants was swift. — That is, if you allow time for spit takes and Maalox shots all around. — "Last night was the first time we heard ...," began the team's official statement, which ended," …
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Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Bonds: Sweeney not involved in alleged failed amphetamine test — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Barry Bonds said he did not get amphetamines from teammate Mark Sweeney, but did not deny a report Thursday saying he tested positive for the drugs last season. — According to a story in the New York Daily News …
Thomas Boswell / Washington Post:
A Bad Break — In the past five months, the Nationals have pushed Frank Robinson out the door, closed it behind him and changed the locks. — He's mad. They're glad. Fans who believed the Nationals and Robinson would stay friends for years can say only, "Egads!"
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USA Today:
Baseball needs Frank Robinson — Frank Robinson doesn't want to manage again but says playing golf five days a week isn't his bag, either. He's a baseball lifer. — Robinson, a Hall of Famer, is one of the game's icons, a natural resource who would leave a giant void if he ever left permanently.
Discussion:
Baseball America
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Return of the Rocket? — It turns out Andy Pettitte is happy to be back in New York and wants to win another World Series. Big surprise. — So what about Roger Clemens? — That's when the day got interesting. Pettitte said he played golf with the Rocket this week and got the impression he wants to play next season.
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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:Familiar Face Is Back, Bringing Hope Another Follows
Discussion:
Pride of the Yankees
Tom Haudricourt / JSOnline:
Notes: Weeks raring to get back in swing of things — thaudricourt@journalsentinel.com — The Milwaukee Brewers never will know how things might have gone in 2006 without losing three-fourths of their starting infield to injury. — They'd like to find out this year.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
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Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
Decision on Lopez soon … Rodrigo Lopez has been the Orioles' Opening Day starter three of the past five seasons, but it is becoming more and more unlikely that he'll be on the team's roster when spring training begins. — The Orioles, whose rotation is set, have been listening to inquiries …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Mark Healey / Gotham Baseball:
The Rumor Mill: Coffee is for Closers — A lot of people we have spoken with over the last few weeks are mixed on their reactions to the New York Mets' offseason. — Sees like those who are confused about what Mets general manager Omar Minaya's motivations and machinations are …
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates looking beyond LaRoche — Glacial trade talks force expansion of search for power bat — By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — The Pirates finally are turning seriously toward options other than Atlanta's Adam LaRoche for their coveted left-handed power bat, two sources said yesterday.
Discussion:
A New Pirates Generation, Bucs Dugout, Bucco Blog, Baseball Musings, MLB Trade Rumors and Al's Ramblings
MLB.com:
Nationals agree to terms with pitchers Jerome Williams and Brandon Claussen — The Washington Nationals today added depth to their starting rotation by agreeing to terms with 25 year-old right-handed pitcher Jerome Williams on a one-year contract. The Nationals also agreed to terms …
Discussion:
Capitol Punishment
Steve Brisendine / Associated Press:
Royals taking nominations for fans to sit in O'Neil's seat — KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals are giving 81 people a chance to watch a game from Buck O'Neil's seat. — The team announced the "Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat Program" on Thursday. It will honor the Negro Leagues star …
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Tristan H. Cockcroft / ESPN:
FLB: Ballpark Factor … A player's raw talent has a lot to do with his chances for fantasy success, but don't forget to account for his home ballpark factor. Bandbox parks can make ordinary hitters into All-Stars, while spacious stadiums often help keep so-so pitchers' ERAs down.
Discussion:
FishStripes
Thomas Harding / MLB.com:
Rockies extend offer to Lawrence — Right-handed pitcher to mull four bids over the weekend — DENVER — Right-handed pitcher Brian Lawrence received a contract offer from the Rockies on Thursday, and will review proposals from four teams over the weekend and into next week, his agent said.
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