Top News:
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 …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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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.
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MLB.com:
Front office chats in Winter Warm-Up — Mark Attanasio, Doug Melvin and Ned Yost participate … Al_Bethke: Dennis Sarfate is out of options. Do you see him on the Opening Day roster? — Doug Melvin: He has one option left. It has been reported that he has no options …
Jonathan M. Katz / Associated Press:
Martinez visits a Mets prospect — son Pedro E. Martinez — BOCA DE NIGUA, Dominican Republic (AP) — Pedro Martinez got an extra benefit from making a charity visit with teammates — he checked up on his 19-year-old son at the New York Mets' training academy.
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Anthony Rieber / Newsday:
Mets' Maine aware he still has to earn a spot — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — John Maine earned the eternal gratitude of Mets fans when he outdueled St. Louis ace Chris Carpenter in Game 6 of last season's NLCS. If the Mets had won Game 7, Maine would have earned a start in the World Series, and who knows what else?
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Familiar Face Is Back, Bringing Hope Another Follows — The marquee atop Yankee Stadium yesterday told motorists there were 33 days until pitchers and catchers report for spring training. Reversing the calendar would show it has been 34 days since the Yankees agreed to contract terms with Andy Pettitte.
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Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Pettitte wants Clemens to join him in NY — Left-hander says he hopes to reunite with Rocket in pinstripes — NEW YORK — Andy Pettitte's sense is that Roger Clemens will decide to pitch in 2007. If it happens, Pettitte wants it to be as a Yankee. — "Would that be great," Pettitte said.
Fox Sports:
Dodgers to institute all-you-can-eat section — At first glance, the cheap seats at Dodger Stadium don't seem all that cheap anymore, as a ticket in the right-field pavilion will cost you $40 for the 2007 season. — But if you're a big fan of ballpark concessions, that might be a decent deal.
Discussion:
Bucs Trade Winds
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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.
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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Dick Kaegel / MLB.com:
Royals honor, support O'Neil legacy — KC establishes seat program to pay tribute to city icon — KANSAS CITY — In memory of Buck O'Neil, the Royals pulled off a double play on Thursday. — The Royals established the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat Program to honor a community member who carries on the spirit of the Kansas City icon.
Lboros / Viva El Birdos:
the good news: cards sign ryan franklin — Update [2007-1-11 15:52:57 by lboros]: Erik and Mrs. Erik had a healthy baby boy — Landon James. add'l info at this diary. congrats and blessings to the new parents. [end update] — i checked in with will carroll, who wrote the book …
RELATED:
Matthew Leach / MLB.com:Cardinals sign Mulder to two-year deal
Discussion:
Oleanders and Morning Glories
Sports Illustrated:
Red-letter day — What Beckham's arrival will mean for MLS, U.S. soccer — Mark it down: Jan. 11, 2007 will forever be known as the day that Major League Soccer truly arrived on the world stage. — David Beckham, the world's most recognizable soccer star, is leaving Real Madrid …
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Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Sox, Cubs feel the Zito effect — Carlos Zambrano and Mark Buehrle figure to benefit from lefty's $126 million contract — Question: If Barry Zito is worth $126 million for seven years on the open market, then what is the value of Mark Buehrle and Carlos Zambrano if they get to free agency in the fall?
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!"
Discussion:
Nats320
Fox Sports:
'The Goose' might finally get to Hall in 2008 — So the 2007 round of Hall of Fame balloting is over and done with. — The voters rightly enshrined Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr., rightly passed over Mark McGwire, and wrongly passed over Bert Blyleven, Goose Gossage, Andre Dawson, Alan Trammell and Jim Rice.
