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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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.
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.
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.
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 …
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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," …
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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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 …
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.
Discussion:
Off the Facade
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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.
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Scott Miller / CBS SportsLine.com:
Gossage reflective, not bitter, about close call to Hall — Tough month for old closers. Rollie Fingers owes the state of Wisconsin more than $1.4 million in income taxes and Goose Gossage misses election to the Hall of Fame by only 21 votes. — Man, what's next — Rod Beck having his camper re-possessed?
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:
Bucco Blog, A New Pirates Generation, Bucs Dugout, Baseball Musings, MLB Trade Rumors and Al's Ramblings
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
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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!"
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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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?
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
Jeff Horrigan / Boston Herald:
Paps opens door: But sees closer in mix — Jonathan Papelbon said he will be more than happy to return to his role as Red Sox [team stats] closer if the need arises - but doubts such a move would be necessary in 2007. — Papelbon will head to spring training next month as a starter after a stellar …
MLB.com:
Cards and lefty Mark Mulder agree to new deal — Redbirds also ink RHP Ryan Franklin, outfielder Rick Ankiel and infielder Jolbert Cabrera — ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals concluded a busy day of signings this afternoon, announcing that they have agreed to terms with lefty starter Mark Mulder …
Discussion:
The Nationals Enquirer
