Top News:
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 …
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Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
O's trade R. Lopez to Rockies for two relievers … Content with their starting pitching depth, the Orioles today have agreed to trade right-hander Rodrigo Lopez, their Opening Day starter three of the past five seasons, to the Colorado Rockies for two minor leaguers.
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Rockies trade for Rodrigo Lopez — The Rockies acquired Baltimore starter Rodrigo Lopez today in exchange for minor leaguers Jim Miller and Jason Burch, hoping the veteran's experience and ability to eat up innings helps the rotation. — "I am pretty happy and excited.
Discussion:
Purple Row
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 …
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Jeff Sackmann / Hardball Times:
Is Scott Schoeneweis Any Good? — The Mets are closing in on signing Scott Schoeneweis to a three-year, $10.8 million contract. In this market, that's not a lot of money, but for a team with a well-stocked bullpen—already including left-handed specialist Pedro Feliciano—the move is a bit confounding.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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 …
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats sign pitchers Williams, Claussen — Team adds depth by agreeing to terms with veteran hurlers — WASHINGTON — In need of pitching depth, the Nationals agreed to terms with Jerome Williams and Brandon Claussen on Friday. — If Williams makes the 25-man roster out of Spring Training …
Rob Biertempfel / PittsburghLIVE.com:
Nuttings take control of Pirates — TRIBUNE-REVIEW — Bob Nutting became the seventh principal owner in Pirates history today, after control of the franchise was shifted to him from Kevin McClatchy. — "I am deeply and resolutely committed to the success of the Pittsburgh Pirates …
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Associated Press:
Nelson calls it quits as a Yankee — Pitcher agrees to minor league contract, then retires — NEW YORK (AP) — Jeff Nelson wanted to retire as a member of the New York Yankees, so he agreed Friday to a minor league contract and then said he wouldn't play anymore.
Discussion:
The Bard's Room
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Associated Press:
Dodgers to open all-you-can-eat section — LOS ANGELES — Right field at Dodger Stadium used to feature cheap seats. This year, there will be lots of food and seats that are no longer cheap. — The Los Angeles Dodgers are converting their right-field pavilion into all-you-can-eat bleachers.
Discussion:
With Leather
Ronald Blum / Associated Press:
Willis, Cabrera, Morneau and Mauer head arbitration filings — NEW YORK (AP) — Batting champions Joe Mauer and Freddy Sanchez and AL MVP Justin Morneau were among 106 players who filed Friday for salary arbitration, set to get big raises for next season. — Florida's Dontrelle Willis …
Phil Rogers / ESPN:
Relocating a team to Portland makes sense — The idea of baseball in Portland, Ore., is new for a lot of people. But it has been a lifetime habit for Boston Red Sox icon Johnny Pesky, and he's 87 years old. — Pesky was born in 1919 and grew up following his hometown Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League.
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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Mychael Urban / MLB.com:
A's make play for free agent Erstad — Assistant GM Forst confirms one-year contract offer — OAKLAND — The A's have made a one-year contract offer to free-agent first baseman/outfielder Darin Erstad, MLB.com learned on Friday afternoon. — Oakland assistant general manager David Forst …
Eric Justic / MLB.com:
Hernandez stepping up in Dominican — Infielder swinging a hot bat in playoffs for Tigres del Licey — It's been an interesting year for Anderson Hernandez. — Nine months ago, he was the New York Mets' Opening Day second baseman. A back injury derailed the 24-year-old infielder …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
