Top News:
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
Associated Press:
Perez and Mets agree at $2,325,000 — NEW YORK (AP) — Postseason savior Oliver Perez and the New York Mets agreed Friday to a one-year contract worth $2,325,000. — Acquired July 31 from Pittsburgh with reliever Roberto Hernandez for Xavier Nady, Perez was 1-3 with a 6.38 ERA …
Discussion:
The Griddle
Joe Mandak / Associated Press:
Nutting to replace McClatchy as Pirates' controlling owner — PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pirates chairman of the board Robert Nutting will replace Kevin McClatchy as controlling owner of the team. — McClatchy, who headed the group that bought the team before the 1996 season …
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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 …
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.
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 …
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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 …
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
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
AP Interview: Sweeney eager to move forward from situation with Bonds — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Mark Sweeney insists he never had any amphetamines in his locker for San Francisco teammate Barry Bonds to take. — Sweeney said Friday he was shocked to learn that Bonds apparently mentioned …
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.
Associated Press:
Cubs, Tomas Perez reach minor league deal — CHICAGO (AP) — Infielder Tomas Perez agreed to a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs on Friday and will be invited to the major league spring training camp. — Perez, 33, batted .212 with two home runs and 16 RBIs in 99 games for Tampa Bay last season.
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