Top News:
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.
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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
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," …
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.
Discussion:
Pride of the Yankees
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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.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
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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
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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!"
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, Bucco Blog, Bucs Dugout, Baseball Musings, MLB Trade Rumors and Al's Ramblings
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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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 …
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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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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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
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
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?
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 …
