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ESPN:
Mazzone out after two seasons in Baltimore — Leo Mazzone, who came to the Orioles with a reputation as one of the best pitching coaches in the modern era, was fired Friday after only two seasons in that role. — "I spoke with Leo today and told him I appreciated his efforts here," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said in a statement.
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Spencer Fordin / MLB.com:
Mazzone will not return to O's in 2008 — Pitching coach guided Baltimore's hurlers for past two years — BALTIMORE — The Orioles parted ways with pitching coach Leo Mazzone on Friday, allowing the veteran to pursue other opportunities for next season. — Baltimore will still …
Dan Connolly / Baltimore Sun:
Mazzone will not return in '08 — O's pitching coach fired after two seasons with team — After two years as the Orioles pitching coach, Leo Mazzone has been fired with one year remaining on his deal. — The club made the announcement this afternoon in a news release.
Jack Curry / New York Times:
A Postseason Fixture, Lofton Is Well Traveled Off the Basepaths, Too — Every time Kenny Lofton of the Cleveland Indians sees the persistently played commercial in which a shipping company talks about sending his baseball equipment here, there and everywhere, he said, he looks away from the television.
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Jack Curry / New York Times:
Ortiz Says Losing Torre Would Hurt Yankees — As Joe Torre's future as the manager of the Yankees remained unresolved, the latest player to express support for him did so from enemy territory. David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox praised Torre, called him a crucial figure on the Yankees …
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Oriole Post
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Sources: Mitchell report to reveal big names … Mitchell Commission Plans to Name Players — Since former Senator George Mitchell launched his investigation into baseball's steroid past 18 months ago, the big questions have been whether the final report would name names …
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Garner willing to entertain job offers — Former Astros skipper has not been contacted by Reds — CINCINNATI — If it were the right situation, Phil Garner would like to manage again. — How about the Reds? — Garner, who was dismissed as Astros skipper on Aug. 27 …
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Paul Meyer / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
New general manager not rushing process — General manager Neal Huntington is making progress on finding a new manager for the Pirates but don't expect the name to become public anytime soon. — Huntington first would like to appoint an assistant general manager to help him in the managerial search.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Baker interviews with Reds — LIKE THIS STORY? — Former San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs manager Dusty Baker has interviewed with the Cincinnati Reds for their vacant manager position and could be emerging as the leading contender for the job, major league sources tell FOXSports.com.
Randy Miller / phillyBurbs.com:
Schilling, Rivera on shopping list — With big offseason plans dancing in their heads, the Phillies will closely monitor how the Joe Torre saga plays out in New York. — If Yankees owner George Steinbrenner makes good on his threat to fire Torre as manager, closer Mariano Rivera is threatening …
Jack Curry / New York Times:
Rivera Puts Some Spin on Plans for Future — Mariano Rivera did his best impersonation of a player who was ruminating about leaving the Yankees, even if he probably does not want to bolt from the only team he has ever known. Rivera, the renowned closer, knows that part of the negotiating process is posturing.
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Leitch / Deadspin:
Sproing!: Doc Rivers Likes The Fresh Influx Of Talent — SPROING! — Doc Rivers Likes The Fresh Influx Of Talent — As you can see, Doc Rivers is excited to be coaching Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen this year. Very excited.
George King / New York Post:
BORAS, ALEX LOOKING AT 12 YEARS — Is Alex Rodriguez set to sign the final contract of his career? A pact that would dwarf the record-setting 10-year, $252 million he inked following the 2000 season? — According to agent Scott Boras, Rodriguez getting a 12-year deal isn't out of the question …
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Bob Raissman / NY Daily News:Scott Boras exaggerating A-Rod's value to YES
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Hardball Times
Sid Hartman / Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Hunter will stay if Twins' offer is right — The center fielder wants a five-year contract this offseason, and the Twins might need to trade Johan Santana if they want to sign him to one. — The Twins have a good chance to sign Torii Hunter if they are willing to meet his demand …
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