Top News:
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Mets could fit Rodriguez into infield — LIKE THIS STORY? — Now that Alex Rodriguez is a free agent, teams are meeting internally, trying to figure out how they can get him. (Hint: write the biggest check.) — The Angels, who badly need a power hitter, remain an obvious fit.
RELATED:
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Yankees will formally introduce Joe Girardi on Thursday — The Yankees will roll out the red carpet for their new manager Thursday, formally introducing Joe Girardi at a Yankee Stadium press conference. — The event, slated to begin at 1 p.m., will feature all the pomp and circumstance …
Discussion:
MY BASEBALL BIAS
RELATED:
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:Little's resignation clears the way for Torre in LA
Discussion:
Blogging Baseball
Associated Press:
Cameron fails stimulant test; suspended 25 games — SAN DIEGO — Mike Cameron, the Padres' Gold Glove center fielder, was suspended for the first 25 games of next season on Wednesday after testing positive a second time for a banned stimulant. — Cameron, who plans to file for free agency …
RELATED:
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Towers confident Maddux will be back with new deal — The Padres and Greg Maddux's agent have discussed new contractual terms, pegging Maddux's 2008 salary at or near the $10 million he earned last season. A deal would keep the No. 3 starter off the free-agent market.
David Lennon / Newsday:
Mets pick up Alou's option, re-sign Easley — Leftfielder Moises Alou batted .341 with 13 home runs and 49 RBIs for the Mets in 2007. (Newsday / Kathy Kmonicek) — The Mets announced today that they have picked up the $7.5-million option on Moises Alou and also re-signed Damion Easley …
Discussion:
SILive
RELATED:
MLB.com:
Mets pick up option on outfielder Moises Alou; Re-sign Damion Easley — The New York Mets today announced they have picked up the club's $7.5 million option on outfielder Moises Alou for 2008. In addition, the Mets re-signed free agent infielder Damion Easley to a one-year, $950,000 contract.
Discussion:
Take the 7 Train
Adam Rubin / Surfing the Mets:
Mets Conference Call Set for 4:15 (Updated) — The Mets have scheduled a 4:15 p.m. conference call to discuss Moises Alou and Damion Easley. It looks like a pretty safe bet then that both players will be returning in 2008. UPDATE: As expected, the Mets have picked up Alou's option and re-signed Easley.
Kat O'Brien / Newsday:
Andy Pettitte: I'll play for Yankees or no one — Andy Pettitte told a Houston television station on Tuesday that he would only play for the Yankees if he decides to return for the 2008 season. (Newsday / Paul J. Bereswill) — Andy Pettitte said during the season that he would either return to the Yankees or retire.
RELATED:
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Pettitte's '08 with Yankees or no one — Veteran lefty discusses future with Houston television station — NEW YORK — Andy Pettitte has already come to one important decision this offseason. The left-hander will either pitch for the Yankees in 2008, or he will not pitch at all.
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Associated Press:
Reds pick up slugger Dunn's $13M option for '08 — CINCINNATI — The Reds picked up outfielder Adam Dunn's contract option for $13 million on Wednesday, answering their most expensive offseason question by keeping their top power hitter. — The Reds also picked up the $1.85 million option …
RELATED:
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards hire Mozeliak to replace Jocketty — The Cardinals will announce John Mozeliak as their next general manager today at a 3 p.m. press conference after formally offering him the job Tuesday evening, club sources confirm. — Mozeliak accepted a three-year contract shortly after discussions broke …
RELATED:
USA Today:
AL Elias rankings — American League slugger David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox led all major league players with a 100 ranking. Other top performers at their positions included Jorge Posada of the New York Yankees, Michael Young of the Texas Rangers and Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins.
Discussion:
Nationals Farm Authority
Boston Globe:
Schilling seems headed for exit — Sox, pitcher see a deal as unlikely — Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling filed for free agency yesterday, after telling a radio audience that "there's a very realistic chance I won't ever play" for the team again. — Schilling is probably correct …
Michael S. Schmidt / New York Times:
Baseball's Drug Testing Lacks Element of Surprise — Major League Baseball, bracing for the results of an internal investigation into steroid use, has continued to employ a drug-testing procedure that may allow players time to mask their use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Steve Silva / Boston Globe:
Late night appearances — Let the media commitments for the world champs begin. — Red Sox dancer and closer Jonathan Papelbon will be in New York this afternoon to tape an appearance for tonight's episode of the "Late Show with David Letterman" on WBZ-TV (Ch. 4, CBS) …
