Top News:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Could Rodriguez Stay a Yankee? Only for Less Money — The only way the Yankees would bring back Alex Rodriguez is if Rodriguez became so desperate to stay that he would take a pay cut, something they do not envision. But Rodriguez has not eliminated the Yankees from consideration …
RELATED:
Mike Lupica / NY Daily News:
A-Rod's agent represents 2 things: himself and greed — This isn't about A-Rod. It's about the A-gent. Although when the agent in question is Scott Boras, you really have to go easy on the "gent" part. — Of course this is about Boras. It always has been and it always will be …
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Posada throws support behind Girardi — Catcher denies speculation of a rift with new Yankees skipper — NEW YORK — Jorge Posada authorized his agents to release a statement on Friday lauding new Yankees manager Joe Girardi, batting away speculation that the former teammates had a rift in their relationship.
Discussion:
MY BASEBALL BIAS
Jeffrey N. Gordon / New York Times:
Yankees Should Opt in for Rodriguez — To the New York-centric sports fan, the most newsworthy event of the past week was not the Boston Red Sox' sweep of Colorado in the World Series, but the decision of Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez to opt out of his contract to pursue the siren song of free agency.
Discussion:
MLB Columnists
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Sources: Pirates to name Russell manager — LIKE THIS STORY? — Baseball's last managerial vacancy has been filled. — The Pittsburgh Pirates will name John Russell the club's new manager Monday, major league sources said. — Russell, the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies' AAA …
RELATED:
Rob Biertempfel / PittsburghLIVE.com:Pirates close to hiring manager
Discussion:
Blue-Collar Baseball
Phil Axelrod / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:Announcement to be made Monday in Pirates manager search
Discussion:
Beaver County Times …
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Texas Rangers seek center fielder — Position has been a revolving door since 1994 — egrant@dallasnews.com — The search for a center fielder starts in earnest today. — As part of the Texas Rangers' "build-it-yourself" plan, the days when the club would go to the general managers meetings …
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Gaps prompt GMs to shop — Their offseason work is filling in the blanks — Theo Epstein is bound to receive inquiries on Coco Crisp at this week's general managers' meetings in Orlando. The Red Sox are sitting pretty with Jacoby Ellsbury ready to take over, and Crisp is seen as major trade bait …
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Ringing endorsement — Team of stars and hidden jewels dazzled its fans in a season filled with special diamond moments — It's the celebration of the year for the Red Sox after they finish off a four-game sweep and take home another world championship. (BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF)
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Torre's signing makes Gonzalez want to return — Veteran outfielder says new manager will help in free-agent market. — Luis Gonzalez said he has changed his mind about no longer wanting to play for the Dodgers, the reason being their recent hiring of Joe Torre as manager.
Discussion:
New York Post
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
Foresight is their specialty — Theo Epstein. John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino. — Theo and the Trio. — The Four Horsemen of Boston's Baseball Renaissance. — And to think we once had reservations about them . . . When the Henry group's bid was awarded the Red Sox Dec. 20 …
Steve Serby / New York Post:
SERBY'S SUNDAY Q&A WITH... JOE GIRARDI — The Post's Steve Serby chatted with the 32nd manager of the Yankees about his family, personal and professional influences, and the job ahead. — Q: An old-timer you would want on your team? — A: Lou Gehrig.
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Texas Gal / Center Field:
PIGS FLY: MANNY SPEAKS! ON A TALK SHOW! — He came out in sunglasses. Of course he did. — Manny was an enthusiastic, engaging and quite charming interview, believe it or not. He talked about cars a little, but mostly he talked about the Red Sox and how much he loves Boston and loves the Red Sox.
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Astros will pursue free agent Castillo — LIKE THIS STORY? — The Mets, competing in a thin market for free-agent second basemen, will face a stiff challenge in their quest to re-sign Luis Castillo. — The Astros are preparing to make a strong run at Castillo, according to major-league sources …
RELATED:
The Stat Pack:
Special Interview with Will Carroll — We here at The Stat Pack are pleased to bring you another exclusive interview with another fantastic baseball writer. You may know Will Carroll from his time at ESPN or, more importantly, his Under The Knife column at www.baseballprospectus.com .
