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:
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Boras is not to blame, A-Rod is — There have been several thousand posts here in the last week and half them are from people who want the head of Scott Boras on a stake. Columnists from across the country and ripping him as well. — It's misguided anger. — There are dozens of agents available to a baseball player.
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 …
Discussion:
MY BASEBALL BIAS
Kat O'Brien / Newsday:
Mo, Posada No. 1, 1A on Cash's checklist — Brian Cashman's trip to the general managers' meetings, which begin tomorrow in Orlando, Fla., suddenly got busier when Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract last Sunday. — The Yankees had hoped - although they weren't exactly counting on it …
Mark Hale / New York Post:
DEALER'S CHOICE — A LOT HANGS ON PETTITTE DECISION — Three days from now, Andy Pettitte must tell the Yankees if he is going to exercise his 2008 option. The Yanks' problems could follow soon after. — Pettitte has a $16 million player option with a Wednesday deadline.
Discussion:
YanksBlog.com
Baltimore Sun:
Pirates to hire Russell as manager — John Russell, let go by the Pittsburgh Pirates as their third base coach only two seasons ago, will succeed Jim Tracy as the team's manager, a source with knowledge of the hiring told the Associated Press last night. — Russell, who lost his previous job …
RELATED:
Phil Axelrod / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:Announcement to be made Monday in Pirates manager search
Discussion:
Beaver County Times …
Tim Eberly / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
New father-in-law fond of Francoeur — As he prepared to give away his daughter Saturday night to Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, Malcolm McCoy was the picture of poise. — People have been asking him all week if he was nervous, but McCoy said he's been feeling quite the opposite.
Discussion:
Talking Chop
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Tulo's namesake born in El Paso — Twenty years from now, fans will still remember the 2007 Rockies team, the magical finish representing a rebirth of baseball in this region. — And beyond. — A huge fan in El Paso will never forget the players' names. Or at least not the terrific rookie shortstop.
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)
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
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 …
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 …
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Brian Cashman, Yankees look to replace A-Rod at third base — Orlando is known for being the home of Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck. Starting tomorrow, 30 of baseball's top executives will invade the land of Disney, wishing upon a star for the answers to their teams' problems.
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 …
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
