Top News:
Tim Marchman / New York Sun:
Are Charges Against Bonds Necessary? — No one will, or should, have all that much sympathy for Barry Bonds. Yesterday in San Francisco, the best hitter in baseball history was indicted on four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice, and if convicted, will face up to 30 years in prison.
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
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Rick Maese / Baltimore Sun:
Case plays out away from sport — After 4 years, sordid tale of baseball and politics has not lost its ugly feel — Barry Bonds was indicted by a federal grand jury for perjury and obstruction of justice, charged with lying about whether he knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs.
Regan v. Rupert / The Smoking Gun:
Barry Bonds Indicted — Home Run King facing perjury and obstruction of justice charges — Baseball star Barry Bonds was indicted today on perjury and obstruction of justice charges stemming from a years-long federal probe that examined his alleged use of steroids.
Discussion:
Fox Sports, Deadspin, ESPN, Royals Authority, Bugs & Cranks, Siberian Baseball, FanHouse, The Big Lead, MLB Trade Rumors and Home Run Derby
Associated Press:Barry Bonds indicted on perjury, obstruction charges
Discussion:
Sabernomics, Lady At The Bat, Fox Sports, Yankees Chick, ShysterBall, Baseball Crank and Athletics Nation
San Francisco Chronicle:Bonds indicted on perjury, obstruction of justice charges
Discussion:
Fox Sports, The MLB Source, Only Baseball Matters, Larry Brown Sports and The Weblog That Derek Built
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Mets Are Close to a 3-Year Deal With Torrealba — One of the trademarks of Omar Minaya's three seasons as the Mets general manager has been his relentlessness in the free-agent market. He isolates an area of need, locks onto a player and does not move on until a deal is completed.
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Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:
Marlins lose out on Torrealba — The Marlins struck out on the bidding for one of their top free-agent targets Thursday when catcher Yorvit Torrealba agreed to a reported three-year, $14.4 million contract with the New York Mets. — Now, Florida will focus on free agent Michael Barrett …
Discussion:
FishStripes
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Randolph praises Lo Duca — Confirms the Mets are in talks to retain Castillo — NEW YORK — With Yorvit Torrealba taking paces this week toward becoming the newest member of the Mets, manager Willie Randolph used a public forum Thursday to heap praise on former catcher Paul Lo Duca.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Rob Bradford / Boston Herald:
Lowell and behold, decision looms … Decision time is coming for Mike Lowell. — Although it is believed that the Red Sox [team stats]' current offer to the third baseman is more lucrative than the three-year, $ 36 million deal first put on the table at the GM meetings last week in Orlando …
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Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Mariano Rivera holding out for fourth year — Having seen the Yankees hand out a four-year contract to Jorge Posada and a 10-year deal to Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera has apparently decided that three years are not enough for him. — According to sources, the All-Star closer is now demanding …
NY Daily News:
Taxman: Derek Jeter cheated New York out of millions — Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter cheated New York out of millions in taxes by claiming he lived in Florida when he really was living it up in Manhattan, state officials say. — The tax man is going after the All-Star slugger …
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Associated Press:
Report: A-Rod, Yankees agree on outline of $275 million, 10-year contract — NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees have agreed to the outline of a — $275 million, 10-year contract, a deal that potentially would allow him to earn millions more if he sets the career home run record.
Discussion:
The Futility Infielder, River Ave. Blues, YanksBlog.com, Fox Sports, FanHouse, Yahoo! Sports, Scott Proctor's Arm, Sports Illustrated, Sweeney Murti Yankees Blog, Bronx Banter, Yahoo! Sports, SBG Nation Presents …, Yanksfan vs Soxfan, ShysterBall, Can't Stop The Bleeding, Hot Foot and Over the Monster
Chris Kline / Baseball America:
Arizona Fall League Top 20 Prospects — That wasn't exactly how things ended up however. — Last year, the league boasted such names as Royals righthander Luke Hochevar, Mets righthanders Philip Humber and Mike Pelfrey, as well as Devil Rays righthander Jeff Niemann.
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Rogers voices desire to stay with Tigers — Free-agent southpaw indicates Detroit remains first choice — DETROIT — While Kenny Rogers and his agent gauge interest from other clubs in free agency, including a potential return to the Rangers, the free-agent pitcher still sounds …
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ESPN.com:
Nuxhall, youngest player in MLB history, dies at 79 — CINCINNATI — Joe Nuxhall, who was the youngest player in major league history and the beloved "old left-hander" on Cincinnati Reds radio broadcasts, died overnight following a bout with cancer, the team said Friday. He was 79.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Todd Zolecki / The Zo Zone:
Gillick: No Lowell — Pat Gillick said today the Phillies are not in the market for a third baseman. — His word comes after an espn.com report said the Phillies plan to make a lucrative multiyear offer to free agent third baseman Mike Lowell. — "We're concentrating on pitching right now …
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Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
Buzz: Mets Intrigued by David Eckstein — ...there is increased buzz around new york if late suggesting the Mets may have more interest in David Eckstein than has been reported...in fact, from what i can gather, there may be a little blue-and-orange wining and dining in his future, if it hasn't happened already...
A.S. / East Windup Chronicle:
East Windup Breakdown: Fukumori Kazuo (.. å'Œ.) — Fukumori Kazuo drew a few raised eyebrows when he announced he would challenge the major leagues and opt for free agency following the 2007 season. The past year was a frustrating one for Fukumori, as he suffered a season ending right (throwing) elbow in late July.
Discussion:
Royals Review
MLB.com:
Wren chats Hot Stove online with fans — New GM answers questions about Glavine, dispells rumors … Frank Wren: Hello everybody, I look forward to chatting with you today. So let's get started. — easygoinlar: Very happy about your promotion, good luck. Just do not forget about the fans that live and die with each game.
Tim Dierkes / MLB Trade Rumors:
Odds and Ends: Kendall, Matsui, Fukumori — Here are some non A-Rod/Lowell rumors from today... - MLB.com's Adam McCalvy says the Brewers are interested in Jason Kendall. Kendall is somehow seeking a two-year deal. The Rockies are in on him as well. The Brewers still have Johnny Estrada, but they're not happy with him.
