Top News:
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Dodgers, Jones reach an agreement — Deal calls for two years and $36 million, per a baseball official — NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Dodgers landed the bat they've been seeking, reaching agreement on Wednesday night with free-agent outfielder Andruw Jones on a two-year, $36 million contract, according to a baseball official.
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Tom Haudricourt / Brewers Blog:
Brewers haven't talked with Dodgers about Sheets — Nashville - USA Today reported this morning that the Brewers and Dodgers are talking about a deal that would send right-hander Ben Sheets and centerfielder Bill Hall to Los Angeles in exchange for outfielders Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier.
Associated Press:
Andruw Jones, Dodgers agree on two-year deal — NASHVILLE, Tenn. — All-Star center fielder Andruw Jones and the Los Angeles Dodgers reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday night on a $36.2 million, two-year contract. — Jones, the former Atlanta star who has won 10 straight Gold Gloves …
Discussion:
Sabernomics, SOX & Dawgs, Talking Chop, Yahoo! Sports, Batter's Box Interactive …, Hot Stove New York and Yahoo! Sports
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Jones' signing bolsters Dodgers lineup — LIKE THIS STORY? — NASHVILLE, Tenn. - No, Joe Torre will not be the Dodgers' biggest off-season acquisition. — The signing of free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones to a two-year, $36.2 million contract should be a boost to the Dodgers' offense, defense and trade possibilities.
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers add Andruw Jones — Free-agent center fielder agrees to two-year deal worth $36.2 million, filling a big need in the middle of the order. — NASHVILLE — The Dodgers agreed to terms with free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones on a two-year guaranteed contract worth $36.2 million …
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
For Now, Yanks Stick With Their Farm Plan — Hank Steinbrenner has not attended the winter meetings, but his voice is among the most powerful here. Absent from the Yankees' media guide a year ago, he is now the final authority on matters related to the marquee team in the major leagues.
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New York Post:
HUGHES NEVER WORRIED — Phil Hughes knew Hank Steinbrenner included him in the offer to the Twins for Johan Santana. Yet, until his agents or Brian Cashman called, Hughes said he didn't fear leaving the Yankees. — "If they called, there would have been something to worry about," Hughes said yesterday via phone.
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Yankees reach out to relievers — Offer to lefty Mahay in works; agent for Vizcaino contacted — NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Backing away from the blockbuster neighborhood at the Winter Meetings, the Yankees hope to at least upgrade part of their bullpen before checking out.
Rob Bradford / Boston Herald:
Mine over matter — Beckett not concerned with Santana … NASHVILLE, Tenn. - What would Josh Beckett [stats] think? — It's the question that some in baseball circles have brought to light when talking about the potential acquisition of Johan Santana, and the contract extension …
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Tim Brown / Yahoo! Sports:Santana talks with Red Sox heat up again
Discussion:
Providence Journal, Hartford Courant, Twins Insider, MLB.com, Newsday, Boston Globe, AaronGleeman.com, Projo SoxBlog, Red Sox Monster and SOX & Dawgs
Jim Molony / NASHVILLE CONFIDENTIAL:
Cubs turn focus to Roberts — After they were unsuccessful in their attempts to sign Kazuo Matsui, the Cubs have turned their attention to Baltimore's All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts. — Roberts hit .290 with 12 homers, 57 RBIs and a .377 on-base percentage during the 2007 season.
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philly.metro.us:
Gillick offers package for Erik Bedard — MLB. Only four National League starting staffs had a higher ERA (4.91) than the parade of Phillies starting pitchers last season. — The Phillies managed to squeeze into the playoffs at the end of September despite the poor overall starting staff.
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NY Daily News:
Lefties Johan Santana, Dontrelle Willis are on Mets' radar — The Shea faithful may be giving up on Omar Minaya's ability to land Johan Santana. But the Mets GM isn't giving up on landing the Twins' ace. And failing that, newly dealt lefty Dontrelle Willis may soon be available.
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Curt Schilling / 38 Pitches:
The Schilling clause?? — ""NASHVILLE - The Baseball Writers' Association of America voted this morning to approve a resolution where starting in 2013 all contracts that have financial terms attached to major awards will not be eligible for consideration for that award.
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Baltimore Sun:
Cubs go hard after Roberts — Trade not close yet, but Orioles listen to 'significant' offer — NASHVILLE, Tenn. - For the second consecutive winter meetings, the Orioles are involved in serious trade talks involving second baseman Brian Roberts. — This time, it's the Chicago Cubs …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
La Russa does not favor trading Rolen — Skipper does not understand star's desire to be dealt — NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Wednesday that he firmly opposes any thoughts of trading third baseman Scott Rolen, but very few of his other comments seemed to reconcile with that stance.
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Chris Kline / Baseball America Prospects Blog:
Rule 5 Eve Rundown — NASHVILLE-Word on the street in Music City in advance of Thursday's Rule 5 draft came fast and furious late Wednesday night. — According to several sources, the Padres are planning on moving up to Tampa Bay's No. 1 spot to take Indians outfielder Brian Barton.
Baltimore Sun:
Mazzone waits for good pitch — NASHVILLE, Tenn. // - One of baseball's most experienced free agents is at his home in suburban Atlanta, hoping that a situation arises in which he can get back into the game. Former Orioles pitching coach Leo Mazzone, who was fired in October with one season remaining …
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Larkin elected to Reds Hall of Fame — Former Reds great one of four to be immortalized by club — NASHVILLE, Tenn. — There is no debate and never has been. Barry Larkin is one of the best Reds players to ever wear the wishbone 'C' on his cap. — That fact is now one of historical document.
Discussion:
Redleg Nation
