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.
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.
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, Yahoo! Sports, SOX & Dawgs, Talking Chop, Batter's Box Interactive …, Hot Stove New York and Yahoo! Sports
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.
USA Today:
Notes: La Russa seeks Rolen peace, writers make award change — From staff and wire reports — NASHVILLE — St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa wants third baseman Scott Rolen back. — But only on the team's terms. — "He's got a contract to play, and we need him to play," La Russa said Wednesday at the winter meetings.
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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 …
Discussion:
Boston Globe, Yahoo! Sports, Providence Journal, MLB Trade Rumors, Fire Brand of the …, SOX & Dawgs, Newsday and Sports Illustrated
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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.
Discussion:
Mets Merized Online, MLB Trade Rumors, The700Level.com, The Transaction Guy and Bugs & Cranks
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Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Texas Rangers acquire infielder Shelton from Tigers — egrant@dallasnews.com — NASHVILLE, Tenn. - If the Rangers' management team and expeditionary force can find their way out of the cavernous labyrinth known as the Gaylord Opryland Resort today, the winter meetings will officially end.
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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.
Discussion:
Detroit Tigers Insider, MetsBlog.com, Amazin' Stories, The MLB Source, MLB Trade Rumors and Bless You Boys
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Reuters:
So long? Cardinals reportedly release Taguchi — Outfielder So Taguchi has been released by the St. Louis Cardinals after six seasons with the team, according to MLB.com. — By cutting the 38-year-old Taguchi, the Cardinals made room on their 40-man roster to allow them to make a selection …
Discussion:
Brewers Blog
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Bob Elliott / Toronto Sun:
Blue Jays lob Giants a pitch — Await word from San Francisco about dealing Rios for hurler — NASHVILLE — The ball is in the San Francisco Giants' court. — Or should we say the ball is waiting to be plunked into McCovey Cove as Blue Jays right fielder Alex Rios attempted …
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.
Susan Slusser / San Francisco Chronicle:
A's future may be more clear — (12-06) 04:00 PST Nashville — With no deals on the last full day of the winter meetings, A's general manager Billy Beane might have an answer at last to which direction his team is heading. — Beane had said since the end of the season that he wasn't sure …
