Top News:
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs prepared to pounce — After extended wait, chase for Fukudome may finally begin — The Cubs' off-season game plan is centered around the acquisition of one player, making Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome a must-have item on general manager Jim Hendry's wish list.
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Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Cubs may be raising stakes for Fukudome — Offer thought to be close to $50 million — The Padres are facing determined competition from the Cubs for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. Growing indications yesterday had the Cubs willing to guarantee Fukudome close to $50 million.
Discussion:
The Transaction Guy
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
Cubs may get Fukudome news tomorrow — The agent for Japanese free agent Kosuke Fukudome said today he doesn't expect to hear from his client about his intentions to play in the U.S. in 2008 until sometime after 10 p.m. (CST) tonight and doesn't plan to contact the Cubs or any other stateside …
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks raise Kuroda offer — While considering paying the high cost in talent that a trade would require, the Diamondbacks still are trying to bolster their rotation by paying a higher cost in dollars instead. — The Diamondbacks recently improved their contract offer …
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John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Mariners have best three-year offer on table for Hiroki Kuroda — Reports out of the winter meetings in Nashville that the Mariners had offered a four-year contract to Japanese starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda were incorrect. — A well-placed source in the Mariners organization said Monday night …
Rob Bradford / Boston Herald:
President Bush asks Lowell over to dinner … How has life changed for World Series MVP Mike Lowell since signing a new three-year, $37.5 million contract with the Sox? — "We got a new dog," deadpanned Lowell, "but that wasn't because we won the championship." — Lowell's life has, at least in terms of recognition, changed.
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Joe Christensen / Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Ellsbury seems key in any deal with Red Sox — There's still no imminent trade involving Twins ace Johan Santana, but Boston's young center fielder keeps coming up in discussions. — The Twins continued exploring potential trade options for Johan Santana on Monday, picking up where they left off at last week's winter meetings.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats continue activity, add Lo Duca — Club agrees to terms with veteran catcher on one-year deal — WASHINGTON — The Nationals and catcher Paul Lo Duca agreed to a one-year contract, according to a baseball official. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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Tom Haudricourt / Brewers Blog:
Torres is reporting — Just got back from the Eric Gagne press conference at Miller Park. General manager Doug Melvin was feeling really good about his bullpen because not only does he have Gagne as his closer, Salomon Torres told him today he would report instead of retiring.
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Thomas C. Palmer Jr / Boston Globe:
Red Sox owners buy the Avalanche — Deal lets them put their stamp on a minor league team — Less than a year after they invested in stock-car racing, the owners of the Red Sox have struck closer to home, becoming one of the few Major League Baseball operations to pursue a minor league franchise.
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Dan Connolly / Baltimore Sun:
Ex-Oriole Segui says he experimented with steroids — Retired first baseman bought shipments from Mets clubhouse attendant; he declined to talk to Mitchell for report expected to be released later this week — When Major League Baseball's Mitchell Report on performance-enhancing drug use is released …
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Dan Agonistes:
Searching for Mr. Clutch — I'm sure many of you read the recent (SI calls it "provocative") piece by Bill James on Sports Illustrated.com titled "Mr. Clutch: Big Papi, Chipper, Pujols come through when it counts". I was reminded of the piece when I found my copy of the 2008 Hardball Times …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Fans tab Papelbon TYIB's top closer — Reliever a hit on, off the field for World Series champions — BOSTON — He river-danced with giddiness following each clinching victory — not to mention the World Series parade. But the Red Sox took far more joy in watching Jonathan Papelbon's moves on the mound.
George King / New York Post:
MATSUI MAY 'WAIVE' BYE — The Yankees haven't asked Hideki Matsui to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal to San Francisco, but there were strong indications last night he wouldn't stand in the way of a deal if presented to him. — When the Giants asked the Blue Jays …
Patrick Saunders / Denver Post:
Hawkins' departure leaves bullpen hole — With LaTroy Hawkins signing with the New York Yankees over the weekend, Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd has shifted his focus to other relief pitchers, including right-hander Luis Vizcaino. — "We have some interest in him …
Discussion:
My Pinstripes
Democrat And Chronicle:
Brady's bunch are too much for Steelers — That spot might seem overly generous, but here are five reasons why I believe the Patriots will win by more: — 1. Pittsburgh's defense is overrated. — The stats say the Steelers have much the best defense in the NFL (allowing 230.8 yards per game compared …
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