Top News:
Teri Thompson / NY Daily News:
Bud Selig to remain MLB commissioner for three more years — Riding the crest of unprecedented financial success and an impressive performance before Congress Tuesday, Bud Selig agreed to stay on as Major League Baseball's commissioner for three more years.
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ESPN.com:
Selig's term as commish extended through 2012 — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Bud Selig was given a three-year extension as baseball commissioner through the 2012 season on Thursday. — Selig had repeatedly said during the past two years that he intended to retire after the 2009 season, but many in baseball did not believe him.
Eric Fisher / Sporting News:
Baseball owners extend Selig's contract — MLB owners, meeting Thursday in Scottsdale, Ariz., voted to approve a three-year contract extension for Commissioner Bud Selig, keeping him in office through the 2012 season. The new pact arrives after more than two years of continued …
Jose De Jesus Ortiz / Houston Chronicle:
Investigation might jeopardize immigration status — Miguel Tejada's immigration status could be in peril in light of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee's decision to ask the Department of Justice to investigate whether the new Astros shortstop lied to federal investigators in 2005.
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Lara Jakes Jordan / Associated Press:
FBI begins inquiry into Tejada testimony — WASHINGTON (AP) — Miguel Tejada is under FBI scrutiny, officials said Thursday after opening a preliminary investigation into whether the former AL MVP lied when he told federal authorities he never took steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards consider inviting Gonzalez to their camp — Two-time MVP Juan Gonzalez is seeking another swing at a comeback after nearly three years since his last at-bat, and the Cardinals have discussed extending him an invitation to spring training. — Gonzalez, 38, has been working …
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Reggie Sanders to decide future by end of January … Outfielder Reggie Sanders, one of six players in baseball history with 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases, plans to make a decision on his future by the end of January. — He'll either return to play for an 18th season, retire …
Associated Press:
Red Sox 3B Lowell wants stronger steroid testing — BOSTON — World Series MVP Mike Lowell is willing to give blood if that's what it takes to be tested for human growth hormone. — But only if the test is 100 percent accurate. — Not 99 percent. — “If it's 99 percent accurate …
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Texas Rangers close in on Jennings, sign Byrd — egrant@dallasnews.com — The process of finishing out the Rangers' roster continues. — The club re-signed arbitration-eligible outfielder Marlon Byrd on Wednesday and could add free-agent pitcher Jason Jennings to the team today.
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Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Trenton to host Scranton on April 1 — Just saw this press release. Seems like a great idea: — The Trenton Thunder, the Class AA affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, the Class AAA affiliate of the New York Yankees, in a special pre-season exhibition game …
Marc Lancaster / TBO.com:
Rays Close To Deal With OF Gomes — ST. PETERSBURG - As the Rays continue their efforts to sign the last of their arbitration-eligible players, their pursuit of a utility player capable of playing third base may be heating up. — Though nothing was finalized Wednesday night …
Baseball America:
The 31st Team — Scouting reports from the Prospect Handbook cutting-room floor — By Baseball America staff and correspondents — The 2008 Prospect Handbook will arrive shortly in Durham, and those of you who ordered it directly from us will have it soon.
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers, Vargas agree to deal — Milwaukee, right-hander avoid arbitration with one-year pact — MILWAUKEE — The Brewers avoided arbitration with right-hander Claudio Vargas on Wednesday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.6 million contract, leaving three arbitration-eligible players yet to sign.
Discussion:
Brewers Bar
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Joe Christensen / Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Fans might not be happy with Santana trade — The Twins are expected to trade their star lefthander before spring training, and it might not be for any immediate help. — The Johan Santana trade discussions have reached a quiet but crucial stage. — The Twins know what they can get.
Discussion:
Bombers Beat, NJ.com, MetsNetwork.com, Hot Stove New York, MetsBlog.com, Kranepool Society, MLB Trade Rumors and Sports Illustrated
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Sabernomics:
Breaking Down the Gwinnett Braves Stadium Deal — Now that the initial shock of the move of the Triple-A Braves from Richmond to Gwinnett County has worn off, I'd like to take a look at the stadium deal. The AJC has run several articles on the subject, and the articles contain most of the details of the Braves's lease with the city.
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers' Schmidt picks up pace during rehabilitation — Injured pitcher begins throwing off a mound. — Jason Schmidt was back on the mound last week, throwing off an incline for the first time since undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in June. — Dodgers trainer Stan Conte …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
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Denver Post:
Holliday goodwill worth risk — Memo to Matt Holliday: Happy birthday, bubba. — Make that a belated happy birthday. The shoulda-been National League MVP turned 28 on Tuesday. — I know what you're thinking. If only the Monfort Bros. had gift-wrapped him a long-term deal that would ensure …
Associated Press:
Leyritz's blood-alcohol nearly twice the legal limit — FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Toxicology results show former major leaguer Jim Leyritz's blood-alcohol levels were nearly twice the legal limit the day he was involved in a fatal crash in December. — Leyritz, initially charged …
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