Top News:
Geoff Baker / Mariners Blog:
Bedard-Jones deal going down — UPDATE (4:47 p.m.): I just spoke to Mariners spokesman Tim Hevly, who confirmed Jones has been called back to the U.S. Hevly said he could not comment further, which more or less tells us Jones is about to be dealt because major league clubs do not stiff winter league teams …
RELATED:
Sports Illustrated:
Leaving the nest? — Mariners, Orioles still discussing Bedard blockbuster — The Mariners and Orioles are in serious discussions on a blockbuster deal that would send left-hander Erik Bedard to Seattle for a package of young players, including top outfield prospect Adam Jones.
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
O's deny Bedard deal in place — Mariners' Jones reportedly told trade has been made — Andy MacPhail denied tonight that the Orioles have agreed to a deal that would send ace pitcher Erik Bedard to the Seattle Mariners for a package headed by young center fielder Adam Jones.
Discussion:
MLB Fleece Factor
Jason A. Churchill / Prospect Insider:
Jones-Bedard Deal “99 Percent Done” — I'm being told by three different sources that the trade is as close to being done as it can get without an actual deal. May just be a matter of dotting some i's and crossing some t's. What I am getting is that it's Adam Jones, Chris Tillman …
Roch Kubatko / Roch Around the Clock:Erik Bedard
Discussion:
U.S.S. Mariner, Associated Press, Lookout Landing, The House That Dewey Built, ShysterBall, Fox Sports and MLB Trade Rumors
La Velle E. Neal III / Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Twins may soon ask, ‘Is this the final offer?’ — Indications from Twins officials are that this is a critical week in the Johan Santana sweepstakes. — The club has not set any hard deadlines yet but may soon tell the teams most interested in Santana — the Mets, Yankees and Red Sox …
RELATED:
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Mets could get Santana within 10 days — The Johan Santana trade discussions finally might be entering their final lap, and the Mets still appear to be the favorites to land the two-time Cy Young Award winner. — The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Sunday that a trade of Santana …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, Ken Davidoff's baseball …, Babes Love Baseball, Mets Fever and SOX & Dawgs
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Glavine puts Mets finale in perspective — Lefty disappointed, not devastated about last game in New York — The Mets had hemorrhaged; Shea Stadium was an exposed nerve. A grotesque inning had begotten a dreadful defeat that completed an epic collapse.
Discussion:
ShysterBall
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Notes: Sox made push for righty Colon — Veteran hurler turned down incentive-laden contract offer — CHICAGO — Any remote interest the White Sox had in Bartolo Colon apparently has not been ultimately reciprocated by the burly right-handed free agent. — General manager Ken Williams …
RELATED:
Jon Paul Morosi / Detroit Free Press:
Tigers, Curtis Granderson begin talks for long-term contract — The Tigers have initiated talks with centerfielder Curtis Granderson on a long-term contract extension, according to one person with knowledge of the discussions. — A conversation earlier this month between the team …
Discussion:
Mack Avenue Tigers, The Detroit Tiger Weblog, TigerBlog, MLB Trade Rumors and Bless You Boys
Dave Rouleau / The Biz of Baseball:
Baseball Could Weather Recession — The Business of Sports Network is pleased to announce the addition of Dave Rouleau to our staff of writers and researchers. Some may know of Dave through his work with Baseball Digest Daily, which he will continue to do.
Todd Zolecki / philly.com:
‘I think the team is set to win ball games’ — The Phillies lost Aaron Rowand this off-season, and that created a void offensively and defensively. — The Phillies think Shane Victorino will do just fine in center field. — But who replaces Rowand's bat?
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Biggio presents Pedroia with Rookie award — NEW YORK—They gave out baseball's biggest hardware at the New York baseball writers dinner tonight, and retiring Astros second baseman Craig Biggio was the fitting pick to present Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia with the AL Rookie of the Year award.
Michael Phillips / MLB.com:
Notes: Redding has more confidence — Veteran heads into Spring Training with eye on rotation spot — MANASSAS, Va. — Tim Redding went looking for a trophy this offseason, but it had nothing to do with baseball. — The Nationals right-hander, an avid hunter, traveled to several locales in pursuit of deer.
Discussion:
We've Got Heart
Jay Jenkins / Daily Progress:
BASEBALL: Francona praises Cavs' program — After arriving in Charlottesville on Friday, Terry Francona had an odd request. — The manager of the Boston Red Sox wanted to see Davenport Field, Virginia?s baseball stadium. — The lights were off at the stadium, but with help …
