Top News:
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Sources: Mets likely won't reach deal with Santana until Friday, if at all … It appears the Mets' negotiations with the agents for Johan Santana won't be over quickly. — Sources familiar with those discussions said Thursday that while the talks may not go right to Friday's 5 p.m. deadline …
RELATED:
TwinCities.com:
CHARLEY WALTERS: New York Mets to give pitcher Johan Santana six-yeal deal worth more than $150 million. — The money was flowing Wednesday during negotiations for a contract extension between pitcher Johan Santana and the New York Mets. With details still to be worked out …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
PHIL'S PITCHING FOR A JOB - CASHMAN'S — BRIAN Cashman better be right. Phil Hughes better be special. Not good. Special. — Because if Hughes is just another pitcher, dependable but not dominant, then he might find himself spending his time in New York hearing who he is not - namely, that he is not Johan Santana.
Discussion:
The LoHud Yankees Blog, New York Times, MLB Trade Rumors, NJ.com, My Pinstripes, WasWatching.com and MLB Fleece Factor
Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Hank Steinbrenner praises Mets' move — More than anyonein the Yankee hierarchy, Hank Steinbrenner wanted to trade for Johan Santana and once said publicly that the Bombers had made the best offer and that the Twins knew it. — But the Yankees ultimately decided not to pursue the Minnesota ace …
Discussion:
It IS about the money, stupid
Keith Law / ESPN:
Top 100 prospects of 2008 … I now present to you the ESPN Scouts Inc. Top 100 Prospects Ranking for 2008. To prepare this list, I've re-read my scouting reports, watched some old draft videos and most importantly, I've ignored team officials who lobbied for their players.
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Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer:
Cleveland Indians' Sabathia could be gone for good — The next person to stop at Seven-Eleven should pick up chips and dip for C.C. Sabathia's goodbye party. They can hold it on the mound at newly named Progressive Field. — If the Mets complete their trade for Minnesota's Johan San tana …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Associated Press, River Ave. Blues, Scott Proctor's Arm and Bronx Liaison
RELATED:
Don McKee / philly.com:
Phils fall back in arms race — The Phillies' attempt to win back-to-back National League East titles for the first time since 1978 just got a lot nastier. — The New York Mets yesterday agreed to send four minor-leaguers to Minnesota for two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana.
Discussion:
crashburnalley.com
Larry Dobrow / CBS SportsLine.com:Thoughts in a bottle: The day after Santana changed baseball
Discussion:
MetsNetwork.com
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Bedard trade might clear major hurdle Thursday … The Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles may finally sort through a rules issue this afternoon, taking the next step forward to completing their long-discussed deal involving left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard.
Discussion:
Mariners Blog, Roch Around the Clock, Oriole Post, MLB Trade Rumors, Camden Chat and Seattle Post-Intelligencer
RELATED:
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Tribe, Julio agree to Minor League deal — Former closer invited to camp, will battle for bullpen spot — CLEVELAND — An Indians team that appeared to be heading into Spring Training with its bullpen all but set has a new and intriguing name to add to the mix.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Long-term deal for Hawpe still sought — Looking to extend their pattern of locking up young players, the Rockies have continued talking with the agent for outfielder Brad Hawpe regarding a long-term contract. — Hawpe is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time and stands …
Dan Fox / Baseball Prospectus:
Back to the Drawing Board — “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." —Thomas A. Edison — We learn as much or more from our failures as we do from our successes; a lesson Edison learned in spades as he worked to develop the incandescent light bulb.
Discussion:
Dan Agonistes
Josh Alper / FanHouse:
Major League Umpires Are Being Investigated for Ties to KKK — One of the outgrowths of the Tim Donaghy gambling scandal has been the increased scrutiny of officials in all the major American sports leagues. Major League Baseball, for example, decided to step up background checks concerning their umpires.
Discussion:
Hire Jim Essian!
RELATED:
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Mets claim Lugo off waivers from A's — Reliever latest right-hander added to spring bullpen mix — NEW YORK — An already crowded bullpen just found its newest member. — The Mets on Wednesday claimed right-handed reliever Ruddy Lugo off waivers from the Athletics …
Associated Press:
Leyritz ordered to take daily breath alcohol tests — FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Former World Series star Jim Leyritz was ordered Thursday to take daily breath tests while he awaits trial on DUI manslaughter charges. — Judge Marc Gold said Leyritz must stay away from drugs and alcohol …
