Top News:
Kelly Thesier / MLB.com:
Mauer handily catches AL MVP Award — Twins leader, batting champ gets 27 of 28 first-place votes — MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Mauer joined an elite group of players when he won his third American League batting title this past season. — Now the 26-year-old Twins catcher has become a member …
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Mauer named AL's MVP — NEW YORK — Joe Mauer became only the second catcher in 33 years to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award, finishing first in a near-unanimous vote Monday. — The Minnesota Twins star received 27 of 28 first-place votes and 387 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Gordon Edes / ESPN:
DeMarlo Hale named Boston Red Sox bench coach — DeMarlo Hale, who has been the third-base coach for the Boston Red Sox the last four seasons, was named the team's bench coach by manager Terry Francona, the team announced Monday. Hale replaces Brad Mills, who left to become manager of the Houston Astros.
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Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Johnny Damon prefers to stay with New York Yankees, not discouraged by halted talks — Johnny Damon's future with the Yankees has been a hot topic during the early days of the hot stove season, but the outfielder isn't expecting a resolution to his situation any time soon.
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Chad Jennings / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Cashman: “We haven't game planned yet” — Just got home from the World Series DVD premier where Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi were asked one or two questions about being on the red carpet but were ultimately peppered with hot stove questions. Girardi said he's talked to both Johnny Damon and Andy Pettitte …
Adam Rubin / Surfing The Mets:
Mets-Marlins in San Juan may be looming — Major League Baseball is negotiating with a promoter about playing regular-season games in Puerto Rico next season, which likely would involve the Mets as the visiting team against the Marlins this summer, the Daily News has learned.
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Joe Capozzi / Florida Marlins news, analysis …:Florida Marlins may play Mets in Puerto Rico next summer
Discussion:
FishStripes
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Hernandez, SNY reach an agreement — Commentator to remain with club, network through 2011 — NEW YORK — The Mets have assured themselves of being an entertaining enterprise next season by agreeing to a contract with a skilled first baseman and hitter of significant resume. — Keith Hernandez is coming back.
Discussion:
Mets Merized Online
Hot Stove Blog:
Cantu likely to remain a Marlin — Because the Marlins are willing to listen to possible trade scenarios for just about every one of their players, speculation has surfaced that Jorge Cantu will be dealt. — Indications are that won't be the case. — MLB.com has learned that it is …
Dylan Hernandez / LA Times Sports Blog:
Dodgers: Halladay acquisition looking unlikely — General Manager Ned Colletti made clear today that the any speculation about a deal that would send Chad Billingsley to Toronto for Roy Halladay is nothing more than speculation. Colletti refused to talk specifically about Halladay but said …
Tom Haudricourt / Baseball America:
Milwaukee Brewers Top 10 Prospects — Milwaukee Brewers … Under former scouting director Jack Zduriencik, who's now the Mariners' general manager, the Brewers focused on hitters in the draft and succeeded in advancing several to the big leagues. Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder form …
Joe Sheehan / Baseball Prospectus:
Outfield and Catcher Free Agents Review — There are lots of free-agent catchers and outfielders, many of whom provide little or no bang for the buck. Again, these players are listed roughly in order of what I see as their chance of providing value for the contract they'll sign. — Catchers
AdamMcCalvy / Brew Beat:
Halama accepts deal with Brewers — Joe Rosario, the agent for veteran left-hander John Halama, said Halama has agreed to terms on a Minor League contract with the Brewers that includes an invitation to big league camp. — Halama, 37, pitched for seven Major League teams in parts of nine seasons from 1998-2006.
Tommy Bennett / Baseball Prospectus:
Help Up the Middle — The up-the-middle positions are known as the skill positions for a good reason. Catchers, shortstops, second basemen, and center fielders are hard to find. And the ones who play the positions well defensively? They're even harder yet to find.
Discussion:
River Avenue Blues
