Top News:
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Talks are heating up with Holliday's agent — The Cardinals have intensified discussions with the lead representative for free agent Matt Holliday and on Monday “tweaked” a standing offer they hope will allow them to retain the left fielder for at least eight seasons.
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Boston Herald:
Mike Cameron in fold; Jason Bay likely out — Say goodbye to Jason Bay and hello to Mike Cameron. — Now sit down, because guess who has contacted Bay? Yes, the Yankees. — The Red Sox [team stats] last night agreed to terms with Cameron on a two-year deal, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Sources: Cards leaning to 5-year offer — The Cardinals continue to talk about re-signing outfielder Matt Holliday, and in their internal deliberations, the intention is to stand on a five-year offer, sources said. — It's always possible the Cardinals could alter their offer to Holliday, and add to it.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Gordon Edes / ESPN:
Quick strike for Lackey seems unlike Epstein — Lackey presents significant risk — and what about the offense? — ESPNBoston.com … Less than a month ago, a Red Sox official dismissed a question about possible interest in John Lackey, saying that anyone familiar with the team's recent history …
Fox Sports:
Buzz: Latest from the MLB offseason — Tuesday's latest news and notes Cubs turn eye toward OF Byrd 1:54 p.m. — Now that Mike Cameron is on the verge of joining the Red Sox, the Cubs are increasing their pursuit of free-agent outfielder Marlon Byrd, according to major-league sources.
Will Leitch / New York Magazine:
The Yankees Have a Grand Day by Doing Nothing at All — So, the Yankees have added Curtis Granderson, and that's great, but what else have they done, the impatient fan asks? Well, yesterday, not a single one of the flurry of moves involved the Yankees ... and every single one of them …
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Cameron OK's 2-year deal — Jason Bay rejected a contract offer from the Red Sox over the weekend and said he was prepared to move on. Now he doesn't have a choice. The Sox moved quickly and agreed with veteran outfielder Mike Cameron last night on a two-year deal worth $15.5 million, according to major league sources.
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Sox, Cameron agree to two-year deal
Sox, Cameron agree to two-year deal
Discussion:
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ESPN.com:
Sources: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies agree on deal … Roy Halladay and the Phillies have come to an agreement on a contract that would put in motion a three-team trade that would send the Toronto Blue Jays ace to Philadelphia, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
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NY Daily News:
New York Mets never had shot at Roy Halladay, John Lackey on Black Monday
New York Mets never had shot at Roy Halladay, John Lackey on Black Monday
Discussion:
New York Magazine
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Phillies land Halladay, send Lee to Mariners
Phillies land Halladay, send Lee to Mariners
Discussion:
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Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Sources: Halladay to Phils, Lee to M's deal close
Sources: Halladay to Phils, Lee to M's deal close
Discussion:
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Fox Sports:
Sources: Jays, Phils talk Halladay-Lee blockbuster
Sources: Jays, Phils talk Halladay-Lee blockbuster
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Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
White Sox Acquire Juan Pierre — 11:44am: The Dodgers will choose two pitchers from a list of arms that could contribute in the majors next year, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. The teams will complete the trade on or before January 7th, 2010, according to a Dodgers press release.
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Bruce Levine / ESPN:
Chicago White Sox acquire Juan Pierre from Los Angeles Dodgers — The Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Juan Pierre from the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor leaguers and cash. — Of the $18.5 million left on Pierre's contract, the White Sox will pay $3 million in 2010 and $5 million in 2011, sources said.
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
White Sox get Pierre, cash from Dodgers in trade
White Sox get Pierre, cash from Dodgers in trade
Discussion:
Mets Merized Online
Jon Weisman / Dodger Thoughts:
Juan Pierre's departure is good for the Dodgers
Juan Pierre's departure is good for the Dodgers
Discussion:
True Blue LA
Tyler Kepner / Bats:
Matsui Agrees With the Angels — Hideki Matsui and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a one-year contract, ending Matsui's seven-year run with the Yankees that culminated in a World Series Most Valuable Player award last month. — According to an official involved in the negotiations, Matsui agreed with the Angels on Monday.
RELATED:
New York Times:
Sports Medicine Pioneer Subject of Doping Inquiry — A Canadian doctor who has treated many N.F.L. players as well as Olympic medalists like Donovan Bailey and the world's top golfer, Tiger Woods, is under criminal investigation in the United States. He is suspected of providing athletes …
Discussion:
Deadspin, LA Times Sports Blog, Sports Blog Net, New York Magazine, NBC Sports, Fanhouse and Chicago Breaking Sports
Jorge Arangure Jr / MLB:
Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman throws for scouts in Houston — Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams. — On Tuesday morning at the Baseball USA complex …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
David Waldstein / Bats:
Mets Near a Deal With Ryota Igarashi — The Mets are close to signing Ryota Igarashi, a Japanese pitcher, to a two-year deal, according to a person briefed on the situation. Yes, they need an outfielder to hit in the middle of the batting order and another starting pitcher, but they also needed to improve their bullpen.
Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com:
Reds come up short in Counsell stakes — Club continues search for infield depth, lefty bat — The Reds have fallen short in their pursuit of utility infielder Craig Counsell. The Brewers announced on Monday that Counsell had agreed to a one-year deal with the club and will therefore be returning to Milwaukee in 2010.