Top News:
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Texas looking to fill Byrd's void in lineup — Many bargains available on market to fulfill Rangers' wish list — ARLINGTON — Outfielder Marlon Byrd is on his way to Chicago, having agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract with the Cubs on Thursday.
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Bruce Levine / ESPN:
Cubs sign OF Byrd to 3-year contract — The Chicago Cubs made their first major addition of the offseason, signing former Texas Rangers outfielder Marlon Byrd to a three-year, $15 million deal on Thursday. — The Cubs hope Byrd can fill their center field void.
Yahoo! Sports:
Cubs agree with Marlon Byrd on $15M, 3-year deal — CHICAGO (AP)—The Cubs found the center fielder they'd been searching for, agreeing Thursday to a $15 million, three-year contract with Marlon Byrd — And the Cubs are hoping to have more success with this former Texas Rangers outfielder …
Dave Cameron / FanGraphs Baseball:
Cubs Land Marlon Byrd — After a few months of shopping around, the Cubs finally settled on Marlon Byrd as their new center fielder, signing him to a 3 year deal worth a reported $15 million. What should Cubs fans expect from their new center fielder? — Essentially, the epitome of an average player.
Discussion:
The iYankees Blog
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Cubs Sign Marlon Byrd — The Cubs signed Marlon Byrd to a three-year $15MM deal today. The 32-year-old will play center field and push Kosuke Fukudome to right. Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Cubs were nearing a deal with Byrd and Carrie Muskat followed up with the contract's length …
Discussion:
TYU, The LoHud Yankees Blog, Circling The Bases, The iYankees Blog and River Avenue Blues
Jorge Arangure Jr / ESPN.com:
Source: Cuba defector Aroldis Chapman works out for Toronto Blue Jays — A surprising bidder has emerged in the Aroldis Chapman sweepstakes. The Toronto Blue Jays held a private workout for the touted Cuban pitcher Thursday morning in Florida, then met with his representatives, a source close to Chapman told ESPN The Magazine.
Discussion:
ESPN, PBC Blog, MLB Rumors, Federal Baseball, Bronx Baseball Daily, Drunk Jays Fans, NESN.com, MetsBlog.com, The iYankees Blog and Circling The Bases
Chuck Brownson / Hardball Times:
What's the matter with Johnny? — At the beginning of the offseason, nearly everyone had Johnny Damon pegged for a return to the Bronx. It's become apparent, however, that the likelihood of his returning to the Yankees is slim to none and slim's as likely as Milton Bradley Day at Wrigley Field.
John Sickels / Minor League Ball:
New York Yankees Top 20 Prospects for 2010 — More photos » by Frank Franklin II - AP — New York Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes, drafted in the first round in 2004. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) — Browse more photos » — Top 20 New York Yankees Prospects for 2010
Discussion:
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Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Agent: Kemp not thinking long-term deal — Dodgers exploring multiyear contract with star outfielder — LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers have opened discussions on a multiyear contract with Matt Kemp, but his agent said Kemp might prefer to go year to year. — “We've only talked about it a little bit …
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Inbox: Dissecting the Bay aftermath — Beat reporter Marty Noble answers Mets fans' questions — I keep hearing experts say that players like Jason Bay won't hit home runs in Citi Field. Doesn't the fact that visiting players hit 81 homers there last year indicate that the Mets hitters …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com:
Teen Ramirez wins MiLBY as top starter — 19-year-old Yankees prospect dominant in debut season — There's been a bit of a renaissance in the lower levels of the Yankees farm system, particularly when it comes to young, intriguing arms. — That's largely been because of a renewed effort …
Associated Press:
Tigers' Laird, brother arrested … PHOENIX (AP) — Detroit Tigers catcher Gerald Laird and his younger brother, New York Yankees infield prospect Brandon Laird, were arrested following a brawl in the lounge area of Phoenix's NBA arena, according to police. — Phoenix police said Gerald Laird …
