Top News:
San Francisco Chronicle:
Eric Byrnes says Giants would be ‘best fit’ — (01-16) 19:34 PST — Though Eric Byrnes said he's finally 100 percent after two injury-marred seasons, the Diamondbacks gave up on him despite owing him $11 million next season. He could sign with another team for the minimum salary …
Discussion:
U.S.S. Mariner, MLB Rumors, Mets Fever, Fanhouse MLB Blog, Circling The Bases and Sons of Steve Garvey
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John Perrotto / Baseball Prospectus:
On the Beat — Weekend Update — At first glance, Adam LaRoche gives the impression that he is a little slow on the uptake. He does not immediately respond to questions, instead pondering them before giving answers. He also talks rather deliberately.
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Job market for Thome remains in flux — Rays, other AL teams may be fit for 19-year veteran slugger — PEORIA, Ill. — Jim Thome has celebrated quite a few memorable “firsts” during the course of his illustrious 19-year-career. — There was the first of his 2,138 hits …
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Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Surprise awaits Thome at charity event — Konerko, Manuel speak on behalf of slugger in Peoria — PEORIA, Ill. — For the 15th Joyce Thome Benefit for Children's Hospital of Illinois in Peoria, Andrea Thome decided to bring a few special guests in to the Peoria Civic Center to add to the already highly anticipated festivities.
Discussion:
Chicago Breaking Sports
Associated Press:
Ex-big leaguer Jose Offerman detained after punching umpire in winter league game — SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Former major league All-Star Jose Offerman threw a punch at an umpire during an argument in a Dominican winter league game Saturday night, the second time in 2½ years …
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Tom Singer / MLB.com:
Umps leave DR after Offerman incident — Licey manager, former big leaguer threw punch at Rayburn — The American umpiring crew involved in Jose Offerman's latest on-field meltdown resigned within hours from the Dominican Winter League and has already left the country.
Fox Sports:
Padres close to signing another Hairston — Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since Aug. 2005. He appears weekly on MLB on FOX. — Free-agent infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. is closing on a one-year contract with the Padres, according to a major-league source.
Susan Slusser / San Francisco Chronicle:
Chavez doesn't mind utility role — (01-16) 19:33 PST — Kevin Kouzmanoff's arrival in Oakland means that Eric Chavez, a six-time Gold Glove third baseman, essentially will become a utility player if he is healthy. — “I've always been open to playing anywhere,” Chavez said.
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R.B. Fallstrom / Associated Press:
McGwire cheered by fans, evades steroid questions — Buzz up! — ST. LOUIS (AP)—Mark McGwire received a standing ovation from Cardinals fans Sunday in his first public appearance in St. Louis since admitting he used steroids. — His scheduled news conference, only minutes later, was much more combative.
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David Laurila / Baseball Prospectus:
Prospectus Q and A: Ross Detwiler by David Laurila — Ross Detwiler … David Laurila: How would you describe Ross Detwiler? — Ross Detwiler: I'm just one of the guys. I like to get here early every day and get my work in, so that I can have some down time to either play cards …
Phil Rogers / Chicago Tribune:
Baltimore Orioles show interest in Joe Crede — (KELLEY CHINN, McClatchy-Tribune / August 18, 2009) — The Orioles are talking to Joe Crede (above) — a curious development given they already have two right-handed-hitting third basemen in Ty Wigginton and Garrett Atkins and a solid DH option in Luke Scott .
Discussion:
Circling The Bases
NY Daily News:
Bug Selig targets small-market teams to spend revenue-sharing dollars on players — One can only imagine how painful it must have been last week for Bud Selig to tell his small-market brethren, Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and his stepson president David Samson, to pony up on the payroll …
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Chicago Cubs plan massive restructuring of Wrigley Field — Wrigley 20-14 project includes major construction in and around park as part of ‘triangle building’ — A 2005 sketch of a proposed Wrigley Field expansion project under Tribune Co. The Ricketts family wants to complete something similar by 2014.
Discussion:
Circling The Bases
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ESPN:
Chicago White Sox agree to terms with closer Bobby Jenks and outfielder Carlos Quentin — CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox on Saturday announced they have agreed to terms on one-year contracts with closer Bobby Jenks and outfielder Carlos Quentin. — According to a news release from the team …
Discussion:
Circling The Bases
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