Top News:
Buster Olney / MLB:
Signs emerge of Joe Mauer-Minnesota Twins talks heating up — There are strong indications that the Minnesota Twins and All-Star Joe Mauer are gathering momentum in their negotiations for a long-term contract that would keep the catcher anchored to his hometown team for the foreseeable future.
RELATED:
Sports Illustrated:
Twins, Mauer agree on 8 year, $184M extension — MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -AL MVP Joe Mauer has agreed to an eight-year, $184 million contract extension to stay with the Minnesota Twins. — The deal announced Sunday covers the 2011-2018 seasons and includes a full no-trade clause.
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Minnesota Twins, Joe Mauer agree to eight-year contract extension — The Minnesota Twins and Joe Mauer have agreed on the richest contract ever for a catcher, an eight-year, $184 million deal that will keep their MVP in the Twin Cities well into what may be a Hall of Fame career.
Joe Christensen / Around the Majors:
Twins' closer Nathan to have Tommy John surgery — FORT MYERS, FLA. — Twins closer Joe Nathan said today that he will undergo Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow with an eye toward returning for Opening Day in 2011. — Nathan played catch with pitching coach Rick Anderson this morning.
RELATED:
Luke Adams / MLB Rumors:
Joe Nathan To Undergo Tommy John Surgery — Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, according to Kelsie Smith of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (via Twitter). Nathan played a game of catch today, and decided afterward that his right elbow required surgery.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
Phil Rogers / Chicago Tribune:
Phil Rogers' MLB whispers — Indians' Jake Westbrook to face White Sox's Mark Buehrle on Opening Day — Indians starting pitcher Jake Westbrook throws at spring training. (Mark Duncan, Associated Press / February 23, 2010) — Jake Westbrook will be the Indians' Opening Day starter against the White Sox.
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Revamped fireballer working on his change — The funky delivery and mannerisms, and the looks he gave hitters were all part of Dontrelle Willis's entertaining shtick. He was a 22-game winner at age 23 for the 2005 Florida Marlins, but the razzle-dazzle dissipated as quickly as it came.
RELATED:
David Laurila / Baseball Prospectus:
Jacoby Ellsbury and Ben Revere — Basestealing is an art, and two players who excel at it are Jacoby Ellsbury and Ben Revere. Ellsbury has done it the highest level, having pilfered 70 bags last season while establishing a Red Sox record for thefts. Revere, a 21-year-old outfielder rated …
AdamMcCalvy / Brew Beat:
‘Out’ dates coming up — UPDATE — Schoeneweis confirmed that he does have an out, and it's Thursday. He also said he was not interested in going to Triple-A, so it appears it's the big leagues or bust for the lefty. — Brewers officials are scheduled to meet Monday morning to discuss roster decisions …
Discussion:
hotstove.com
Marc Carig / New Jersey Online:
Q&A: Former Padres GM Kevin Towers brings scouts' perspective to new role with NY Yankees … Now that some time has passed, what comes to mind when you look at your time in San Diego? — I feel blessed. It was the organization that drafted me, took me No. 1 in 1982.
Associated Press:
MLB union head expects CBA talks to begin in '11 … TAMPA, Florida (AP) — New baseball players' union head Michael Weiner anticipates talks with Major League Baseball on a new collective bargaining agreement will begin by spring training or perhaps a bit earlier next year.
Chad Jennings / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Damon returns to face his old teammates — Johnny Damon is in the Tigers lineup for this afternoon's game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. He's playing left field and batting second. Damon didn't make Detroit's previous trip to Tampa. — Of course, the weather will have to cooperate …
