Top News:
Associated Press:
Reds' Joey Votto is NL MVP — NEW YORK — Cincinnati's Joey Votto was overwhelmingly elected the National League's Most Valuable Player on Monday, ending the two-year reign of Albert Pujols. — Votto, a first baseman who helped the Reds reach the postseason for the first time in 15 years …
RELATED:
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Votto wins NL MVP by overwhelming margin — Reds first baseman receives all but one of 32 first-place votes — CINCINNATI — Often reluctant to discuss his own personal accomplishments, Reds first baseman Joey Votto has done something that will speak volumes for him over the remainder of his career.
Discussion:
Red Reporter and Mark My Word
Shi Davidi / Winnipeg Free Press:
Justin Morneau backs fellow Canadian Joey Votto for National League MVP honours
Discussion:
Walkoff Walk and Around the Majors
Adam Rubin / ESPN:
Thole, other young players say new skipper's firm but respectful approach will be key … Under the previous executive who was in charge of the New York Mets' farm system, struggling prospects might get a tongue-lashing. One minor leaguer even was derisively asked two seasons ago …
Discussion:
Mets Merized Online
RELATED:
Adam Rubin / ESPN:
Dan Warthen, Chip Hale stay with Mets — New York Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen and third base coach Chip Hale will remain in those roles on the staff of incoming manager Terry Collins, the team announced on Monday. — Warthen had told ESPNNewYork.com by telephone Monday …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Bob Klapisch / NorthJersey.com:
Terry Collins is risky choice for Mets
Discussion:
Mets Cetera, Mack's Baseball and MetsBlog.com
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Mets to name Collins next manager
Discussion:
Mets Cetera and Britt's Bird Watch
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Mets hire Collins as manager
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer … and baseballmusings.com
Jerry Crasnick / MLB:
Dontrelle Willis signs minor league deal — Pitcher Dontrelle Willis has agreed to terms on a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. — Willis — Willis, 28, is looking to resurrect a career that's fallen on hard times since he won 22 games and finished second …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports and NESN.com
RELATED:
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Reds To Sign Dontrelle Willis — The Reds have agreed to sign Dontrelle Willis to a minor league deal, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Still just 28, Willis has gone from rookie phenom to ace to trade chip to bust to reclamation project in his eight-year MLB career.
Discussion:
El Lefty Malo and Red Reporter
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
‘Ambush’ technique in Derek Jeter contract negotations may work against Yankees, source warns — The Yankees may truly want Derek Jeter to wear pinstripes for the rest of his career, but according to a source familiar with both sides, their “arbitration-ambush” approach in contract negotiations …
JonPaulMorosi / mlbbuzz:
Former top prospect McCarthy drawing wide interest — Brandon McCarthy used to be one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. Even now, he's only 27 years old. — He spent the 2010 season in the minor leagues and/or on the disabled list, so his salary demands aren't high.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys, MLB Rumors and JSOnline
Jane Lee / MLB.com:
Talks break down between A's, Iwakuma — Right-handed hurler could be heading back to Japanese club — A Major League source confirmed Monday morning that talks between the A's and Japanese right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma have stalled, meaning the pitcher likely isn't geared for green and gold in 2011.
Discussion:
Mariners blog
RELATED:
Susan Slusser / SFGate:
Iwakuma talks have broken off
Discussion:
HardballTalk, NPB Tracker and MLB Rumors
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Multiple Teams Interested In Jarrod Washburn — At least three teams are interested in Jarrod Washburn and the Brewers are one of them, according to Yahoo's Tim Brown (on Twitter). Washburn, who sat out the 2010 season, is “seriously considering” pitching, according to Brown.
Discussion:
JSOnline
