Top News:
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Texas optimistic Lee offer made impression — ARLINGTON — Now, they wait. — Rangers CEO Chuck Greenberg, assistant general manager Thad Levine and co-owner Ray Davis were back in Texas on Friday after meeting with free-agent pitcher Cliff Lee, his wife, Kristen, and his agent, Darek Braunecker.
RELATED:
Ebenezer Samuel / NY Daily News:
CC Sabathia says Yankees are team to beat in AL East, not Red Sox, despite Boston's big spending — The Red Sox enjoyed a huge week, signing prized free agent outfielder Carl Crawford and acquiring first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, the top power hitter on the trade market, from the San Diego Padres.
Discussion:
Twinkie Town, Fanhouse MLB Blog and ESPN
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Comparatively speaking . . . It remains to be seen whose roster — the Red Sox' or Yankees' — is better, but in terms of who has significant players heading into their prime years, the acquisitions of 28-year-old Adrian Gonzalez and 29-year-old Carl Crawford seem to put Boston in a better position for the next few years.
Discussion:
ESPN, Associated Press and Pinstripe Alley
Maury Brown / The Biz of Baseball:
Texas Rangers Make Multi-Offers to Cliff Lee — THIS IS BREAKING NEWS... Texas Rangers Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg called an 8pm CT conference call with print media only tonight to announce that the club has made an offer to Cliff Lee. While Greenberg would not release details on the offer …
Discussion:
Foul Territory
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers present Cliff Lee with menu of contract offers, now wait — No matter what comes of the Cliff Lee situation, the new Rangers ownership crossed a major threshold Thursday — No matter what comes of the Cliff Lee situation, the new Rangers ownership crossed a major threshold Thursday.
Discussion:
New Jersey Online
Gordon Edes / ESPN:
For Theo, the gift of faith — Ownership's backing of Epstein helps Fenway fans' wishes come true … LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Red Sox are staging their annual “Christmas at Fenway” event this Saturday. — Sounds a bit redundant, doesn't it, after the Sox exceeded the wish lists …
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers boost offer, stay in the Cliff Lee game — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The end didn't arrive Thursday for the Texas Rangers in their pursuit of free agent Cliff Lee, as some club officials had expected it would. — Instead, there is renewed optimism that they have made the left-hander's decision …
Discussion:
ESPN and baseballmusings.com
David Waldstein / New York Times:
With Pitchers' Contracts, 7 Is Unlucky Number
Discussion:
HardballTalk
myyesnetwork.com:
As Red Sox reload, Yanks await Lee's response
Discussion:
Bronx Baseball Daily, It's About The Money, River Avenue Blues and Projo Sox Blog
USA Today:
Red Sox nearly equal Yankees in future salary expenditures
Discussion:
It's About The Money, Yankeeist and Fenway West
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Source: Reds, Jay Bruce agree to deal — The Cincinnati Reds have reached agreement on a six-year, guaranteed $51 million contract with outfielder Jay Bruce, a baseball source told ESPN.com. — Bruce — The deal includes a club option for a seventh year that could bring the overall value …
RELATED:
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Reds To Extend Jay Bruce
Discussion:
Cincinnati Reds, Red Reporter and Bucs Dugout
Jeff Zrebiec / Orioles Insider:
Could Gregg unseat Koji as O's closer? — The Orioles made a two-year offer worth between $8 to $10 million to free agent Kevin Gregg at this week's winter meetings. As far as I know, the two sides remain in negotiations and the Orioles still think they have a shot at Gregg …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, HardballTalk and Fanhouse MLB Blog
RELATED:
Gordon Edes / ESPN:
Red Sox make Russell Martin offer
Discussion:
HardballTalk, BBTF's Baseball Primer …, Dodgers Blog and Fenway West
Nick Collias / MLB Rumors:
Gonzalez: No Agreement In Place With Red Sox
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Gaslamp Ball and NESN.com
Adam Kilgore / Nationals Journal:
Nationals still in on Carl Pavano — While the Nationals would be reluctant to offer free agent starting pitcher Carl Pavano a multiple-year contract, they remain in touch with agent Tom O'Connell. General Manager Mike Rizzo spoke with O'Connell yesterday before leaving the winter meetings.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, HardballTalk and JSOnline
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Potent lineup back to future — With Dunn addition, Sox could have power group much like their 2008 AL Central champs — White Sox introduce new slugger Adam Dunn at U.S. Cellular Field. (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune / December 3, 2010) — ORLANDO, Fla. — Now that the White Sox …
RELATED:
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
After signing Konerko, Sox turn to relievers
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Drew Silva / HardballTalk:
Not satisfied with the current product, the Cardinals are trying to change center fielder Colby Rasmus — A follow-up to this post can be found right HERE. — The drama continues between the Cardinals' coaching staff and young outfielder Colby Rasmus. — It was only six months ago …
Discussion:
The Cardinal Nation blog and BBTF's Baseball Primer …
RELATED:
Anthony DiComo / Mets Cetera:
The New York Mets and the curse of Santa Claus — Beware, Mets fans: the team revealed Tuesday that David Wright will play the role of Santa Claus at next Tuesday's holiday party, one of the club's most popular annual charitable endeavors. But like an action shot on the cover of Sports Illustrated …
Discussion:
Tedquarters
Andy Martino / NY Daily News:
Sandy Alderson's long-term focus may benefit Mets in long term but could test patience of fans — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Subtlety and patience. In the overwrought world of New York baseball, the public is not conditioned to celebrate those qualities, particularly in the wintertime.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com and Tedquarters
RELATED:
Andy McCullough / New Jersey Online:
Live from the winter meetings: Mets select infielder, reliever in Rule 5 draft
Discussion:
Baseball Think Factory
