Top News:
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Yankees sign Ibanez to DH on one-year deal — Veteran expected to fill left-handed role, provide outfield depth — TAMPA, Fla. — The Yankees reached agreement with Raul Ibanez on a one-year, $1.1 million contract on Monday, securing the left-handed designated-hitter option they had coveted.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
RELATED:
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Sources: A.J. Burnett trade official … The deal sending A.J. Burnett from the New York Yankees to the Pittsburgh Pirates for two minor-leaguers is complete, according to league sources. — Burnett passed a physical and the commissioner's office signed off on the deal, sources said Sunday.
Discussion:
Baseball Nation and Yahoo! Sports
Jon Star / MLB.com:
Yankees sign Ibanez to DH on one-year deal — Veteran lefty hitter's agreement for $1.1 million plus incentives — The Yankees agreed to a one-year contract with free agent outfielder/designated hitter Raul Ibanez on Monday, a source confirmed to MLB.com. The deal is worth $1.1 million and includes performance-based bonuses.
Discussion:
It's About The Money
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Yanks agree to Minors deal with Rapada
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, HardballTalk and MLB Rumors
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Francisco Rodriguez mulls legal action against former agents — PHOENIX - Milwaukee Brewers reliever Francisco Rodriguez, believing his former agents deceived him, may file a grievance or lawsuit against them this week, his attorney told USA TODAY. — Attorney Richard Johnson said Rodriguez …
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Baseball Nation, MetsBlog.com and JSOnline
RELATED:
Zach Links / MLB Rumors:
K-Rod Mulls Legal Action Against Former Agents — Brewers reliever Francisco Rodriguez, claiming that his former agents at WMG deceived him, may file a grievance or lawsuit against them, his attorney told Bob Nightengale of USA Today. — In the final year of his deal with the Mets …
Associated Press:
Angels Prepare for Pujols — TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — C.J. Wilson parked his car and laughed while signing autographs for faceless fans who handed bats, balls and cards to the pitcher from the other side of a brick wall. — An early rite of spring training complete, Wilson …
RELATED:
Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Kendrys Morales to take another step in rehab from broken ankle
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Yankees GM Brian Cashman says stalking scandal has been ‘difficult,’ won't let it affect job with Bombers — Cashman: I'm going to continue to do my job to the best of my abilities — New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman addresses the media in Tampa for the first time since the news of the stalking scandal broke.
Discussion:
ESPN, IT IS HIGH! and Pinstripe Alley
RELATED:
Andrew Marchand / ESPN:
Brian Cashman keeping focus on job
Discussion:
HardballTalk and It's About The Money
Associated Press:
Beckett admits ‘mistakes’ amid Boston's collapse — FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — With a temper that can run hotter than one of his overpowering fastballs, Josh Beckett has never hesitated to let it be known when someone has piqued his anger. — The irascible Red Sox ace now appears to be mad at himself …
Discussion:
Boston Globe
RELATED:
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
‘Sorry’ doesn't have to be the hardest word
Discussion:
Cursed To First, ESPN and Dan Shaughnessy Watch
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Westbrook hopes less of him is more — JUPITER, Fla. — Jake Westbrook hopes to bring more to the Cardinals rotation this year than he did during an inconsistent, frustrating 2011. He will attempt to do so by bringing less of himself into camp. — Westbrook threw himself into an intensive diet …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Former All-Star Cameron retires after 17 years — VIERA, Fla. — Two months after agreeing to terms on a Minor League deal with the Nationals, outfielder Mike Cameron announced his retirement Sunday. — Cameron, 39, indicated to MLB.com in December that 2012 most likely would be his last season …
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus, Amazin' Avenue, Federal Baseball, Seattle Mariners blog, Yahoo! Sports and Lookout Landing
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Iglesias's time may come sooner rather than later — Mike Aviles and Nick Punto at shortstop for the Red Sox? — Suffice to say, major league evaluators are skeptical, and most look past the possible platoon of two utility players to prospect Jose Iglesias.
Discussion:
Call to the Pen and The Yankee Analysts
Bill Madden / NY Daily News:
The stories to watch in Major League Baseball as hot stove season gives way to heat of spring training — Lots of intrigue with Florida Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers, among others — Albert Pujols wears new jersey as he learns what life will be like away from Cardinals ...
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley and Yahoo! Sports
Michael Baron / MetsBlog.com:
50 years ago today, the Mets opened their 1st camp — On this date in 1962, the Mets opened their first Spring Training as the original pitchers and catchers worked out for the first time in St. Petersburg, Florida. — The Mets finished 40-120 and 60 1/2 games out of first place in their inaugural season of 1962.
RELATED:
Dick Kaegel / MLB.com:
Yost speculating early on top of lineup — Giavotella could bat No. 2; manager likes Gordon at leadoff — SURPRISE, Ariz. — It's very early, but Royals manager Ned Yost did some musing about the top of his lineup on Sunday, confirming that second baseman Johnny Giavotella is his first choice to bat in the second slot.
