Top News:
Lee Enterprises / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Berkman, Lohse looking for fits as free agents — • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285 — With spring training in sight, Lance Berkman acknowledges he's mulling options and “still a little bit in limbo” when it comes to next season and his Hamlet dilemma: to play or not to play.
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CBSSports.com Sports News …, MLB Rumors, HardballTalk, SI Tracking Blog, Getting Blanked and MLB Daily Dish
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Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com Sports News …:
Aubrey Huff intends to play in 2013, hopes an opportunity opens up — Aubrey Huff, the consistent power producer and 2010 Giants hero derailed by an episode of panic attacks in 2012, is looking to make a comeback in 2013. — “He wants to play,” Huff's attorney Ed Hayes said by phone.
Discussion:
San Francisco Giants Baseball, HardballTalk and MLB Rumors
Lee Enterprises / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
The added cost of signing Kyle Lohse
The added cost of signing Kyle Lohse
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
Dan Martin / New York Post:
A-Rod's surgery remains on hold; Yankees GM says to expect fewer homers — No date has been set for Alex Rodriguez's hip surgery and it's not expected to be performed until the middle of the month — at the earliest. — When asked for a potential return date for the third baseman …
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The LoHud Yankees Blog, MLB Daily Dish, HardballTalk and River Avenue Blues
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Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Yankees' catching prospect Austin Romine set to begin next season in minors, leaving Francisco Cervelli …
Yankees' catching prospect Austin Romine set to begin next season in minors, leaving Francisco Cervelli …
Discussion:
HardballTalk and River Avenue Blues
Mike Axisa / MLB Rumors:
Dodgers Moving Towards Deal With J.P. Howell — The Dodgers are moving towards a one-year contract with J.P. Howell, reports Dylan Hernandez of The Los Angeles Times (on Twitter). The deal has not been finalized, however. The left-hander is a Legacy Sports Group client.
Discussion:
ESPN, Los Angeles Times, Federal Baseball, Nationals Journal, True Blue LA and SI Tracking Blog
Greg Johns / MLB.com:
Mariners outright Mitchell to Triple-A Tacoma — SEATTLE — Right-handed pitcher D.J. Mitchell was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma by the Mariners on Friday, remaining in the organization after being designated for assignment on Dec. 26 to make room on the 40-man roster for free-agent signee Raul Ibanez.
Discussion:
The LoHud Yankees Blog and MLB Rumors
Chad Jennings / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Chris Dickerson designated for assignment — To make room for Russ Canzler on the 40-man roster, the Yankees have designated Chris Dickerson for assignment. — Dickerson might be a perfect fourth or fifth outfielder for most any other team, but the Yankees abundance of left-handed outfielders makes him redundant on this roster.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and River Avenue Blues
MLB.com:
Catcher Martinez claimed, Whiteside clears waivers — ARLINGTON — Catcher Luis Martinez has been claimed on waivers by the Orioles. At the same time, the Rangers announced that catcher Eli Whiteside has cleared waivers and been assigned outright to Triple-A Round Rock.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
MLB.com:
Olt to be honored as Rangers' top Minor Leaguer — ARLINGTON — Infielder Mike Olt has been named the winner of the 2012 Tom Grieve Award as the Rangers' top Minor League player. He will be honored at the Dr. Pepper Awards Show, which will be held next Friday at the Arlington Convention Center.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball and ESPN
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Blue Jays claim righty Beck off waivers — The Blue Jays added a familiar face back to the organization on Friday, claiming right-hander Chad Beck off waivers from the Pirates. — Beck wasn't even gone from the Toronto organization long enough to be missed. The Pirates claimed Beck off waivers from the Blue Jays on Oct. 25.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
Roch Kubatko / School of Roch:
Showalter nearing agreement on contract extension — Orioles owner Peter G. Angelos and Buck Showalter are meeting again today to discuss the manager's contract extension, and an announcement could be made early next week, according to an industry source. — Showalter is flying …
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CBSSports.com Sports News …, SI Tracking Blog, MLB Rumors, HardballTalk and MLB Daily Dish
Jeff Schuler / Morning Call:
Catasauqua's Anthony Recker ready for fresh start with New York Mets — The 29-year-old former Rough Rider hopes to land a spot on New York's Opening Day roster. — Pin It — Anthony Recker takes batting practice with the Oakland Athletics before a game against the New York Yankees on August 23, 2011 in Yankee Stadium.
Discussion:
Metsblog and MLB Rumors
Daniel Dale / Toronto Star:
Jose Canseco considers run against Rob Ford to be Toronto mayor — Jose Canseco outlined his potential platform in tweets to the Star at 1:17 a.m. on Friday. “Ford too much trouble to be effective,” he wrote. “Gotta fix budget, traffic, get new $ not from taxes, get more new businesses, and help schools.”
Discussion:
Drunk Jays Fans