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Morse strongly opposes being a DH — There is a problem for any American League team that intends to acquire Nationals left fielder Mike Morse and use him often as a designated hitter. — Morse strongly opposes being a DH, according to major-league sources. — The issue, sources say, will carry weight for some AL clubs.
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Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Nationals Sign Adam LaRoche — 3:23pm: The Nationals announced that the deal is now official. — 12:02pm: The deal is worth $24MM and includes a mutual option, Amanda Comak of the Washington Times reports. LaRoche obtains $10MM in 2013, $12MM in 2014 and a $2MM buyout for a 2015 mutual option.
Amanda Comak / Washington Times:
Adam LaRoche, Nationals agree to 2-year deal, source says — The Washington Nationals accomplished one of their primary offseason goals Tuesday morning when first baseman Adam LaRoche agreed to terms on a two-year contract that guarantees him $24 million, according to a source with knowledge of the agreement.
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Adam Kilgore / Nationals Journal:
Adam LaRoche, Nationals agree to terms (Updated) — The Nationals and Adam LaRoche ended their offseason-long stalemate and agreed to terms on a two-year contract, according to a person familiar with the deal. (Update, 4:17 p.m.: LaRoche passed his physical, and the Nationals officially announced …
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Michael Baron / Metsblog:
Nationals re-sign Adam LaRoche, what does that mean for Michael Morse? — Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post says the Nationals have agreed to re-sign Adam LaRoche. — Amanda Comak of the Washington Times says the two sides agreed to a two-year, $24 million contract with a $12 million mutual option …
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Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Derek Jeter should be ready for 2013 Opening Day after having surgery on injured left ankle — Captain should be set to go by time season rolls around, though he has not yet run. Meanwhile, the Mets may have interest in former Yankee Carl Pavano. — New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter …
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New York Post:
Mets, Yanks eye 1 year of Hairston
Mets, Yanks eye 1 year of Hairston
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T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Rangers haven't ruled out adding Bourn, Lohse — GM Daniels is happy with current roster, but could go after pair of free agents — ARLINGTON — New Rangers designated hitter Lance Berkman is a former teammate of both free-agent outfielder Michael Bourn and pitcher Kyle Lohse.
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Roch Kubatko / School of Roch:
Sifting through more rumors — If it brings any comfort at all, executive vice president Dan Duquette hasn't stopped trying to add a starting pitcher or a hitter for the middle of the lineup. — The effort is there. It's the results that are lacking. — Again, the Orioles aren't choosing to stand pat.
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Joel Sherman / New York Post:
A-Rod's doc reveals playoffs were lost cause, chronic pain not from 'roids & hope for healthy July return — The doctor scheduled to perform the upcoming hip surgery on Alex Rodriguez declared the injury had zero to do with steroids, but everything to do with A-Rod's impotent October.
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Andy McCullough / New Jersey Online:
Why Mets won't pursue free-agent outfielder Michael Bourn — So it's Jan. 8, five weeks away from spring training, and Michael Bourn still hasn't signed with a team. Atlanta gave $75 million to B.J. Upton. The Angels shelled out $125 million for Josh Hamilton. No team has doled out a dime for Bourn.
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Brian T. Smith / Ultimate Astros:
Role with Astros is Clemens' for taking — Seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens is on the verge of taking an active role with the Astros. — Clemens, 50, is scheduled to meet Monday with general manager Jeff Luhnow. The Astros plan to open their 2013 schedule to Clemens …
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Tom Verducci / Sports Illustrated:
Hall Of Justice — Even Mark McGwire knows he's a longshot for the Hall of Fame, despite his prodigious home run totals. — A quarter of a century after the disgrace of Ben Johnson at the Seoul Olympics, more than a decade after the single season home run record was corrupted six times in four years …
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Corey Brock / MLB.com:
Padres invite 21 non-roster players to camp — SAN DIEGO — The Padres announced on Monday that they have extended Major League Spring Training invitations to 21 players. — The list of non-roster invitees includes 12 pitchers — 11 right-handers, one left-hander — four infielders, one outfielder and four catchers.
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MLB.com:
Brewers sign lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez — Free Agent Agrees to One-Year Deal — MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers signed free agent left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez to a one-year contract today. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team designated right-handed pitcher Arcenio Leon for assignment.
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