Top News:
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Nationals To Sign Rafael Soriano — The Nationals agreed to sign free agent closer Rafael Soriano to a two-year, $28MM contract, Yahoo's Jeff Passan reports (Twitter links). Soriano will receive $7MM in 2013, $7MM in 2014 and the remaining $14MM in deferred payments from 2018-2025, reports Jim Bowden of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
Discussion:
HardballTalk, NESN.com, Federal Baseball, Pinstriped Bible, The LoHud Yankees Blog, MLB Daily Dish and Yahoo! Sports
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Adam Kilgore / Nationals Journal:
Nationals agree to terms with Rafael Soriano [UPDATED] — The Nationals agreed to terms with closer Rafael Soriano, a person familiar with the situation said, a stunning, blockbuster addition to the back end of their bullpen. — The sides reached a two-year, $28 million contract …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
ESPN:
Francona Book: Red Sox Owners Big On Image — NEW YORK — The owners of the Boston Red Sox were preoccupied with sagging TV ratings and hired marketing consultants who urged the team to place a greater emphasis on “good-looking stars” and “sex symbols,” according to an excerpt from a book co-authored …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, Boston Globe and Red Sox Monster
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Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Francona: Red Sox owners don't love baseball — Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona and Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy have a book coming out Jan. 22. — “Francona: The Red Sox Years” does not paint the Red Sox ownership group in a favorable light. — Via Sports Illustrated …
Discussion:
Surviving Grady and ESPN
Arizona Republic:
Putz extended; Hill next? ; Upton Abbey; & other stuff — J.J. Putz has said he wants to finish his career with the Diamondbacks. The deal he agreed to on Monday may or may not take him that far, but it will at least get him one year closer. — Putz, whose $6.5 million option for 2013 …
Discussion:
Baseball News Source, HardballTalk, MLB Rumors and MLB Daily Dish
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Jonah Keri / ESPN.com - null:
Have the Diamondbacks Lost Their Leverage With Justin Upton?
Have the Diamondbacks Lost Their Leverage With Justin Upton?
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit and HardballTalk
Chris Haft / MLB.com:
Vogelsong to join Team USA for 2013 Classic — SAN FRANCISCO — If America really is the land of opportunity, then Ryan Vogelsong is an ideal choice for Team USA. — The Giants right-hander has committed to play for the United States in the World Baseball Classic, joining a provisional roster …
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles
RELATED:
Alden Gonzalez / Gonzo and ‘The Show’:
Angels, Williams avoid arbitration ... The Angels and pitcher Jerome Williams have agreed on a $2 million contract for 2013, thus avoiding arbitration for the 31-year-old right-hander, a source told MLB.com on Tuesday. — Williams, who isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2014 season …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, HardballTalk, MLB Rumors and MLB Daily Dish
Ben Cafardo / ESPN MediaZone:
ESPN's Star-Studded 2013 Sunday Night Baseball Schedule — Appearances by Triple Crown Winner & AL MVP Cabrera, NL MVP Posey, Kemp, Hamilton, Ortiz, Cano — Multiple Appearances by Defending World Champion Giants, AL Champion Tigers — Rivalry Games Highlighted by Angels/Rangers, Dodgers/Giants, Cardinals/Cubs, Yankees/Red Sox
Discussion:
The Good Phight, Getting Blanked, Bless You Boys and baseballmusings.com
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Ellis, Belisario file for arbitration as Super Twos — LOS ANGELES — Starting catcher A.J. Ellis and reliever Ronald Belisario are the two Dodgers that filed for salary arbitration on Tuesday, both earning the right as “Super Twos.” — Ellis, 31, is coming off his first year as a regular …
Discussion:
True Blue LA
Mark Saxon / ESPN:
Dodgers expect Crawford to play Opening Day — LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers got an update on the health of left fielder Carl Crawford on Tuesday, indicating he has begun a throwing program, making it more likely he would be ready by Opening Day. — Crawford underwent reconstructive surgery …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Michael Baron / Metsblog:
Interest intensifying for Kyle Farnsworth - Mets still looking for relievers — Interest in RHP Kyle Farnsworth is intensifying now that Rafael Soriano signed with the Nationals, and Farnsworth has narrowed his choices from six teams to three, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Discussion:
The Process Report and MLB Daily Dish
Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com:
Furcal's health critical to middle infield's success — Cards optimistic shortstop will start year healthy; second base up for grabs … The Cardinals entered the offseason with limited question marks, the result of which has been minimal offseason activities.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Giants Could Re-Sign Lincecum — Tim Lincecum struggled often in 2012, but the Giants haven't given up on him long-term, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports (Twitter links). In fact, the prospect of re-signing Lincecum next offseason, when he's eligible for free agency for the first time …
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles
Joe Frisaro / The Fish Pond:
Green agrees to Minor League deal — MIAMI — The Marlins have added a veteran candidate to compete for their utility role. — Nick Green, who was with the organization in 2012, has agreed to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training. The 34-year-old will have an excellent chance …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, HardballTalk and MLB Daily Dish