Top News:
Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com:
Sandoval, Ramirez agree to Red Sox deals; Boston pulls free agent sweep — Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez have agreed to deals to join the Red Sox, completing a stunning free-agent double play. — Sandoval will receive close to $100 million for five years, people familiar with the deal say.
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Gordon Edes / ESPN:
Hanley Ramirez, Red Sox agree — The Boston Red Sox agreed with Hanley Ramirez Monday on a four-year, $88 million deal with a vesting fifth year for an additional $22 million, according to a major league source. — Ramirez, who turns 31 on Dec. 23, has primarily played shortstop through …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
ESPN:
Agent confirms Sandoval to sign with Boston — Pablo Sandoval has an agreement in place with the Boston Red Sox, the free-agent third baseman's agent confirmed. — “Yes, we have an agreement with the Red Sox and we're on our way to Boston,” Sandoval's agent, Gustavo Vasquez …
Discussion:
Surviving Grady, MLB Daily Dish and NESN.com
Associated Press:
Giants postseason share sets mark — NEW YORK — A full postseason share for the World Series champion Giants was worth a record $388,606, topping the previous mark of $370,873 set by San Francisco two years ago. — San Francisco's total was up from $307,323 for the Boston Red Sox last year.
Discussion:
ESPN
ESPN:
Report: Boston, Ramirez finalizing $90M deal
Report: Boston, Ramirez finalizing $90M deal
Discussion:
U-T San Diego stories, Seattle Mariners blog and ESPN
Dave Cameron / FanGraphs Baseball:
Hanley Ramirez and the Logjam in Boston
Hanley Ramirez and the Logjam in Boston
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Ramirez headed to Boston to sign long-term deal with Red Sox
Ramirez headed to Boston to sign long-term deal with Red Sox
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles, Bless You Boys, True Blue LA, Deadspin, CBSSports.com and New Jersey Online
Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:
Red Sox Finalizing Deal With Hanley Ramirez
Red Sox Finalizing Deal With Hanley Ramirez
Discussion:
The LoHud Yankees Blog, Full Count, Metsblog, Amazin' Avenue and FanGraphs Baseball
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Ramirez-to-Red Sox rumblings gaining momentum
Ramirez-to-Red Sox rumblings gaining momentum
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and New Jersey Online
Paul Casella / MLB.com:
In third year on ballot, catcher joined by former Mets Pedro, Sheff, Delgado, Kent — MLB.com writers Marty Noble, Barry Bloom and Mike Bauman share their thoughts on Mike Piazza falling short of election for the Hall of Fame — NEW YORK — Mike Piazza is hoping the third time is the charm …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, Bleed Cubbie Blue, Royals Review, Amazin' Avenue and Metsblog
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Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
Big Unit, Pedro, Smoltz headline Hall of Fame ballot — Take a look back at Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Gary Sheffield and John Smoltz's incredible careers en route to the 2015 HOF election — For a second consecutive year, the National Baseball Hall of Fame player ballot …
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Mariners, Kyle Seager Agree To Seven-Year, $100MM Extension — The Mariners and third baseman Kyle Seager are on the verge of completing a seven-year, $100MM extension, reports Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. The contract contains an option for an eighth season which could be worth as much as $20MM …
Discussion:
U.S.S. Mariner, Lookout Landing, MLB Daily Dish, Athletics Nation, HardballTalk, Amazin' Avenue and Lone Star Ball
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ESPN.com:
M's give Kyle Seager $100M deal — The Seattle Mariners and third baseman Kyle Seager have agreed to a seven-year, $100 million deal that includes an option for an eighth year, a league source confirmed to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. — The deal was earlier reported by Yahoo! Sports.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Roch Kubatko / School of Roch:
Melky Cabrera a “fallback option” for the Orioles — So, how do you feel about Melky Cabrera? — I'm just curious, since I've heard from multiple people that he's a “fallback option” for the Orioles if they can't re-sign Nick Markakis. His name has been discussed. He's on the radar, as the kids say.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, CBSSports.com, MLB Trade Rumors, Hot Stove and Camden Chat
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Released: Jose Molina, Cole Figueroa, Ramon Cabrera — Here are the day's minor moves ... - The Rays have placed catcher Jose Molina and infielder Cole Figueroa on release waivers, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link). Both were designated for assignment recently.
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
Jerry Crasnick / MLB:
Outfielder Willingham retires ‘on own terms’ — Josh Willingham is retiring from baseball after an 11-year major league career, the outfielder told ESPN.com on Monday. — Willingham, 35, hit .253 with 195 home runs during a career that included stints with the Florida Marlins …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Royals Review
Jayson Addcox / MLB.com:
Molina considers Sandoval ‘like a son’ — SAN FRANCISCO — When catcher Bengie Molina broke into the Major Leagues with the Anaheim Angels in 1999, he wasn't fortunate to find a mentor in the clubhouse. — Molina learned what he could from former Angels catchers Phil Nevin …
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles