Top News:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Kabuki Auction: Bidding Intrigue Behind the Scenes — Like a toll on a turnpike or a personal seat license at a new stadium, an upfront fee is required these days for a 26-year-old ace pitcher from Japan. — The bidding for Daisuke Matsuzaka has begun, and no one knows quite how high it will go.
Discussion:
The Griddle
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Mark Hale / New York Post:
AMAZIN'S PLAN TO BID FOR MATSUZAKA — The Mets anticipate trying to land Daisuke Matsuzaka's rights by offering a bid for the Japanese star right-hander, according to a person with knowledge of the team's plans. — Matsuzaka hit the market Thursday and bids by MLB teams are due by Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Jan Hubbard / Dallas Star-Telegram:
RANGERS NOTES — Rangers close in on decision time
RANGERS NOTES — Rangers close in on decision time
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Cameron wins Gold, then asks for Baker — Center fielder 'big fan' of manager candidate — Awarded a Gold Glove yesterday, Padres center fielder Mike Cameron knows who the perfect catch would be in the club's managerial search. — "This is my opportunity to vouch for Dusty Baker," an excited Cameron told San Diego reporters.
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball
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Andrew Baggarly / Contra Costa Times:
Bonds' act was a big problem for the Giants — The prevailing opinion is that the Giants will seek to re-sign Barry Bonds, who needs 22 home runs to break the all-time record, but sources said the club is weighing many factors. — Money is only one factor.
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Joe Cowley / Chicago Sun Times:
Sox' ailing Anderson back home — Brian Anderson has no idea what the ramifications of his decision to leave Winter League play will be, but the White Sox outfielder wasn't terribly concerned with that Friday. — After developing some sort of stomach virus that dropped his weight 15 pounds …
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Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Sox take a flier on fading top prospect — The White Sox hope to rehabilitate the troubled career of Luis Terrero, once a top prospect, after signing him to a one-year contract Friday. — He has been released twice and suspended twice already, but the 26-year-old outfielder …
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Associated Press:
Sosa eyes return to big leagues, 600 home runs — SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Sammy Sosa, 12 home runs shy of 600, said he wants to return to the big leagues in 2007 after taking a year off and contemplating retirement. — "I feel good physically, and after a year of resting …
Steve Henson / Los Angeles Times:
Re-signing Maddux could become tricky — Other roster concerns could make deal for him unmanageable; team declines Gagne's option. — Greg Maddux won his 16th Gold Glove award Friday and needs one more to break a tie with Jim Kaat and Brooks Robinson for the most at any position.
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Don Burke / New Jersey Online:
Mets target Cards' Mulder — On a day Pedro Martinez hinted he might never come back, the Mets expressed interest in a potential replacement: free-agent pitcher Mark Mulder. — According to a person familiar with the situation, the Mets made a brief contact with Mulder's camp to express interest …
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
John wants to be Mets' Maine-stay — TOKYO - John Maine had not pitched in a game in 16 days, since he tossed 5-1/3 scoreless innings against eventual world champion St. Louis in Game 6 of the NLCS with the Mets facing elimination. — Then came the last-minute call to his Virginia home …
Discussion:
Mike's Mets
Michael Echan / MLB.com:
Morgan, Young are off and running — Duo has combined for 24 steals in winter-league action — Eric Young Jr. and Nyjer Morgan are making life difficult on opposing catchers in the Hawaii Winter League. — The 26-year-old Morgan, a left fielder for the Honolulu Sharks, leads the league with 13 stolen bases.
Tim Leonard / MLB.com:
Brown still hot in Arizona Fall League — Angels prospect showing talent at the plate in the desert — Matt Brown showed he could hit for power and average at Double-A Arkansas this season. The third baseman batted .293 with 19 home runs and 79 RBIs in 134 games for the Travelers.
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Howard's homers power MLB in win — TOKYO — Ryan Howard spent his morning and early afternoon on Saturday playing the part of a Tokyo tourist. Along with his mother, sister and several other MLB stars, Howard saw the historic Kannon Temple, did some shopping on Nakamise Street and took a cruise through the Sumida River.
Mark Hale / New York Post:
I MIGHT QUIT — PEDRO: RETIREMENT COULD BE AN OPTION — Pedro Martinez raised the possibility yesterday that he is done as a major leaguer. — The Mets ace had surgery last month to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, and he is not expected back to the Mets until July 2007, at best.
NY Daily News:
Sheff's lookin' cooked — Moose is near pact — While the Yankees were getting a head start yesterday on plotting Gary Sheffield's path out of New York, they were also close to finalizing a deal that would keep Mike Mussina in pinstripes for the next two seasons.
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