Top News:
Jim Street / MLB.com:
'Mad Dog' ties 'Kitty's' record — Maddux's 16th selection headlines NL Gold Glovers — The glitter associated with the St. Louis Cardinals' first World Series championship in 24 years became a little brighter on Friday when the National League Gold Glove Awards were announced …
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue, Luck O' The Redbirds, Can't Stop The Bleeding, Baseball Musings, FishStripes and Purple Row
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Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Beltran takes home first Gold Glove — Mets center fielder made just two errors in 372 chances in '06 — NEW YORK — Carlos Beltran has often been named as one of baseball's top defensive outfielders. The next time he patrols the Shea Stadium outfield, he'll have some serious hardware to back up that reputation.
Discussion:
The Eddie Kranepool Society
Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Rolen, Pujols join Gold Glove parade — Third baseman makes return to honor; slugger wins his first — ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols may have to add a new shelf in his trophy case. Scott Rolen will simply have to clear a little more room in an already well-populated area of his.
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Andruw proves golden once again — Veteran center fielder wins ninth straight Gold Glove — ATLANTA — Last year it seemed Andruw Jones was garnering a different postseason award on a daily basis. With little surprise, his only such honor this year is the same one he's annually garnered since he was 21 years old.
ESPN:
Maddux joins Kaat, Robinson with most Gold Gloves — Jim Kaat and Brooks Robinson have held the record for the most Rawlings Gold Glove Awards for nearly 30 years. But now they have company. — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Greg Maddux tied Kaat and Robinson with his 16th Rawlings Gold Glove Award …
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
Dave Studeman / Hardball Times:
Buster Olney Doesn't Get It Again — Buster Olney wrote an ESPN column today (subscription required) about the latest Gold Glove awards and how difficult it is to evaluate fielding. He tells an interesting story of how coaches make their Gold Glove choices off the top of their heads …
Steve Gilbert / MLB.com:
Hudson captures second Gold Glove — Honor comes in infielder's first season with National League — PHOENIX — Throughout the 2006 season, Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin made his feelings about second baseman Orlando Hudson clear. — "Defensively, for me, he's the best out there," Melvin said.
Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Cameron wins third Gold Glove — Outfielder honored for his defensive prowess in the field — SAN DIEGO — For the first time since the late Ken Caminiti was saving runs at third base in 1997, the Padres have a Gold Glove winner. — Center fielder Mike Cameron earned that distinction …
Mike Scarr / MLB.com:
K-Rod wins Rolaids Relief Man Award — Angels hurler honored as American League's best reliever — ANAHEIM — Francisco Rodriguez hauled in his second piece of hardware for 2006 by winning the Rolaids Relief Man Award for the American League. — Already named Fireman of the Year by The Sporting News …
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Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Hoffman picks up Rolaids Relief honor — All-time saves king wins award for second time — For the second time in his career, the Padres' Trevor Hoffman has claimed the Rolaids Relief Man Award. — Hoffman, who became the Major Leagues' all-time saves leader with 482 this season …
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball
Associated Press:
Dodgers decline $12 million option on Gagne — LOS ANGELES — Eric Gagne's $12 million option was declined Friday by the Los Angeles Dodgers, making the former NL Cy Young Award winner a free agent. — The Dodgers will pay $1 million to buy out the final year of Gagne's contract …
Discussion:
Dodger Thoughts
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Associated Press:
Martinez: Retirement possible if shoulder doesn't heal — SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Pedro Martinez says if his right shoulder doesn't return to full strength, he would consider retiring. — Martinez missed the latter part of the season for the New York Mets with a calf injury …
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Dave Campbell / Associated Press:
Liriano to have major elbow surgery, miss next season — MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Francisco Liriano and the Minnesota Twins were afraid of this: His left elbow needs major surgery, and the pitching sensation is expected to miss the 2007 season. — Liriano found out Friday that he requires Tommy John surgery …
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Associated Press:
La Russa, the movie? Screenplay in the works — ST. LOUIS — Tony La Russa has gone Hollywood. — The New York Times best-seller "3 Nights in August," based on a 2003 series against the Chicago Cubs and delving into La Russa's managing style, may soon be made into a screenplay.
Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
Giants open talks with Bonds — San Francisco has yet to make offer, but slugger in no hurry — The Giants have opened preliminary discussions with Barry Bonds, a baseball source close to the talks said Friday. — The Giants can exclusively negotiate with the left-handed slugger …
Marc Jimenez / MLB.com:
Cook adds two homers to AFL totals — White Sox prospects continue fall, winter seasons — David Cook continues to be hot and cold during his stay in the Arizona Fall League. The Ohio native ended last week on a high note, going 8-for-20 with two homers, three RBIs and five runs scored.
Discussion:
South Side Sox
