Top News:
David Lennon / Newsday:
New spin on things — Mysterious gyroball may or may not be an actual Matsuzaka pitch — OSAKA, Japan — Ask anyone here about Daisuke Matsuzaka's arsenal of pitches, and the superlatives flow. But when the conversation shifts to the "gyroball" — something that seems to exist …
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Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Howard's clutch homer sparks MLB — OSAKA, Japan — Perhaps the loaded lineup of Major League Baseball had done so much damage in the first three games of this Japan All-Star Series that Nippon Professional Baseball finally reached the point of pure fear. — For, in Game 4, NPB's pitching staff nibbled all night, issuing 10 walks.
Discussion:
Philliesflow
USA Today:
D-Mat auction may be pitched battle — The name is Daisuke Matsuzaka. — But he's already prepared his nickname — D-Mat. — He is scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning, and by the end of the day may know the city where his American dream could begin.
Murray Chass / New York Times:
Asians Give Major Leagues More Options to Consider — The season may be over, but this is international week in Major League Baseball. — A major league all-star team is finishing a five-game series in Japan against Japanese all-stars; teams are submitting huge bids for a Japanese pitcher …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Valentine loving life in Japan — Former Mets skipper entrenched in new land — OSAKA, Japan — Wearing a stylish grey suit and looking significantly younger than he did at the end of his tenure with the Mets, Bobby Valentine roamed the field during batting practice on Tuesday …
Gregg Doyel / CBS SportsLine.com:Chase for Japan's Matsuzaka a fool's game
Discussion:
It's Outta Here!
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Keeping team intact — Delgado won't seek trade and Minaya works to retain Glavine, Willie — Change will come to the Mets this offseason, but this early in November, the focus still is on retaining their own players. Yesterday, the team announced that Carlos Delgado will return without exercising …
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Associated Press:
Mets: Delgado decides against filing trade demand — NEW YORK — Carlos Delgado is so happy with the Mets that he doesn't want to leave New York. — Delgado decided against filing a trade demand, the Mets said Monday, preferring to stick with the team that took him to the playoffs for the first time in his big-league career.
Christian Red / NY Daily News:
No deal! Delgado digs in for Met stay — It's difficult for Mets fans to imagine Carlos Delgado demanding a trade after the All-Star caliber debut season he had in Flushing, including his first trip to the playoffs. Delgado hit .351 with four homers and 11 RBI in 10 postseason games …
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Yankees Pick Up the Option on Sheffield — Gary Sheffield reported to spring training in February eager for the Yankees to exercise his $13 million option for 2007. General Manager Brian Cashman told Sheffield he expected to do so, and yesterday, he did. — The circumstances are different now …
Discussion:
Replacement Level …
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Jim Baumbach / Newsday:
Will Sheff trade list matter? — Gary Sheffield had tried his best to intimidate the Yankees into setting him free, but that didn't work. They announced yesterday that they have picked up his $13-million option for 2007. — Now Sheffield is trying a new tactic to determine his fate.
kcbs.com:
Plans Underway For New Stadium In Fremont — OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS) — KCBS has learned that the Oakland Athletics will soon announce plans to move the club to Fremont, and build a new stadium complex there. — KCBS sports anchor Steve Bitker broke the story Monday morning …
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nats Sign 21 Minor Leaguers; Paciorek Won't Return to TV — The Washington Nationals, in desperate need of pitching at all levels and intent on improving what has long been a thin minor league system, yesterday announced the signings of 21 minor league free agents — including 13 pitchers …
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Baseball America:
Baltimore Orioles — Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel. All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.
Jason Williams / TwinCities.com:
Surgery goes well for Liriano — Twins all-star pitcher Francisco Liriano underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow Monday without any complications, general manager Terry Ryan said. — Dr. Lewis Yocum performed the 90-minute procedure in Los Angeles. Twins orthopedist Dr. John Steubs assisted him.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Sox close to re-signing Cora — Infielder may get two-year contract — With the Red Sox' middle-infield situation up in the air for 2007, team sources indicate that they are closing in on a two-year deal with Alex Cora, which should protect the Sox in case of an injury or if their offseason pursuits fall short.
Discussion:
Surviving Grady
Associated Press:
Pettitte, Clemens file for free agency — NEW YORK (AP) — Houston teammates Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte filed for free agency Monday, still unsure whether they want to pitch next year. — Clemens said he planned to retire after the 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons, but came back each time to sign with his hometown Houston Astros.
