Top News:
David Lennon / Newsday:
Second choice not tops — Mixed reviews on Igawa after so-so effort against major leaguers — OSAKA, Japan - As the hype surrounding Daisuke Matsuzaka has escalated, many teams were beginning to believe that the Hanshin Tigers' Kei Igawa might be a more attractive pitching option.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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Chris De Luca / Chicago Sun Times:
Cubs are bid players in Matsuzaka derby — As the Cubs continue with their busier-than-usual organizational meetings this week in Mesa, Ariz., they will take a break today to monitor the bidding on Japanese right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka. — Sources say the Cubs are among the bidders …
Discussion:
The View From The Bleachers
Jeff Zrebiec / Associated Press:
Benson likely to stay with O's in 2007 … It appears that Kris Benson will be in the Orioles' 2007 rotation, with his agent saying Tuesday that the right-hander is unlikely to exercise his contractual right to demand a trade. — However, as expected, the five-man rotation probably won't include Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Suspended Mota still might be in plans for pen — The Mets still have significant interest in re-signing Guillermo Mota, despite last week's revelation that the reliever will miss the first 50 games of 2007 after failing a test for performance-enhancing drugs.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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Murray Chass / New York Times:
Mets Mull Prospects for Pitching — When Carlos Delgado signed with Florida as a free agent two years ago, he said he chose the Marlins over the Mets because he felt they had a better chance of getting to the World Series. Delgado is a top-notch run producer, but a top-notch prognosticator he is not.
Associated Press:
Former star pitcher Johnny Sain dead at 89 — DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (AP) — Johnny Sain, a three-time All-Star who teamed with Warren Spahn to make up one of baseball's most fabled pitching tandems, died Tuesday. He was 89. — Sain's best year was 1948, when he and Hall of Famer Spahn led …
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Mailbag: In defense of Crede — Beat reporter Scott Merkin answers fans' questions … Could you explain to me why the Gold Glove is a popularity contest? Defensively, Joe Crede was the best third baseman in the American League, not Oakland's Eric Chavez. — Lawrence, Indianapolis
Discussion:
Black Sox Blog
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Associated Press:
Red Sox will not pick up Foulke's option — CBS SportsLine.com wire reports — BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox will not exercise their $7.5 million option on reliever Keith Foulke, the star closer on their 2004 World Series championship team who struggled with injuries and inconsistency the past two seasons.
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Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Colletti announces staff reorganization — Dodgers general manager hires special assistant — LOS ANGELES — Ned Colletti, almost one year after being named general manager, apparently has finished the reorganization of his staff with the announcement Tuesday of several promotions and the hiring of a special assistant.
Discussion:
Dem Bums
Jan Hubbard / Dallas Star-Telegram:
Hiring raises energy level — ARLINGTON - If there is one attribute readily evident in Ron Washington, it is that he makes people want to give. — That would be an asset in any endeavor but should serve him well as he takes over as manager of the Rangers and attempts to calm a clubhouse …
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Gregg G. / Gregg Gethard's Amazing Personal Journey:
Darryl Strawberry: Live And In Person — "We used to tag-team women. I know all you dudes in here know what I mean when I say that. We used to laugh about it, but now I know it was really wrong." — That sentence was uttered today by Darryl Strawberry, the star player on the world champion …
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Towers' option picked up for 2008 — Padres Chief Executive Officer Sandy Alderson said Tuesday night he has picked up the option on General Manager Kevin Towers for 2008, guaranteeing Towers a seven-figure income for that year. — When Alderson took over as CEO in May 2005 …
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ESPN:
Report: Gooden scheduled to be released from prison — GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Former baseball star Dwight Gooden is set to be released from prison Thursday after finishing a sentence for violating his probation by using cocaine. — "He's eager to get home and see his family again," …
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Dick Kaegel / MLB.com:
Redman is Royals' Pitcher of the Year — Left-hander makes splash in first, and perhaps final, year in KC — KANSAS CITY — It might or might not have been Mark Redman's only season with the Royals but, by golly, he made it a good one. — Redman, after leading the Royals with 11 victories …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nationals bolster scouting department — Washington adds 10 scouts, extend Brown's contract — WASHINGTON — The Nationals/Expos had a small scouting staff due to their limited budget from 2002-05, and could not afford to travel to Latin America or Asia to scout potential big-league players.
Fox Sports:
Expect a bidding war for Japan's Matsuzaka — The days are shorter, the temperatures are dropping, and NBA games are infecting the television. — In baseball, that means it's almost open season on free agents. — So to get you ready for one of the most frantic (and expensive) …
