Top News:
Associated Press:
Dodgers outfielder Drew opts out of contract — LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder J.D. Drew opted out of the final three years of his contract Thursday, making him eligible to become a free agent. — "He led the club in RBIs. You just don't snap your fingers and find another player like that …
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Associated Press:
Yankees insisting that Steinbrenner is in good health — NEW YORK — Yankees officials insisted George Steinbrenner was in good health, a day after Gary Sheffield said his future with New York would be secure if the owner's condition was better. — Steinbrenner fainted last month …
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Mark Feinsand / MLB.com:
Yanks brush aside Sheffield's remarks — Officials have little to say about veteran's latest comments — STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Gary Sheffield's latest comments didn't put much of a scare in the Yankees, as team executives brushed off the outfielder's latest jabs at the organization.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats likely to build from within in '07 — Club not expected to pursue big-name free agents this winter — WASHINGTON — For the second consecutive year, the Nationals finished fifth in the National League East. This time, pitching and a lack of defense and fundamentals were the reasons the team lost 91 games in 2006.
Discussion:
Oleanders and Morning Glories
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats could pick new skipper next week — Mets third-base coach Acta appears to be top candidate — WASHINGTON — The Nationals are expected to make a final decision on their new manager during the general managers meetings in Naples, Fla., sometime next week, according to a baseball source …
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Cardinals close to bringing back Edmonds — The World Series champion Cardinals, facing a deadline to decide on Jim Edmonds' future, are close to signing the center fielder to a two-year contract, FOXSports.com has learned. — Edmonds' average salary in the deal is expected to be comparable …
Discussion:
Luck O' The Redbirds
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
No big hike in payroll likely for 2007 — Alfonso Soriano won't get the free-agent money he's looking for from the Florida Marlins. You can bank on the Marlins not having the high bid in the Daisuke Matsuzaka posting process either. — In spite of a 2006 team that performed better than most anticipated …
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Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Marlins ready for GM Meetings — With limited resources, Beinfest will be creative in '07 — MIAMI — With limited financial resources, the Marlins are not expected to make major free-agent signings. But retaining some of their standouts from this past season remains a priority.
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs' Miller back with 1-year deal — Incentives could bring up to $5.25 million — The Wade Miller experiment will continue one more year, though the Cubs hope to get a better return on their investment in 2007. — Miller, a 30-year-old right-hander, agreed to a one-year …
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Associated Press:
Tigers name Lloyd McClendon hitting coach — DETROIT - Former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon was named hitting coach of the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. — McClendon, who last year served as Detroit's bullpen coach, replaces Don Slaught, another former Pirate who six days ago announced …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
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Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Crede decides against back surgery — Sox medical staff given top honor by Baseball Prospectus — CHICAGO — When questioned on the final day of the 2006 regular season, Joe Crede seemed to be leaning toward offseason rehab over microsurgery to strengthen two herniated discs in his back.
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Reds release updated ticket info — Slight changes to pricing in advance of sales open — CINCINNATI — Ticket prices for the Reds' 2007 home schedule at Great American Ball Park were revealed on Thursday, with some changes from the 2006 season. — Outer view level seats will remain …
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Rangers focused on pair of needs — Two veteran starting pitchers, center fielder on Texas' wish list — ARLINGTON — The Rangers are ready and willing to go with a 2007 lineup that includes Brad Wilkerson in left field, Nelson Cruz in right field and Gerald Laird as their No. 1 catcher.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Zito contacts new Rangers skipper — Washington says the lefty is considering Texas this offseason — ARLINGTON — New Rangers manager Ron Washington has been hearing from many old friends since being hired on Sunday. — Among those who called was free-agent pitcher Barry Zito.
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