Top News:
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Verlander wins AL Rookie of the Year — Tigers' flame-throwing right-hander honored by BBWAA — DETROIT — Justin Verlander was already considered the best rookie in the American League according to two separate polls of players. On Monday, however, was the most prestigious honor of all.
Discussion:
6-4-2, Tiger Tales, Pending Pinstripes, Baseball Musings, Bless You Boys, Mack Avenue Tigers, Talking Chop and It's Outta Here!
RELATED ITEMS:
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Ramirez named NL Rookie of the Year — Hanley nips Zimmerman for BBWAA honor — MIAMI — To fully appreciate Hanley Ramirez's rookie season, some historical perspective is needed. — The gifted 22-year-old Marlins shortstop posted some first-year numbers that rival some of the game's all-time greats.
Associated Press:
Tigers' Verlander, Marlins' Ramirez are top rookies — NEW YORK — Hanley Ramirez of the Florida Marlins won a tight race for NL Rookie of the Year, and Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander took home the AL award Monday. — Ramirez beat out Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman …
Discussion:
Baseball Crank, Bucs Dugout, Bay City Ball, Batter's Box Interactive … and Bleed Cubbie Blue
ESPN:
Sources: Red Sox bid high of $42M for Matsuzaka — The Red Sox bid $42 million for the right to negotiate with prized Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, sources told ESPN's Peter Gammons. Boston's bid far exceeded any other team's offer. — Matsuzaka will learn Tuesday whether …
RELATED ITEMS:
Sports Illustrated:
Boston places highest Matsuzaka bid — Red Sox have 30 days to negotiate contract with ace — NAPLES, Fla. — The Boston Red Sox have won negotiating rights for Japanese League star Daisuke Matsuzaka, SI.com has confirmed. — The winning bid is thought to be for between $34 million and $38 million.
Chris Constancio / Hardball Times:
When Will Daisuke Matsuzaka's Arm Fall Off? — Where will Daisuke Matsuzaka go? How good will he be? We will all probably know which MLB organization won the bidding for the Seibu Lions star pitcher by Monday evening, and the high cost of the acquisition is sure to inspire plenty of hot stove debates.
Discussion:
U.S.S. Mariner
Ronald Blum / Associated Press:
Baseball GMs gather in Fla. for meetings — NEW YORK —With the free-agent market open for business, major league general managers gathered in Naples, Fla., for their annual meetings. — Aramis Ramirez decided not to pursue the free-agent market, agreeing Sunday to a five-year …
Discussion:
Associated Press
RELATED ITEMS:
Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:
Willis' fate could be decided soon — Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis has spent his off-season getting ready for one of the biggest moves of his life: He's getting married next month. — But a wedding might not be the only change in store for him this winter.
RELATED ITEMS:
Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
GM Meetings under way in Naples — Rule changes will be discussed, rumors will be rampant — NAPLES, Fla. — General managers and their assistants from each of the 30 Major League clubs gathered here on Monday morning for their annual meetings, which will be ongoing for the next four days.
RELATED ITEMS:
Bob Klapisch / ESPN:
Steinbrenner wielded his power in signing Contreras — The insult, delivered from Fenway and fired straight to the Bronx, reached all the way to Tampa on Thursday where Yankees owner George Steinbrenner's anger bubbled close to the surface. So say members of the Yankees front office …
RELATED ITEMS:
Hart Bracken / The Soxaholix:Help me, I'm flaming, I must be a hundred and nine
Discussion:
El Lefty Malo
New York Post:
VALENTIN RETURNING TO METS — As a reward for emerging as the productive replacement to Kaz Matsui at second base, Jose Valentin has agreed to a contract with the Mets that will more than quadruple his salary. — Valentin has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with a vesting option for 2008 …
RELATED ITEMS:
Ed Eagle / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Bucs after top-notch starters? — Beat reporter Ed Eagle answers Pirates fans' questions — You mentioned that "Pirates management has said that the team will not be in the market for the top-tier free agents this winter." What about Greg Maddux? Would he be considered top tier?
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Does Texas have a No. 1? — Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers Rangers fans' questions — Free agents are now allowed to talk money with any team. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels, after having hired a manager, is on his way to the GM meetings in Florida.
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Mets break ground on new ballpark — New stadium will be called Citi Field, should be ready for '09 — NEW YORK — Prepared with shovels, inspirational words and a name for their 21st century field of dreams, the Mets and a cast of dignitaries officially broke ground on their new stadium Monday.
John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Meche officially a free agent — Mariners will go to market to find pitching — Sunday was the first day in the professional career of Gil Meche that he wasn't a Seattle Mariner. — Meche was one of the dozens of big leaguers who officially became free agents Sunday, able to shop themselves to any organization.
