Top News:
Associated Press:
Red Sox's winning bid for Matsuzaka — $51.1 million — NAPLES, Fla. — The Boston Red Sox emerged Tuesday night as winners of the bidding for Daisuke Matsuzaka with a $51.1 million offer and have 30 days to sign the Japanese pitcher to a contract. — The Seibu Lions of Japan's Pacific League announced …
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Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Green light — For $51m, Sox get go-ahead on Matsuzaka — NAPLES, Fla. — What did the Red Sox accomplish in outbidding the Yankees and Mets, among others, for the rights to negotiate with Japanese ace Daisuke Matsuzaka? — "If they can sign him, they've got the best pitcher in the market …
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
A relief effort: Theo talks to Houston in search of bullpen help — NAPLES, Fla. - The Red Sox met with the Houston Astros yesterday, and it was believed that obtaining relief help via a trade was high on their agenda. — Houston closer Brad Lidge, as well as relievers Brad Qualls and Dan Wheeler …
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Sox win bidding war — $51.11M to talk to pitcher Matsuzaka — NAPLES, Fla. - The battle to spring Daisuke Matsuzaka free from Japan was won by the Red Sox last night for a cool 6 billion yen. — Now, they have until Dec. 15 to forge a long-term contract with super-agent Scott Boras on a rich …
NY Daily News:
Mets appear bit gun-shy — Slow to overpay — NAPLES, Fla. - Although by virtue of their $38 million posting bid the Mets clearly viewed Daisuke Matsuzaka as a No. 1-type starter, they now appear prepared to go to Plan B for their rotation next year and that is "strength in numbers."
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Cubs bracing for busy off-season — NAPLES, Fla. - The Cubs, the most aggressive club at the general managers' meetings, are just getting started. — The team's ideal blueprint, according to new manager Lou Piniella, includes the addition of two more hitters and two starting pitchers.
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Mets Retain Father Figure and Ignore Father Time — The Mets are investing $12 million through 2008 in a pitcher many believe to be 41 years old. But for them, 40 is the new 30. With Tom Glavine still expected to be re-signed, the Mets locked up Orlando Hernández on Tuesday in a deal teetering between risky and creative.
Kat O'Brien / Dallas Star-Telegram:
GENERAL MANAGERS' MEETINGS NOTES — $51.1 million talks for Boston, pitcher — NAPLES, Fla. - The Boston Red Sox blew away the competition with their blind bid for top Japanese right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, with the Seibu Lions of Japan's Pacific League announcing Tuesday night that they had accepted the bid.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers interested in Zito, Thomas — NAPLES, Fla. - The Rangers' new approach to team building: If you can't beat 'em, steal 'em. — With pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka officially out of the picture and Mark DeRosa headed for the Chicago Cubs, the Rangers are turning their attention …
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Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Jennings plays waiting game — Naples, Fla. - Jason Jennings has reached a critical juncture in his Rockies career. He's a free agent at season's end, and the team has offered him a two-year deal with a club option averaging approximately $7 million per season.
Kat O'Brien / Dallas Star-Telegram:
Cubs pluck DeRosa to play 2nd — NAPLES, Fla. — One of the Rangers' top performers in 2006 will not be back next season, as Mark DeRosa signed a three-year, $13 million contract Tuesday to play second base for the Chicago Cubs. — DeRosa, 31, batted .296 with 40 doubles …
Kevin Baxter / Miami Herald:
MLB's `highest priority' — With most stadium issues resolved, baseball president Bob DuPuy said: `We want to keep baseball in South Florida.' — NAPLES - With the Oakland Athletics having resolved their stadium situation by announcing plans Tuesday for a new ballpark in Northern California …
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George King / New York Post:
MUSSINA RETURNS; MECHE ON RADAR — With Mike Mussina re-upping to fall in between ace Chien-Ming Wang and Randy Johnson, if he is healthy, the Yankees have shown an interest in Seattle free agent Gil Meche and are entertaining the possibility of using newly-acquired Humberto Sanchez in a trade for an established starter.
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Bill Center / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Linebrink trade now unlikely — NAPLES, Fla. - Kevin Towers knows his relief pitchers. — Some teams build their reputations on sluggers or starting pitchers. For the Padres, the bottom line has often been the last line. — Which is why Towers yesterday was re-evaluating …
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nationals turn to Acta, naturally — One-time coach with franchise returns as manager — WASHINGTON — The Nationals formally named Manny Acta their manager during a news conference at the Washington Square Building on Tuesday afternoon. He will wear No. 14, the same number he wore …
Bill Plaschke / Los Angeles Times:
Contrite Beimel wants to mend shattered hearts — Any day now, the tattoo will be carefully needled into his upper right arm. — Don't tell Joe Beimel he's crazy, because he's not changing his mind. Of all the strange things that have happened to him in the last couple of months, nothing makes more sense.
