Top News:
Jim Allen / ESPN:
Boston's bid is the talk of Japan — TOKYO — This went well beyond a sports story. — The news that a major league team would pay $51.1 million to acquire the negotiating rights to a Japanese player shook the nation on Wednesday. — Daisuke Matsuzaka, his team and the Japanese public …
Discussion:
Yanksfan vs Soxfan
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Jim Armstrong / Associated Press:
Matsuzaka 'surprised' at Red Sox bid — NARITA, Japan —Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was "surprised" to hear the Boston Red Sox bid $51.1 million for the rights to negotiate a contract with him. — "I was very surprised when I heard the figure," the 26-year-old said Wednesday before flying to the United States.
Discussion:
Basegirl
Jeff Goldberg / Hartford Courant:
Sox's Monster Bid — Boras, Matsuzaka Await Next Step — Godzilla vs. The Monster? — The Red Sox are hoping this becomes the latest summer blockbuster in their rivalry with the Yankees - one that plays big on two continents. — The Daisuke Matsuzaka watch finally came to an end Tuesday night …
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
O's make pitch for some relief … NAPLES, FLA. // Two days into baseball's general managers meetings, the Orioles' main goals for the week have become quite clear. They want to overhaul their bullpen as soon as possible and at all costs. — Since being allowed to discuss contracts …
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
O's close to snagging Walker from Tigers — The Orioles are close to signing Jamie Walker, perhaps the top left-handed reliever on the free-agent market, FOXSports.com has learned. — The three-year deal, expected to be worth at least $10 million, would be a blow to the American League champion Tigers …
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 …
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Marlins' surge nets Girardi award — Club's second Manager of the Year adds to offseason haul — MIAMI — Determination and drive were two traits Joe Girardi exhibited while managing the Florida Marlins in 2006. — Undaunted by taking over the youngest and cheapest team in the Major Leagues …
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Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Leyland named top AL manager — Skipper led Detroit to first playoff appearance since 1987 — DETROIT — Tigers manager Jim Leyland couldn't hold off Twins counterpart Ron Gardenhire in the American League Central standings. The AL Manager of the Year voting had a happier ending for him.
Discussion:
The Griddle
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Mets trade for Johnson, Adkins — Swap Bell, Ring to Padres for prospect and reliever — NEW YORK — Mets general manager Omar Minaya continued to add to the team's roster for 2007 on Wednesday, acquiring outfielder Ben Johnson and right-handed reliever Jon Adkins from the San Diego Padres.
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ESPN:
Report: Yankees, Mussina agree on two-year deal — Mike Mussina and the New York Yankees have agreed to a two-year, $22.5 million contract extension, the New York Post reported, citing unnamed industry sources. — Mussina, 38, was 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA for the Yankees last season.
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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.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Padres interested in signing Bonds — All those who thought the Giants would be the only suitor for Barry Bonds, think again. — Specifically, think about Bonds hitting the 22 home runs he needs to break Hank Aaron's all-time record in a Padres' uniform.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Phillies front-runners for free-agent Helms — NAPLES, Fla. — The Phillies have emerged as the clear front-runner for free-agent infielder Wes Helms, though other teams remain in the mix, FOXSports.com has learned. — Helms, 30, is strongly considering the Phillies' offer of an everyday job …
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Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers take step to shift training to Arizona — After six decades in baseball's most storied spring home, the Dodgers appear to be headed to the Cactus League. — The Dodgers and Chicago White Sox have agreed to share a stadium and training complex in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, with the grand opening targeted for 2009.
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Associated Press:
Blanco re-signs with Cubs — Tickets on sale in February — The Cubs agreed to a two-year contract Wednesday with backup catcher Henry Blanco. — There is a mutual option for 2009. — Blanco batted .266 in 74 games last season. He served as a backup to Michael Barrett and filled …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
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Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Soriano is a prime commodity … NAPLES, Fla. — Baseball executives might want to clear out of the Naples Grande Resort soon, in hopes that some fresh air and a change of scenery will prompt them to think twice about all that money they're on track to spend.
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Rays reportedly to get shot at Japanese slugger — The Devil Rays may be close to adding star Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura to their lineup. ESPN's Peter Gammons reports the Rays have posted a winning bid of $4.5-million for the rights to negotiate with Iwamura, 27 …
