Top News:
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 …
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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
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 …
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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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Mets acquire OF Ben Johnson from Padres — NAPLES, Fla. - The Mets added another outfielder to their left-field mix Wednesday, acquiring Ben Johnson and right-hander Jon Adkins from the Padres for right-hander Heath Bell and left-hander Royce Ring, FOXSports.com has learned.
David Lennon / On the Mets beat:METS ACQUIRE OUTFIELDER BEN JOHNSON & RHP JON ADKINS FROM SAN DIEGO
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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 …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
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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
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 Davidoff / Newsday:
Spending spree unlikely — NAPLES, Fla. — As long as George Steinbrenner doesn't impose his irrational whims on anyone — and it has been more than a year now since he last did so — the Yankees will not react to losing out on Daisuke Matsuzaka with a high-priced signing.
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.
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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 …
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."
Discussion:
Yankees 2000, Go Crazy, Folks!, Purple Row, Tales Of A Transplanted … and Bleed Cubbie Blue
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.
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Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:Rangers interested in Zito, Thomas
Discussion:
Dallas Star-Telegram
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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Joel Sherman / New York Post:
BOMBERS SHOULD REVERSE ROCKET, PETTITTE MIGRATION — There had been a feeling around the majors that if Clemens returned for the 2007 season, he wanted to complete a full-circle journey with the Red Sox. It is possible, though, now that the likely addition of Matsuzaka would financially preclude Boston from exacting that reunion.
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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.
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball
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.
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.
