Top News:
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
Now we're talkin' — Sox focused on present again — If you are a Red Sox fan, there is much to like about the team's aggressive pursuit of Japanese righthander Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Sox ponied up $51.1 million Tuesday to earn exclusive rights to negotiate with the 26-year-old hurler.
Discussion:
Dan Shaughnessy Watch
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Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Prices may push GMs toward trades — NAPLES, Fla. - Agents have a bounce in their step while general managers are commiserating with each other at these GM meetings, which so far have generated an overall feeling that teams are about to encounter some serious sticker shock for some hardly sterling talent.
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Figure on Drew cashing in — Teams may meet his asking price — NAPLES, Fla. — In the words of former Patriots coach Pete Carroll, agents are feeling "pumped and jacked." There was a buzz in the lobby yesterday of the Naples Grande Resort, site of the general managers meetings …
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Paul Hagen / Philadelphia Daily News:
Phils set to add 3B Helms — NAPLES, Fla. - The Phillies are about to sign a free agent... A righthanded hitter... And, no, it's not Alfonso Soriano. — General manager Pat Gillick said last night at the annual GM meetings that the Phillies are "absolutely" close to finalizing …
David Gassko / Hardball Times:
How much is Matsuzaka worth? — Wow. That was my first reaction when I heard about the $51 million the Boston Red Sox are paying simply for the right to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka and that's been my reaction every time since that I have heard the number mentioned. $51 million.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:Silence golden for D-Mat — Hush-hush talks may hit $16M
Discussion:
The Sports Frog
Chicago Tribune:
Cubs, White Sox swap pitchers — The Cubs and White Sox swapped relief pitchers Thursday, with the Sox acquiring right-handed pitcher David Aardsma and left-hander Carlos Vasquez in exchange for left-handed pitcher Neal Cotts. — Aardsma, 24, made 45 relief appearances over four stints …
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MLB.com:
Cubs acquire Cotts from White Sox in exchange for Aardsma and Vasquez — The Chicago Cubs today acquired left-handed pitcher Neal Cotts from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for relief pitcher David Aardsma and minor-league pitcher Carlos Vasquez. — Cotts, 26, led the White Sox and was tied …
ESPN:
White Sox send Cotts to Cubs for pair of pitchers — The Chicago Cubs' search for relief pitching didn't leave the city limits. — The Cubs acquired left-handed reliever Neal Cotts from the Chicago White Sox on Thursday in exchange for relief pitcher David Aardsma and minor-league pitcher Carlos Vasquez.
Discussion:
Where have you gone …
Denver Post:
Clubs kick Jennings' tires — Naples, Fla. - The resort trail bridge made from recycled milk cartons dead-ends at Clam Pass Park. Visitors sink their feet into the white powdery sand and watch the sun shimmer over the Gulf of Mexico. — They enjoy the view, possibilities limited only by the imagination.
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Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
O'Dowd aims to stick to plan — NAPLES, Fla. - The Rockies are headed into the fourth year of their rebuilding plan. — General manager Dan O'Dowd is headed into the final year of his contract. — O'Dowd isn't looking for any shortcuts now. — "I feel very clear and confident …
Discussion:
Ben Maller's Sports …
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Big money an even bigger concern — Hicks says offseason shaping up as 'stupid market' — ARLINGTON — The Rangers thought that a $27 million bid for Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka would be good enough to win his negotiating rights. — Instead, it turns out they weren't even close.
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Devil Rays could move young outfielders — NAPLES, Fla. - Notes from the general managers' meetings: — Judging from their aggressiveness in trade talks, the Devil Rays appear increasingly willing to trade one of their young outfielders — most likely Rocco Baldelli — for premium young pitching.
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Robinson Congratulates His Protege, Replacement — When Manny Acta was en route to RFK Stadium on Tuesday morning — the day he would be introduced as the Washington Nationals' new manager — the man serving as his chauffer, Rob McDonald, the team's traveling secretary …
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Sun-Sentinel:
Phillies have big plans for Helms — · The drawback of an affordable free agent outperforming his contract with the Marlins is getting him to sign another. — Wes Helms is going from last season's $800,000 utility infielder to next season's multi-million dollar pseudo-starting third baseman for the Phillies.
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Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Sources: Blue Jays closing in on deal with Thomas … NAPLES, Fla. — The Toronto Blue Jays are closing in on a deal with free agent designated hitter Frank Thomas, two sources at the general managers' meetings told ESPN.com. — Thomas, 38, batted .270 with 39 homers and 114 RBI last season for the Oakland Athletics.
Discussion:
MLB.com, Batter's Box Interactive …, Athletics Nation, Fox Sports, Bluebird Banter and Hot Foot
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
PHILLIES COVET SORIANO 'BADLY' — CONFIDENTIAL — NAPLES, Fla. - The Phillies and Cubs were portrayed as the front-runners for free agent Alfonso Soriano by several executives at the GM Meetings. The Dodgers and Angels are believed to be very interested in Soriano, as well.
Jay Posner / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Vasgersian returning as Padres' TV voice — Matt Vasgersian has signed a new contract that will keep him as the TV voice of the Padres on Channel 4 San Diego through the 2007 season. — If there's any surprise in that, it's the part about the contract being for only one season.
Mark Feinsand / MLB.com:
Mussina deal close, but not done — Despite published report, contract terms are not finalized — NEW YORK — Mike Mussina has not signed his new contract with the Yankees, though the two sides are very close to finalizing a two-year deal. — Despite a published report on Wednesday …
Discussion:
Sports Scope
