Top News:
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.
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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
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
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 …
Ken Mandel / MLB.com:
Phils close to deal with Helms — Veteran would be guaranteed $5.5 million over two years — PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies are close to signing free agent Wes Helms to a two-year contract, making the veteran the favorite to become the team's starting third baseman.
Discussion:
Fox Sports, Phillies Nation, ESPN, The Good Phight, Philliesflow, The700Level.com and Balls, Sticks, & Stuff
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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.
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 …
Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Report: Jays nearing deal with Thomas — Sources indicate veteran slugger could ink two-year deal — The Blue Jays may be on the verge of adding another powerful bat to its lineup. According to ESPN.com, Toronto is nearing a multi-year deal with free-agent slugger Frank Thomas that could be worth between $20 million-$30 million.
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Ken Davidoff / Newsday: Milledge on way out? — Omar could be ready to deal the outfielder, but his stock is down
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
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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Kelly Thesier / MLB.com:
Santana is unanimous Cy Young winner — Twins southpaw earns second AL pitching award — MINNEAPOLIS — Johan Santana joined an elite group of pitchers on Thursday afternoon when he became just the 14th pitcher in Major League history to win multiple Cy Young Awards.
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ESPN:
Santana unanimous choice for AL Cy Young Award — Minnesota Twins left-hander Johan Santana has been voted the AL Cy Young award winner, the Baseball Writers Association of America announced Thursday. — Santana was a unanimous choice for the award — the second time in three years he has won by a unanimous vote.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
MLB.com:
Tigers agree to a one-year contract with Sean Casey — DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers announced today the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with first baseman Sean Casey. — "Sean did a good job after joining the club and he was tremendous during the World Series," …
Discussion:
Cincinnati Reds
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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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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.
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Bonds may leave Giants after 14 years, agent says … NAPLES, Fla. — As the agent for Barry Bonds sizes up the market for the No. 2 home-run hitter in history, the prospect of Bonds leaving San Francisco for another city is growing less unthinkable by the day.
