Top News:
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Mets discussing two-year contract for Alou — The Mets are discussing a two-year contract with free-agent outfielder Moises Alou, FOXSports.com has learned, a deal that would add another older veteran to the team's roster and increase the possibility that outfielder Lastings Milledge would be traded.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Always Amazin', Tribe Report, Lone Star Ball, MetsBlog.com and Hot Foot
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Associated Press:
Mets close to signing free agent Alou — NEW YORK — The New York Mets were close to an agreement Saturday on a one-year contract with Moises Alou, who would replace oft-injured left fielder Cliff Floyd. — The deal, worth about $8 million to $9 million, would contain an option for 2009.
David Lennon / Newsday:
Mets 'close' to signing Alou — After a busy week at the GM meetings, the Mets are "close" to signing Moises Alou to fill their hole in left field, a person familiar with the negotiations said Saturday. The deal could be announced as soon as this week, and it is believed to be a two-year contract worth more than $8 million annually.
Discussion:
Tales Of A Transplanted …
Murray Chass / New York Times:
Managing Jobs: Recycling Seems Color Coded — With the managerial hiring season completed, Major League Baseball's scorecard on minority hiring will not win it any awards. — Three members of minorities, two Hispanics and one black, were hired for the 2007 season after three minority managers …
NY Daily News:
The Barry next thing — With Glavine iffy, Mets zoom in on Zito — The very real possibility of Tom Glavine going back home to Atlanta to finish his Hall of Fame career with the Braves has got the Mets in full pursuit of Barry Zito. And while they continue to take a public stance of hoping …
Denver Post:
Small payroll? It's a financial reality — Naples, Fla. - Baseball and business intersected violently Tuesday when the Red Sox landed negotiating rights to Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. — They bid $51 million. The Rockies' projected on-field payroll next season will be approximately $52 million.
Discussion:
Purple Row
ESPN:
Gonzalez, Reds agree to three-year, $14 million deal — ESPN's Peter Gammons is reporting that free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez has negotiated a three-year, $14 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds, pending a physical. — Gonzalez, a slick-fielding shortstop who replaced Edgar Renteria in Boston …
Discussion:
Red Reporter, A Red Sox Fan …, Bucs Dugout, MLB Trade Rumors, Cincinnati Reds, The Joy of Sox and Lone Star Ball
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Smizik: Pirates' fans find offseason depressing — There are bits and pieces of baseball in the newspaper every day, and almost all are nothing but downright discouraging and disheartening to the ever-shrinking band of black-and-gold bleeders who believe the Pirates' day will come.
Angel Bucks / MLB.com:
Angels name Mike Butcher pitching coach — Butcher signs contract for 2007 season with club option for 2008 — ANAHEIM, CA — The Angels Saturday named Mike Butcher as Major League pitching coach, replacing Bud Black who was hired as the San Diego Padres Manager on November 9th.
Discussion:
6-4-2
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Eric Justic / MLB.com:
Abreu finishes strong in the desert — First baseman ends AFL season on eight-game hitting streak — Michel Abreu probably doesn't want his Arizona Fall League season to end. — The 27-year-old first baseman put together an eight-game hitting streak and drove in at least one run in each …
Discussion:
Hot Foot
Marcus Hayes / Philly.com:
Helms chooses Phils over Yanks' richer offer — Maybe Philadelphia isn't as gritty as New York. Maybe Citizens Bank Park doesn't have the dank, congested charm of Yankee Stadium. Maybe the Delaware Valley isn't as cosmopolitan as the Metro area. — That suits Wes Helms just fine.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
White Sox close to dealing Garland — The White Sox are close to trading right-hander Jon Garland, according to a rival executive, and the Rangers appear to be the most logical fit. — The Rangers pursued Garland at the general managers' meetings in Naples, Fla., and White Sox G.M. Ken Williams …
Charlie / Bucs Dugout:
Trade the Relievers! — Yeah, I said this before, but in light of what's happened in the past week, it's worth saying again. — Cory has a good post up about this. The Bucs shouldn't view this wild free agent market as an excuse for self-pity. They don't really need what the free agent market has to offer anyway.
Nathaniel Whalen / dailysouthtown.com:
Williams to free agents: It's getting old being used as leverage — Everyone knows White Sox general manager Ken Williams is not afraid to make bold moves. Those inside the baseball industry also know Williams will rarely ever confirm or deny a rumored deal.
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