Top News:
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs open wallet for Soriano — Cubs yank power-hitting Soriano off market with a $136 million contract — The Cubs did their best imitation of the New York Yankees on Sunday, making free-agent outfielder Alfonso Soriano an offer he couldn't refuse. — Soriano, the biggest name on the market …
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Steve Henson / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers glad to have Garciaparra in the fold — The 33-year-old gets a two-year deal for $18 million after L.A. refuses to match Cubs' offer to Soriano of $136 million for eight years. — Not that Nomar Garciaparra was plucked off the bargain rack, but the Dodgers felt fortunate to finish up a two-year …
Discussion:
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Associated Press:
Dodgers to bring back Garciaparra for two more years — LOS ANGELES — Nomar Garciaparra is staying with the Los Angeles Dodgers, agreeing to a two-year contract. — The deal with the All-Star first baseman will be formally announced Monday, Dodgers spokesman Joe Jareck said Sunday night.
ESPN:
Report: Cubs agree to $136M deal with Soriano … CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs' ownership is showing new manager Lou Piniella that they are serious about winning. — Chicago radio station ESPN 1000 reported Sunday that the Cubs have agreed to an eight-year contract worth approximately $136 million with outfielder Alfonso Soriano.
Discussion:
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Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Angels land Speier in $18-million deal — Veteran right-hander was 2-0 with a 2.98 earned-run average in 58 games for the Toronto Blue Jays last season, limiting opponents to a .235 average. — The Angels swung and missed again in an effort to bolster their offense, but they made solid contact Sunday …
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Cubs close to huge deal with Soriano — Contract reported to be eight years, $135 million for free agent — CHICAGO — The Cubs appear to have landed one of the biggest free-agent names on the market, reportedly signing outfielder Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year, $135 million contract.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Cubs now likely to pursue pitching help — Quick thoughts on the Cubs' signing of free-agent outfielder Alfonso Soriano to a contract expected to be in the eight-year, $135 million range: — The Cubs aren't done. — They've upgraded the offense by adding Soriano and second baseman Mark DeRosa …
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Cubs close to landing Soriano — The Cubs are on the verge of signing free-agent outfielder Alfonso Soriano, FOXSports.com has learned. — Soriano, 30, is believed to be seeking an eight-year deal for approximately $17 million per season, which could put the total value of his package in the range of $135 million.
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Mets' Free-Agent Pursuits Await a Decision by Glavine — True to form, the Mets have worked swiftly so far this off-season. They have locked in on a player, nabbed him with a hefty contract and then crossed that need off their list. But with Tom Glavine, the Mets have little control.
Discussion:
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David Lennon / Newsday:
Alou likely to get 1 year, over $8M — The Mets spent yesterday working on the final details of a contract for free-agent outfielder Moises Alou, with an announcement expected early this week. — After discussing a two-year deal with Alou, primarily to compete with his other suitors …
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers bring back Catalanotto — Pending a physical, Frank Catalanotto will return to the Rangers after a four-year absence. — Catalanotto, 32, has agreed to a three-year deal with a club option for a fourth year, two baseball sources said Sunday. The only thing standing in the way is a physical …
Discussion:
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Mark Healey / Gotham Baseball:
Going Nine: The Road to Orlando — The recently concluded GM meetings were more active than in recent years, and the results are just starting to resonate throughout baseball. — It was a time to talk business amongst adversaries before the more-attention getting Winter Meetings …
George King / New York Post:
TROPHY LIFE — JETER COVETS FIRST MVP AWARD — The man who has almost everything could have it all by tomorrow, when the American League Most Valuable Player is announced. — What more could a baseball player want than Derek Jeter has? How about four World Series rings?
