Top News:
Toni Ginnetti / Chicago Sun Times:
Cubs coup, Cubs coup — Hendry lands top free agent as Soriano agrees in principle to 8-year, $136M deal — Cubs general manager Jim Hendry has reeled in the biggest fish in baseball's free-agent pond at an unprecedented total price tag for the franchise.
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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 …
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.
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 …
Discussion:
The Cub Reporter, Bleed Cubbie Blue, The Crawfish Boxes, CubsNet.com, 1060west, Just A Nats Fan and Lone Star Ball
Murray Chass / New York Times:
Deal for Soriano Signals New Ownership for Cubs — News reports in recent weeks have indicated that the Tribune Company may sell its newspapers and its baseball team. A deal the Cubs have concluded with a free agent lends credence to that likelihood. If Tribune intended to hold onto the Chicago Cubs …
Marcus Hayes / Philly.com:
Howard hoping to party again today — ON THE DAY that Philadelphia lost its No. 1 athlete, a possible successor turned 27. — With Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb gone for the season with a knee injury, with Sixers guard Allen Iverson's star sagging, with the Flyers' Peter Forsberg …
Discussion:
NY Mets Blog
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 …
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.
ESPN:Report: Cubs agree to $136M deal with Soriano
Discussion:
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Associated Press:
Rangers, Catalanotto agree to 3-year, $13 million deal — ARLINGTON, Texas — Free-agent outfielder Frank Catalanotto has agreed to a three-year, $13 million deal to return to the Texas Rangers after playing the last four seasons for the Toronto Blue Jays. — The deal includes a team option …
Discussion:
U.S.S. Mariner
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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 …
NY Daily News:
Mets, Glavine face freedom deadline — Tom Glavine will get the chance to talk contract with the Braves as a free agent as early as today, when the Mets must announce their expected decision to decline his $14 million contract option before midnight tonight.
Discussion:
Talking Chop
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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:
MetsBlog.com
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 …
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Garciaparra returns to Dodgers — Veteran agrees to two-year contract with Los Angeles — LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers on Monday will announce the re-signing of National League Comeback Player of the Year Nomar Garciaparra to a two-year contract. — Already looking for one power hitter …
