Top News:
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Source: Eaton's three-year deal with Phils worth $24M … Free agent pitcher Adam Eaton has reached preliminary agreement on a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies worth more than $24 million, a baseball source told ESPN.com. — The contract includes a mutual option …
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Sports Illustrated:
Dodgers add starter in ex-Phillie Wolf — Free agent lefthander Randy Wolf has agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, SI.com has learned. — The Dodgers, acting quickly in a tough free-agent market, are also looking at free-agent pitchers Greg Maddux and Jason Schmidt.
Buster Olney / ESPN:
MLB official: Ramirez might be dealt by Saturday … The Red Sox are aggressively shopping outfielder Manny Ramirez now, according to major league sources, at a time when the slugger's trade value has peaked, and there is a sense among some executives that their trade talks are gaining momentum.
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Tony Massarotti / Boston Herald:
Matsuzaka, Sox oceans apart — Talks could affect other deals — The Red Sox and Daisuke Matsuzaka still have nearly three weeks to come to terms on a contract, but preliminary indications are that the sides may have to overcome an initial gap as wide as the Pacific Ocean.
Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
Hall ballot features era's top stars — Gwynn, Ripken, McGwire join Gossage, Rice, Dawson — SAN DIEGO — The 2007 Hall of Fame ballot was released on Monday and a record number of buses will be ready to roll into Cooperstown, N.Y., on July 29 for what's expected to be one of the biggest induction ceremonies of this generation.
Discussion:
It's Outta Here!
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
McGwire won't get my Hall vote this year — No, I will not vote for Mark McGwire for the Hall of Fame. Not this year. And maybe not ever. — But, as a voting member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, this year's ballot is my only concern.
Associated Press:
McGwire goes on Hall ballot along with Gwynn and Ripken — NEW YORK - Mark McGwire, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. headline the first-time candidates on the 2007 baseball writers' Hall of Fame ballot released Monday, sure to spark debate on Big Mac's place in history as the steroid era comes under renewed scrutiny.
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Dellucci agrees to 3-year, $11.5M deal — The Indians have found a new left fielder, reaching agreement with free agent David Dellucci on a three-year, $11.5 million contract, FOXSports.com has learned. — The deal is contingent on Dellucci passing a physical. The examination is expected to take place Thursday in Cleveland.
Lisa L. Colangelo / NY Daily News:
Yank clubs bat ban bid — Hurler brushed back by pol for metal pitch — Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina came out swinging against the City Council's proposed ban on aluminum bats in high school baseball games - and immediately caught flak from a lawmaker and a grieving mom.
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T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Mailbag: What will it take to win? — Rangers beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers fans' questions — This might be a record week for people writing just to vent their feelings. That opportunity is also available on my blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, at trsullivan.mlblogs.com.
Discussion:
RotoRob
Phil Pepe / yesnetwork.com:
Jeter great, but Morneau better — Twins first baseman defined "Most Valuable Player" — Morneau led the Twins' surge into the playoffs. — Winning the Most Valuable Player award would not have validated Derek Jeter's career. His ticket of admission to the Hall of Fame has already been punched.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Baseball America:
Detroit Tigers — Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel. All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates exercise Marte's $3 million option — Left-hander will be team's highest-paid reliever in 2007 — By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — The Pirates have exercised the 2007 option worth $3 million on Damaso Marte's contract, making him their highest-paid reliever.
