Top News:
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Sox: Nixon in '07? — Team may offer him arbitration — In a decision that would lend further credence to the possibility of Manny Ramírez being traded, the Sox are likely to offer salary arbitration to free agent outfielder Trot Nixon by today's deadline, according to a source with ties to the team.
Discussion:
Providence Journal, Chad Finn's Touching …, Yanksfan vs Soxfan, MetsBlog.com, A Red Sox Fan … and The Soxaholix
RELATED:
Sports Illustrated:
Winter Meetings storylines — Manny widens his wish list; Bonds, Zito and more — Also in this column: — This baseball offseason was supposed to be a dud. But we already have two $100 million contracts. And heading into the annual Winter Meetings next week at Disney World …
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Padres won't trade Peavy in possible Manny deal — The Padres will not include right-hander Jake Peavy in a trade for Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions. — In fact, the source says, talks between the teams have cooled in recent days …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Richard Sandomir / New York Times:
Merely Talking to Japan's Best Is Big Business — Mediocre athletes rarely leave a legacy, but Hideki Irabu, the Japanese right-hander, did. And it was for more than being called a fat toad by George Steinbrenner when Irabu misplayed a ground ball in spring training in 1999 …
RELATED:
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Sox ink Podsednik to one-year deal — Speedy outfielder avoids arbitration by signing for $2.9 million — CHICAGO — The White Sox search for an upgrade at the leadoff slot in their potent lineup appears to have been solved by a familiar face from within their own organization.
Discussion:
The Bard's Room
RELATED:
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Sox re-sign Pods for '07 — Disdaining the high-priced free agent market, the White Sox re-signed left fielder Scott Podsednik to a one year, $2.9 million contract. — What to do with the leadoff hitter, whose statistics fell off this summer from the 2005 championship season, was one of the main priorities of early winter.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Denver Post:
Rockies sign Gil; pitchers a priority — The Rockies signed catcher Geronimo Gil to a minor-league contract Thursday, but their focus remains on those throwing pitches. They have increased their pursuit of reliever LaTroy Hawkins and are aggressively trying to bridge the financial gap on an extension for Jason Jennings.
RELATED:
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Rockies sign reliever Hawkins — The Rockies filled their glaring late-inning void in the bullpen, agreeing to terms with veteran right-handed reliever LaTroy Hawkins, the Rocky Mountain News has learned. — The Rockies are expected to announce the signing today.
Scott Miller / CBS SportsLine.com:
Insider: Rangers getting out-shopped this offseason — Things keep going like this, the Texas Rangers' 2007 lineup will consist of a cardboard cutout of Nolan Ryan, a Jeff Burroughs bobble-head and a pair of Alex Rodriguez's sweaty old spikes. Oh, yes, and Michael Young at shortstop.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
RELATED:
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
McCarthy not likely to pitch in relief — White Sox general manager indicates right-hander will start — CHICAGO — The Brandon McCarthy bullpen experiment apparently will not be revisited during the 2007 season, judging by comments White Sox general manager Ken Williams recently made on the topic to MLB.com.
ESPN:
Source: Glavine, Mets reach 1-year, $11 million deal … The New York Mets may not have ace righthander Pedro Martinez for at least half of the 2007 season. But ace lefthander Tom Glavine will be back. — Glavine on Friday agreed to a one-year contract with the Mets.
Discussion:
The Musings and Prophecies …
RELATED:
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:Mets' odds on Zito improve
Discussion:
The Musings and Prophecies …, Catfish Stew, Hot Foot, MetsBlog.com and Can't Stop The Bleeding
Sean McAdam / ESPN:
Small-market teams know their limitations — Think of the winter meetings, which begin Monday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., as a giant shopping mall. — At one end, there are the high-end department and luxury stores where most big-market general managers will head in search of expensive gifts, their credit is practically unlimited.
Discussion:
Bad Altitude
RELATED:
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Hendry busy building 2007 roster — General manager still looking for starting pitching — CHICAGO — Cubs general manager Jim Hendry appears to have both his infield and outfield in good shape. He'll head to Orlando this weekend and focus on the pitching.
Discussion:
The Cub Reporter
RELATED:
Henry Schulman / San Francisco Chronicle:
Giants said to be after Bengie Molina — With Mike Matheny a longshot to overcome his post-concussion syndrome and play in 2007, major-league sources said the Giants are in serious negotiations to sign free-agent catcher Bengie Molina, a 32-year-old who played for Toronto in 2006 after seven seasons with the Angels.
Dennis Deitch / zwire.com:
Slim pickins' on trade market for Gillick — PHILADELPHIA — Pat Gillick might get a heart-of-the-order bat in a trade, but he might not. Gillick might find some bullpen help in a deal at next week's winter meetings, or he might come up empty. These are uncertain times for the Phillies' weathered general manager.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Jeff Shelman / Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Men's basketball: Monson out; Gophers regroup — With the Gophers men's basketball team going downhill, coach Dan Monson accepts a buyout package, and assistant Jim Molinari takes over on an interim basis. — Dan Monson was an optimist on Oct. 26 when the Minnesota men's basketball coach talked glowingly …
MLB.com:
Yankees to host Tampa Bay in 2007 season opener — The 26-time-World-Champion New York Yankees will open the 2007 season on Monday, April 2nd vs. the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at 1:05 p.m. in their 105th home opener at Yankee Stadium. — The Yankees' 81-game home schedule will feature three appearances each …
