Top News:
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 …
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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.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Glavine, Mets agree on one-year, $10.5M deal — So much for the romantic notion of free-agent left-hander Tom Glavine returning to the Braves. — Glavine is returning to the Mets on a one-year, $10.5 million contract, FOXSports.com has learned. — The deal includes a vesting option …
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Giants agree to terms with second baseman Durham — The San Francisco Giants and Ray Durham agreed to a two-year contract Friday that will pay the second baseman between $14 million and $15 million. — The 35-year-old Durham, a switch-hitter and two-time All-Star, is coming off his best season in years.
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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.
Corey Brock / MLB.com:
Mariners looking into Thomson — Seattle requests medical files on free-agent right-hander — SEATTLE — In their pursuit to add starting pitching, the Mariners are believed to be targeting former Braves right-hander John Thomson. — Sources have confirmed that the Mariners have had contact …
Discussion:
U.S.S. Mariner
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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 …
Discussion:
Pride of the Yankees
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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
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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
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, Yanksfan vs Soxfan, Chad Finn's Touching …, MetsBlog.com, A Red Sox Fan … and The Soxaholix
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Rick Morrissey / Chicago Tribune:
Big Mac won't get a taste of Hall of Fame — Mark McGwire has as much chance of making the Baseball Hall of Fame as I do of making the Hip Hop Hall of Fame. — Hmmmm ... DJ Jazzy Rick? Nah. I can't rap, let alone rhyme, busta. And McGwire can't dance around the fact he refused …
Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Competition for Lilly heating up — Lefty has received offer from Cubs; Jays still in the mix — TORONTO — The race for Ted Lilly's services is heating up. According to Lilly's agent, Larry O'Brien, the Chicago Cubs have put a four-year deal on the table in an attempt to lure the free-agent starter to the National League.
Newsday:
Bullpen needs could make Bernie odd man out — While Bernie Williams is eager for another season in pinstripes, a cloud of uncertainty hovers over his future. — General manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Torre both have spoken with Williams recently, but they have given …
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
Bill Chastain / MLB.com:
Rays sign Choi, five others — ST. PETERSBURG — Hee-Seop Choi highlights the list of six players the Devil Rays have signed to Minor League deals that include invitations to Major League Spring Training. — Joining Choi on the list are right-handed pitchers Stephen Andrade and Tony Peguero …
