Top News:
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Coveted lefty Zito meets with Rangers — Owner, GM made pitch to ace and agent Boras on Thursday — ARLINGTON — Snow, sleet and ice hit the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Thursday. — So did free-agent pitcher Barry Zito and his agent, Scott Boras. — The Rangers are hoping …
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Richard Durrett / Dallas Morning News:
Free-agent lefty Zito visits Rangers — For the second consecutive off-season, a big-name pitching client of Scott Boras was checking out Arlington to see if he'd like to make a bunch of starts on the mound at Ameriquest Field. — The chilly and icy weather didn't stop Barry Zito and Boras …
Associated Press:
Zito, Boras visit Rangers — ARLINGTON, Texas —Barry Zito met Thursday with the Texas Rangers, the team that failed to sign the ace left-hander after drafting him in 1998. — Zito and his agent, Scott Boras, visited with Rangers general manager Jon Daniels.
Boston Herald:
Sox sign reliever Okajima — As reported earlier today by the Herald, the Red Sox announced that they have signed Japanese relief pitcher Hideki Okajima to a two-year contract with an option for the 2009 season. — General manager Theo Epstein will introduce the left-handed pitcher …
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Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Sox sign Japanese lefty Okajima — Reliever given two-year deal to be specialist out of 'pen — BOSTON — One of the things the Red Sox lacked most in 2006 was a lefty specialist, particularly during encounters against left-handed hitters like the Yankees' Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi and Johnny Damon.
Discussion:
Seattle Marinerds
Murray Chass / New York Times:
Glavine Reaches a Full Count — Tom Glavine is on the verge of making his decision. "He's going to make a decision, I would think, by tomorrow," Gregg Clifton, Glavine's agent, said yesterday, meaning that today is the day that Glavine should decide if he wants to remain with the Mets …
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Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Mets' odds on Zito improve — The waiting continues for Tom Glavine to decide whether he'll pitch for the Mets or Braves in 2007. The Mets now expect the lefthander to notify them next week, rather than this week, of his intentions, a person familiar with the situation said.
Tom Haudricourt / JSOnline:
Graffanino awaits Brewers' next move — Team considers arbitration offer — thaudricourt@journalsentinel.com — The Milwaukee Brewers aren't through with Tony Graffanino just yet. — One day after choosing to sign free-agent infielder Craig Counsell instead of Graffanino …
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Reuters:
Selig set to retire happy when contract ends in 3 years — NEW YORK — Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig says he will be stepping down in three years when his contract ends, content that the sport is in good health. — "I plan to retire," Selig, the former Milwaukee Brewers owner, said Thursday.
Discussion:
The Griddle
Dan Elliott / Associated Press:
Francis, Rockies finalize $13.25 million, 4-year deal — DENVER (AP) — Jeff Francis was happy the Colorado Rockies gave him a long-term deal that covers his salary arbitration years. — "I think at this point in my career, it's a huge thing and an exciting thing for them to come …
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Not all smiling over Soriano deal — Pact surprises some in baseball — Alfonso Soriano beat the forecasted storm into Chicago on Thursday, but his $136 million contract already has created a tempest in baseball's marketplace. — Soriano's megadeal set the market and players such as Carlos Lee …
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Hermanson, Riske not likely to get arbitration — Though they are looking to fortify their bullpen, the White Sox are not likely to offer salary arbitration to free-agent relievers David Riske and Dustin Hermanson by Friday's deadline. — That doesn't prevent them from negotiating with the right-handers …
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
A Nemesis of Matsuzaka May Intrigue the Yanks — When the Yankees attend the winter meetings next week in Orlando, Fla., there will be an intriguing first baseman for them to meet at the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel. — His name is Julio Zuleta, and he played 79 games for the Chicago Cubs in 2000-1.
Sheldon Ocker / Akron Beacon Journal:
NO BLOCKBUSTER DEALS FOR TRIBE — Attention, Indians fans. It's time to cheer, in unison: ``Whoop-de-doo.'' — That spontaneous show of support for the team is in honor of the impending signing of David Dellucci, an outfielder from the Philadelphia Phillies whose agent says has agreed to work for the Tribe.
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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Beyond Igawa, Yankees Consider a Few Others — The Yankees will have five starting pitchers once they sign Kei Igawa, the left-hander from Japan whose negotiating rights they won Tuesday. But two of those starters have serious health questions, which is why the Yankees may not be done shopping.
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