Top News:
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Roberts, Aurilia reach agreements with Giants … Free agent infielder Rich Aurilia has reached preliminary agreement on a two-year deal for about $8 million with the San Francisco Giants, according to a baseball source. The contract is conditional upon Aurilia passing a physical exam this weekend.
RELATED:
ESPN:
Giants don't offer Bonds arbitration; A's do offer to Zito — SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Giants declined to offer salary arbitration to Barry Bonds before Friday night's deadline, prompting his agent to say the team has not made bringing the slugger back a priority.
Los Angeles Times:
Erstad not offered arbitration — Mike DiGiovanna; Steve Henson; Bill Shaikin, From Times Staff and Wire Reports — The Angels declined to offer arbitration Friday to 11-year veteran Darin Erstad, but General Manager Bill Stoneman did not rule out the possibility of the first baseman/outfielder's returning next spring.
Discussion:
Dodger Thoughts
Andrew Baggarly / Contra Costa Times:Giants lineup shaping up as Durham, Feliz return
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:Giants to sign Roberts, near deal with Aurilia
Discussion:
Cincinnati Reds
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Two Homes, One Team: Glavine Picks Mets — Tom Glavine is used to operating in baseball's finite framework. As a pitcher, he must make hundreds of decisions every time he takes the mound, many in a split second. — Matters of the heart require a little more reflection.
Discussion:
The Feeding the Monster Blog
RELATED:
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Glavine picks Mets a second time — Ex-Brave says Atlanta never made a formal offer to bring him back to town — Tom Glavine's flirtation with the Braves ended Friday when the veteran left-hander decided to return for a fifth season with the New York Mets.
Discussion:
Mike's Mets
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Rangers cautious at Winter Meetings — Team will try to balance free-agent contracts with prospects — ARLINGTON — Snow and ice hit Dallas last December, making it truly the Winter Meetings for Major League Baseball. — General manager Jon Daniels also made it a particularly memorable meeting …
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Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
No arbitration for Nixon — Red Sox decline, instead offering it only to reliever Foulke — After signaling contrary intentions the day before, the Red Sox last night elected not to offer salary arbitration to outfielder Trot Nixon, who under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement …
RELATED:
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Ace isn't in cards: Peavy not discussed in Ramirez talks — If there were one trade possibility involving Manny Ramirez that held particular intrigue to the Red Sox in terms of getting fair value in return, it was the one concerning ace Jake Peavy of San Diego.
Discussion:
Yanksfan vs Soxfan
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs make their pitch for Lilly — North Siders offer ex-Jays lefty 4 years in bid to boost rotation — The Cubs have made free-agent left-hander Ted Lilly their priority at the upcoming winter meetings and already have an offer on the table. — Lilly, who is seeking at least …
Discussion:
The Cub Reporter
RELATED:
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Only two Cards offered arbitration — No longer conceding a need for three or even two additional starting pitchers, the Cardinals on Friday offered salary arbitration to only two of their seven remaining free agents, lefthander Mark Mulder and their former righthanded Mr. October, Jeff Suppan.
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Dave Roberts agrees to 3-year pact with Giants — Padres left fielder Dave Roberts has agreed to terms with the Giants on a three-year contract for $18 million, sources said Friday. — Roberts, who made $2.25 million this year, likely will play center field for the Giants …
Jim Baumbach / Newsday:
Prime Yank seats will cost a bundle — The face value of the highest-priced Yankees ticket purchased on a game day next season will be a whopping $400, representing almost a 300 percent increase. — But though there are significant increases throughout the lower two levels …
Marc Jimenez / MLB.com:
Farnsworth impressing as closer — Right-hander has worked 8 2/3 straight scoreless innings — Jeff Farnsworth (3-1, five saves) has settled nicely into the closer's role. The older brother of Yankees reliever Kyle Farnsworth has a win, four saves, including three in a row from Nov. 12-17 …
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Villone Remains Option in the Yankees' Bullpen — The Yankees planned to offer salary arbitration to the left-handed reliever Ron Villone before last night's midnight deadline, which would ensure them of receiving a 2007 draft choice between the first and second rounds if another team signs him.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Rockies go south for pitching help — Lefty Rivera called the best pitcher in Mexico by O'Dowd — Oscar Rivera is considered the top young pitcher in the Mexican League. — The Rockies want to find out how that translates to the big leagues. — Colorado agreed to purchase the left-hander …
Discussion:
Purple Row
