Top News:
Phil Rogers / Chicago Tribune:
Hendry won't be Trader Jim — Cubs GM doesn't see many teams dealing because of contracts — ORLANDO — Pursuing every possible option, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry called his Colorado Rockies counterpart Dan O'Dowd about the availability of right-hander Jason Jennings. — And why not?
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Kat O'Brien / Dallas Star-Telegram:
Rangers ready to wish upon a star — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Contrary to perception, most of this winter's free agents remain just that — free agents. It only seems as if most of the top talent has already signed because five of the Rangers' nine free agents have departed.
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Hendry busy with outfield, rotation — ORLANDO — The only one certain to play in center field next summer at Wrigley Field is Dave Matthews, whose band is scheduled to perform two concerts during the All-Star break. — But general manager Jim Hendry has several options available for a full …
USA Today:
General managers ready for winter free-for-all in Florida — One of the first orders of business as baseball's winter meetings begin Monday is sizing up the layout of the Swan and Dolphin resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — It's a new venue for the game's annual gathering …
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Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Sox set to go to market: Just like everyone else — ORLANDO, Fla. - Given the passion and the soap opera, circus-like atmosphere that usually swirls around the Red Sox, it is sometimes hard to remember they are only one of 30 baseball teams. — As these winter meetings kick off …
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Salary boom win-win for Rays … LAKE BUENA VISTA - The Devil Rays aren't planning to spend much money in the free-agent market, but the ridiculous dollars teams have thrown at players could have a significant impact on their plans. — With free agents getting multiyear deals for multimillions …
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Rockies think their strength is within — Division rivals keep busy in offseason — While the rest of the National League West has been creating an offseason stir, the Rockies, so far, have been willing to settle for such subtle moves as re-signing second baseman Kaz Matsui …
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Denver Post:
Big spenders' wallets packing wallop — Major League Baseball doesn't need Denzel Washington or Jay-Z to experience déjà vu. — Checkbooks open, credit cards pressed between fingertips, players and owners are living the winter of 2000 again.
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Whatever happened to Barry Bonds? … LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Greatest Slugger of His Time sits home in California, jobless and teamless. — In a very different world, he would be the hottest free agent of them all at one of baseball's strangest winter meetings of them all …
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Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Sox have agenda for meetings — ORLANDO, Fla. — Theo Epstein played the role of shadow adviser for the Red Sox when baseball's winter meetings were held last December in Dallas. That was during that murky period when the Sox were purportedly engaged in a search for his successor …
Los Angeles Times:
Steve Henson answers readers' pressing questions — The winter meetings begin Monday in Orlando, Fla., and the Dodgers will be seeking a power-hitting outfielder, a starting pitcher and bullpen help. Reporter Steve Henson takes readers' questions on the likelihood of Manny Ramirez coming to Los Angeles …
Newsday:
Yanks wait for Pettitte return — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Brian Cashman checked into Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resort last night with a checklist of his remaining offseason questions on his mind. But there's one question he has no control over. — The Yankees will have a roster spot …
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Avoiding Costly Moves — Rebuilding Nats Expect to Limit Spending for 2007 Roster — Two years ago, the Washington Nationals — shackled with a minuscule budget issued by their owners, Major League Baseball — signed Esteban Loaiza, a beleaguered right-hander, to a one-year, $2.9-million contract.
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Braves bolster bullpen with Sturtze — Atlanta signs veteran right-hander to one-year deal — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Based on recent history, Braves general manager John Schuerholz has something much more exciting in store. But with Sunday's signing of Tanyon Sturtze …
Discussion:
Talking Chop
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Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
O's pack some needs for winter meetings — Still missing big bat, 'we expect to be very busy,' Flanagan says — Even though they have directed one of the busiest teams in the league since the money-spending free-agent season began, the Orioles' top executives boarded a plane …
Piratereport / Pittsburgh Pirates Roundtable:
Roundtable #1 — Well, here it is: The inaugural Pittsburgh Pirates Roundtable. I'd like to thank all of the Pirates' minds who have contributed this week—and I hope that you'll continue to do so in the future. I also want to encourage everyone to leave comments here. Voice your opinions.
