Top News:
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Negotiations heat up to bring back Weaver — The Cardinals could still use another starting pitcher. — Jeff Weaver could use a team. — What appeared to be a long-shot re-signing as recently as two weeks ago now appears to be the defending World Series champions' final offseason priority.
RELATED:
John Beamer / Hardball Times:
Did the Rocket win St Louis the World Series? — If you read the THT mailbag last Wednesday you probably noticed Anthony Weekley's question asking whether the Astros would have made the postseason had Clemens returned at the start of the season rather than waiting until June 22.
Bob Klapisch / NorthJersey.com:
Mets' skipper deserves better — This was early December, after the gloomy haze of the Mets' playoff loss to the Cardinals had evaporated. The organization was compiling its 2007 to-do list, which included signing Willie Randolph to a multiyear contract extension.
Discussion:
The Eddie Kranepool Society
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Sutton named Nationals' color analyst — Hall of Famer to join Carpenter in broadcasting booth — WASHINGTON — Hall of Famer Don Sutton was named the Nationals' color analyst for the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network on Monday. He will join play-by-play broadcaster Bob Carpenter in the booth for more than 150 regular-season games.
RELATED:
MLB.com:
Hall-of-Famer Don Sutton to provide color commentary on Nationals telecasts beginning in 2007 — The Washington Nationals and the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network announced Monday that Hall-of-Fame pitcher Don Sutton will be the new color analyst for Washington Nationals telecasts in 2007.
Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Nuttings' stake grew bid by bid — Gradual buyout of partners led to control of Pirates — Pirates CEO Kevin McClatchy and chairman of the board Bob Nutting discuss the "change of control" within the Pirates. — The Pirates' ownership is not the most open of operations.
RELATED:
Rob Biertempfel / PittsburghLIVE.com:Pirates' new majority owner thrust into spotlight
Discussion:
Bucs Trade Winds
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Mailbag: How will Diaz fare in 2007? — Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers Rangers fans' questions … Victor Diaz was picked up last year in a relatively quiet move. I know he was pretty highly touted in the Mets system and have wondered why he's not getting more play here as a designated hitter or fourth outfielder.
Alan Schwarz / ESPN:
Delmon could be a dangerous weapon — The assignment is to identify the "hottest rookie" who will begin the season in the major leagues. Thank goodness I can sidestep defining "hot." Because first, a definition of "rookie" is in order. — Like it or not, Daisuke Matsuzaka …
Spencer Fordin / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Why not all for Ripken? — Beat reporter Spencer Fordin answers O's fans' questions — Concerning Cal Ripken Jr.'s impressive 98-plus percent vote into the Hall of Fame, why didn't he receive 100 percent of the vote? Who could possibly not vote for Ripken's induction?
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Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Surveying the infield situation — Mets beat reporter Marty Noble answers fans' questions — What do the Mets have planned for Anderson Hernandez in 2007? He could be a reliable, if not spectacular, defensive backup to Jose Valentin. His light hitting is less than ideal coming off the bench.
Associated Press:
Dodgers slide past arbitration, give Hendrickson one-year deal — CBS SportsLine.com wire reports — LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers avoided arbitration with pitcher Mark Hendrickson, agreeing Monday to a one-year contract worth $2,925,000. — Hendrickson, a 32-year-old left-hander …
Discussion:
True Blue LA
Marc Stein / ESPN:
Pistons win sweepstakes, will sign Webber Tuesday … Chris Webber is going home. — Literally. — Webber told ESPN.com on Monday via e-mail that he has chosen to sign with the Detroit Pistons, which will officially happen Tuesday after he clears waivers at 2 p.m. ET.
Discussion:
I've Made a Huge Tiny Mistake
Childs Walker / Baltimore Sun:
WBAL: O's wanted control of shows … The Orioles wanted creative control of all pre- and post-game programming on WBAL Radio (1090 AM), and the station's objection to that was a major reason its 19-year relationship with the club ended, said WBAL vice president and station manager Jeff Beauchamp.
Associated Press:
Willis agrees to $6.45 million, 1-year deal — MIAMI (AP) — Florida Marlins ace Dontrelle Willis agreed Monday to a one-year contract for $6.45 million, a hefty salary for the team with the lowest payroll in the major leagues by far last year. — The deal represents a 48 percent increase …
Discussion:
The Griddle
