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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Associated Press:
Willis, Marlins agree to $6.45 million, 1-year deal … By Steven Wine — MIAMI // Newlywed Dontrelle Willis expects to become a first-time father in May, and saving for his daughter's college tuition should be no problem. — The Florida Marlins ace agreed Monday to a one-year contract …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Associated Press:
St. Louis gets 2009 All-Star game — ST. LOUIS (AP) — Busch Stadium in St. Louis will host baseball's All-Star game in 2009. — Baseball commissioner Bud Selig made the announcement Monday night at the 49th annual dinner hosted by the St. Louis chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Why shuffle Hall to outfield? — Beat reporter Adam McCalvy answers Brewers fans' questions — Straight to the mailbag, beginning with a sample of questions and comments on a topic I've heard plenty about. — Can you explain the rationale behind moving Bill Hall to the outfield?
Murray Chass / New York Times:
Mets Clear a Comeback Trail for Sierra — How can you like a guy like this? — Rubén Sierra is batting in the ninth inning of a game against Texas, the last game before the All-Star Game last July. Minnesota is down by three runs with a runner on second base, two out and Joe Mauer on deck.
Rob Biertempfel / PittsburghLIVE.com:
Pirates' new majority owner thrust into spotlight — TRIBUNE-REVIEW — Bob Nutting did not seem to understand why anyone would want his autograph Sunday night when the Pirates kicked off their annual winter caravan at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. — "I'm not the star here," …
Discussion:
Bucs Trade Winds
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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.
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.
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
