Top News:
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Sources: Braves trade LaRoche to Bucs for Gonzalez … The Pittsburgh Pirates, filling their need for a left-handed power bat, acquired first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday for lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez, two sources confirmed to ESPN.com.
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Associated Press:
At last: Bucs acquire LaRoche from Braves for closer Gonzalez — CBS SportsLine.com wire reports — PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates' two-month wait to try to swing a deal for Atlanta power hitter Adam LaRoche ended Wednesday when they agreed to acquire the first baseman for left-handed closer Mike Gonzalez and another player.
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Baseball Musings
Ed Eagle / MLB.com:
Bucs agree to deal for Braves' LaRoche — Pittsburgh agrees in principle on trade for power hitter — PITTSBURGH — After more than a month of speculation, the Pirates and Braves agreed in principle Wednesday to a deal that would send Pittsburgh closer Mike Gonzalez to Atlanta …
Discussion:
Where have you gone …
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates land LaRoche ... at last — Gonzalez to Braves, two prospects exchanged — By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — Adam LaRoche, the young, square-jawed, sweet-swinging power hitter the Pirates had atop their wish list all winter, is headed to Pittsburgh.
Discussion:
Bucco Blog
Steve Henson / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers sign pitcher Tsao, a former Rockies prospect — The Dodgers have reached an agreement with pitcher Chin-Hui Tsao, the top prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization before injuries derailed his progress. — A contract is contingent on Tsao passing a physical once he obtains …
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Dave Sheinin / Washington Post:
After Traveling, Nats Sign Four Venezuelan Teenagers — The Washington Nationals' aggressive mining of the international talent market continued yesterday with the signing of four Venezuelan teenagers, days after two team executives traveled to the country on a scouting trip and only a week …
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nationals sign four prospects — Club continues to stock system as Spring Training nears — WASHINGTON — The Nationals agreed to terms on professional contracts with catcher Sandy Leon, shortstop Adrian Sanchez, center fielder Jesus Morales and first baseman Juan Urdaneta on Wednesday.
Discussion:
District of Baseball
Richard Durrett / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers see Sosa as a middle man — Rangers manager Ron Washington and hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo caution that Sammy Sosa won't be awarded a roster spot simply based on a resume that includes 588 career home runs. — But the new manager was impressed enough by what he saw Monday …
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Lone Star Ball
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Prior success worthless? — Despite injury-filled career, Cubs pitcher doesn't deserve pay cut — While being introduced during the opening of last year's Cubs Convention, Mark Prior was greeted by a rousing ovation and the chant, "No trade, no trade." — Responding to media reports …
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Can't Stop The Bleeding
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Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Cubs kick off caravan with good news — Offseason progress of recovering hurlers has team optimistic — CHICAGO — The Cubs began their winter Cubs Caravan tour on Wednesday with good news regarding Mark Prior, who is throwing off the mound and making good progress.
Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Jays ink Fasano to Minor League deal — Veteran catcher realizes he'll likely begin season at Triple-A — TORONTO — Sal Fasano understands that he might not make Toronto's Opening Day roster. That didn't stop the free-agent catcher from signing with the Blue Jays, though.
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The700Level.com
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Corey Brock / MLB.com:
Putz agrees to three-year contract — Reliever had 36 saves in first season as Mariners' closer — SEATTLE — When J.J. Putz finally reached his former teammate and good friend Eddie Guardado by phone earlier this week, Putz didn't waste time with any ordinary salutation. — Instead, Putz offered but one word.
Discussion:
The Griddle
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Gregg Bell / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Mariners' Putz gets $13.1 million deal
Mariners' Putz gets $13.1 million deal
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nationals set to add vet Womack — Longtime utilityman can play multiple positions — WASHINGTON — Looking to improve their bench, the Nationals are set to sign infielder/outfielder Tony Womack to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, MLB.com has been told.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Wells contemplates Padres' offer — The Padres offered free-agent left-hander David Wells a one-year contract Wednesday, FOXSports.com has learned. — The offer includes a modest base salary plus appearance-based incentives, according to a major-league source.
Dionisio Soldevila / Associated Press:
Bonds: McGwire and Rose belong in Hall of Fame — SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Barry Bonds thinks Mark McGwire and Pete Rose belong in the Hall of Fame. — The Baseball Writers' Association of America elected Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn to the Hall last week, but denied McGwire.
Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
MLB considers adding playoff off-day — Proposal involves extra day before Game 5 of Division Series — PHOENIX — Major League Baseball officials are discussing the possibility of scheduling an off-day prior to a deciding Game 5 in the Division Series, Bob DuPuy, MLB's president …
Discussion:
Athletics Nation