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.
Discussion:
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 get LaRoche in trade for Gonzalez — By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — The Pirates have reached agreement with the Atlanta Braves to acquire first baseman Adam LaRoche in exchange for closer Mike Gonzalez and another player, though that player's identity is not yet known.
Charlie / Bucs Dugout:
Bucs Trade Gonzalez, Lillibridge for LaRoche, Romak — Adam LaRoche (MLB.com) — The Pirates have apparently traded Mike Gonzalez and an unnamed player for Adam LaRoche. LaRoche just needs to take a physical. We should know soon who the other player is. Seriously, I can barely contain my excitement.
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 …
Discussion:
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.
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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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 …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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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
RELATED:
Gregg Bell / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:Mariners' Putz gets $13.1 million deal
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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
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.
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.
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.
Rob Neyer / ESPN:
Matsuzaka needs to shoot for Nomo's numbers … With all due respect to Greg Maddux, Barry Zito and Jose Mesa, there's really not much competition for the title Hottest Pitcher Acquisition of the Offseason. Clearly, that great honor goes to Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boston's $103.1 million man.
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Mets Won't Trade Their Future at the Present Time — The telephone calls keep coming, so Mets General Manager Omar Minaya keeps listening. But trading away premium talent for a modest starter is not going to happen. So Minaya has resisted all comers, and will take a chance …
Associated Press:
Nationals agree to deals with Snelling, 12 others — WASHINGTON (AP) — Outfielder Chris Snelling agreed to a $450,000, one-year contract with the Washington Nationals, who exchanged arbitration figures with five players Tuesday. — Among those submitting arbitration figures were starter John Patterson …
