Top News:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Ohka out of Pirates' plan, but Armas in — Team talking with former Nationals pitcher — By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — As the field of right-handed starters in free agency keeps dwindling for the Pirates — their talks with Tomo Ohka suddenly broke off yesterday …
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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Ohka, Pirates break off talks — By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — Tomo Ohka will not be pitching for the Pirates. — In a sudden and surprising reversal, Ohka and his agent, Jim Masteralexis, decided today to abandon all of their two-year offers through free agency …
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
For Nats Outfielder Logan, a Familiar Position — Here is Manny Acta, manager of the Washington Nationals, on how much competition Nook Logan, who has 545 major league at-bats, will face for the starting center field job when spring training opens next month: "He's going to spring training as our center fielder.
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Mailbag: How will the Nats fare in 2007? — Nationals beat reporter Bill Ladson answers fans' questions … Do you have any predictions on how the Nationals will play in 2007? — Mark R., Ottawa, Canada — It's too early, Mark. Before I make a prediction, I want to see how the …
Discussion:
The Nationals Enquirer
Murray Chass / New York Times:
With Two Deals Stalled, Joke Never Gets Started — You would think that when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, it would have liberated their fans, enabled all of them to smile and laugh. — For whatever reason, however, some segment of that fan base doesn't recognize a joke when it encounters one …
Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Surgery for McPherson today — Dallas McPherson will undergo surgery today to remove a herniated disk, a procedure that will sideline the young Angels slugger for at least six months but should bring a considerable amount of relief to his aching lower back and frayed psyche.
Discussion:
6-4-2
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Erstad could still return to Angels — Free agent Darin Erstad still could return to the Angels as a backup first baseman and outfielder, but the Marlins and White Sox are offering him greater playing time, according to his agent, Greg Genske. — The Cubs, who remain interested in Erstad …
Michael Morrissey / New York Post:
CANO'S NO. 22 TO ROG - IF ... The Yankees are preparing for Roger Clemens - at least, numerically speaking. — Recently, the club asked All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano to hand over his No. 22 in the event of another Rocket launch in The Bronx, The Post confirmed yesterday.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Stats Geek: Why not make Pirates' lineup top heavy? — By Brian O'Neill, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — Adam LaRoche is no superstar, but the fanfare for his arrival is deserved. LaRoche is the prototypical Lefty McThump the slugging-deprived Pirates needed, and you can pencil him in for 25 to 30 home runs for the next few years.
Zach Landres-Schnur / The Big Picture:
Bruce Pearl is surprisingly less hairy than we thought he'd be — That man there, that's Tennessee men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl! And he's not wearing a shirt! And his chest has a V on it! And he's wearing a headband! And that's Bruce Pearl! And he appears to be leading a thunderous charge!
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Notes: Sosa's deal in final stages — Assistant GM Levine says discussions in home stretch — ARLINGTON — The Rangers continue to work on wrapping up the final details on a Minor League contract with outfielder Sammy Sosa. — A formal announcement will likely come later this week …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Joseph Santoliquito / MLB.com:
Howard accepts 'Outstanding' award — Slugger honored by Philadelphia Sports Writers Association — CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Ryan Howard's bright smile still lights up a room, but the National League MVP's illuminating presence finds itself competing with camera crews and omni lights.
Discussion:
The700Level.com
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Young players add value — Tigers reporter Jason Beck answers fans' questions — You frequently have to respond to the e-mailers' unrealistic expected returns in trade offers for some of the younger players in the organization. Is there more value in an older soon-to-be free agent …
Discussion:
TigerBlog
MLB.com:
Athletics agree to terms with Justin Duchscherer — A's pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 16 — OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics announced Monday the club has agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Justin Duchscherer on one-year contract for the 2007 season, avoiding arbitration.
Discussion:
Athletic Supporters
Christian Red / NY Daily News:
'It's never enough' — Jackie's widow wants more progress — As black and white images of Jackie Robinson's life flashed on multiple television screens above the main floor of the ESPN Zone in midtown last night, Willie Randolph was introduced to warm applause from the capacity crowd.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Baseball America:
Nyjer Morgan, of, Pirates — Born: July 2, 1980. • B-T: L-L. • Ht.: 6-0. • Wt.: 170. • Drafted: Walla Walla (Wash.) CC, D/F 2002 (33rd round). • Signed by: Kevin Clouser. — Morgan made a big splash in his pro debut after signing as a draft-and-follow in 2003 …
Discussion:
Redleg Nation
Kevin Kennedy / Fox Sports:
Rejuvenated Sosa poised for comeback — He's hit 588 career home runs. Only Henry Aaron, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays have more. He's also driven in nearly 1,600 runs and has a respectable career batting average of .274. — On top of that, he's the only player in baseball history …