Top News:
Associated Press:
Source: Randolph, Mets agree on terms of new deal — NEW YORK — The New York Mets and manager Willie Randolph agreed in principle Wednesday on a new three-year contract that runs through 2009. — The deal is scheduled to be announced Thursday, a baseball executive familiar with the negotiations said …
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NY Daily News:
Willie deal is on the money — Mets reward a winner — Willie Randolph might seem like he's smiling more this season, and although he might have millions of reasons to do so, it's just the manager's winning personality coming through. — Willie Randolph reenergized the Mets. Now he's getting rewarded.
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Mets, Randolph agree to new deal — Manager to get three-year contract with a club option for 2010 — NEW YORK — In the moments of exalt that followed the Mets' elimination of the Dodgers from the postseason in October, Willie Randolph spoke about how much he enjoyed watching his players celebrate.
Discussion:
SportsWorldNY
NY Daily News:
It's not in Joe's bracket, but Randolph will manage — This is the way things should go for Willie Randolph and the Mets. He was in on the ground floor of what can be a good, long run for everybody, a run that began only last season even if it ended all wrong in Game 7 against the Cardinals.
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Willie's jackpot — Randolph agrees to 3-year, $5.65M contract extension — A winter of discomfort will not carry over into the Mets' spring. Willie Randolph will not be a lame-duck manager this season. — Randolph and the Mets agreed in principle yesterday to a three-year …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
MLB.com:
Chicago native Cliff Floyd agrees to one-year deal with Cubs — The Chicago Cubs today announced that the club has agreed to terms with outfielder and first baseman Cliff Floyd on a one-year deal with a mutual option for the 2008 season. — Floyd, 34, owns a .279 career batting average …
Discussion:
LoneStar Mets, Babes That Love Baseball, CubsNet.com, Tales Of A Transplanted … and MLB Rumors
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Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Floyd, Cubs agree on deal — The Cubs, finally, made it official Wednesday when they signed Chicago area native Cliff Floyd to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2008. — With the signing of the 34-year-old, the Cubs have set up an interesting outfield scenario.
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Chicago native Floyd signs with Cubs — One-year, $3 million deal adds lefty bat, improves depth — CHICAGO — Cliff Floyd can't wait to enjoy his mother's home cooking on a regular basis. — The Cubs completed their free agent acquisitions Wednesday, signing Floyd to a one-year …
Associated Press:
Floyd agrees to $3 million, 1-year contract with Cubs — CHICAGO (AP) — Cliff Floyd is coming home and hoping to be injury free after agreeing Wednesday to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. — Floyd, a Chicago native, could split time in left field with Matt Murton …
Murray Chass / New York Times:
Yanks Hope to Get a Jump in China — The Yankees are coming, the Yankees are coming. That's what the Chinese are shouting in China today because the Yankees are heading there in their latest international exploration. Vasco da Gama and Magellan had nothing on them.
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Weaver could end up in Pittsburgh — While the Cardinals remain the front-runners for free-agent right-hander Jeff Weaver, another N.L. Central team would be nearly as good a fit. — The Pirates, still trying to add a veteran starter, would give Weaver, 30, the chance to reunite …
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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates near two-year deal with Sanchez — Team also in talks with free-agent pitcher Jeff Weaver — By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — The Pirates and National League batting champion Freddy Sanchez are close to agreement on a two-year contract.
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
Larry Fine / Reuters:
Yankee old timers urge A-Rod to step up — NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Yankee veterans agreed on Tuesday that the Bronx Bombers needed Alex Rodriguez to rise to the occasion in the postseason to help them return to World Series glory in 2007. — The 1977 Yankees were honored …
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Associated Press:
Frank Robinson to work for ESPN … BRISTOL, CONN. // Former Washington Nationals manager and Orioles legend Frank Robinson will be a special analyst for ESPN as it celebrates the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's breaking of baseball's color barrier. — Frank Robinson …
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nats Proceed With Caution — Sitting earlier this week at a forum at his alma mater, Washington Nationals owner Theodore Lerner likened his family's first year at the helm of the District's Major League Baseball franchise to freshman year at college, full of unexpected experiences and adjustments.
Newsday:
Posada wants Bernie — Catcher says popular OF could be a standby in case there's an injury — Realistically, Bernie Williams has two options in his baseball future: retire, or leave the Yankees to play for another team. — The problem, as Jorge Posada confirmed last night …
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Michael Morrissey / New York Post:BERN-ING TO RETURN — JORGE: WILLIAMS WANTS 1 MORE YEAR
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Low price could mean Zambrano returns — The Mets, aware that their starting rotation is replete with questions, hope to sign one more low-cost free-agent starting pitcher, a person familiar with the situation said yesterday. Victor Zambrano, best known for being on the wrong side …
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
FanFest a chance to meet the Marlins — Event to take place at Dolphin Stadium on Feb. 10 — MIAMI — Before the Marlins head up to Jupiter for Spring Training, fans will have several opportunities to get up close and personal with the club. — The biggest chance to meet the players …
