Top News:
Denver Post:
Helton seeks quick deal — Rockies first baseman Todd Helton said Saturday he would consider approving a trade to the Boston Red Sox, but wants a quick resolution to avoid a stream of distractions. — Helton was asked Saturday night whether he has provided the Rockies a deadline or …
RELATED:
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Helton trade talk catches Sox' ears — As if the Red Sox [team stats]' offseason has not been enough of a soap opera with the trans-global pursuit of Daisuke Matsuzaka, another non-trade of Manny Ramirez [stats] and the lawyering of J.D. Drew [stats]'s contract, a new attraction popped up yesterday …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Jeff Goldberg / Hartford Courant:
Red Sox Exploring Helton Deal — The contract for J.D. Drew finally done, the Red Sox are working on another deal that had its roots at December's winter meetings. — Rockies CEO Charlie Monfort confirmed a report in The Denver Post that the Red Sox and Colorado Rockies are in discussions …
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
A trade with possibilities — Helton would be intriguing acquisition — Maybe his home run production has diminished. Maybe he's amassed impressive numbers in a great hitter's park, Coors Field. But I must admit, I am utterly fascinated by the prospect of Todd Helton in the Red Sox lineup.
Tony Massarotti / Boston Herald:
Farrell's hands full — More than anything else, remember, spring training is about the pitchers. And like Dave Wallace before him, new Red Sox [team stats] pitching coach John Farrell has spent the better part of the winter familiarizing himself with the men who will make up his staff.
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Rockies talking to Red Sox about trading Helton … The Colorado Rockies are in high-level talks to trade first baseman Todd Helton to the Boston Red Sox in a deal that could send third baseman Mike Lowell and right-handed reliever Julian Tavarez to Colorado.
Bill Madden / NY Daily News:
Red Sox closing in on deal for Helton — It appears the Red Sox's offseason payroll splurge may not be not done yet, as Colorado sources yesterday told the Daily News that the Rockies are actively engaged in a deal that would send their high-priced first base slugger Todd Helton to Fenway.
Joe Cowley / Chicago Sun Times:
Williams puts scouting staff on notice — It wasn't the first time White Sox senior director of player personnel Duane Shaffer has had tire tracks across his back, but this time it was general manager Ken Williams who threw Shaffer underneath the bus. — During Saturday's town hall-style meeting …
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Ex-Mets GM Devine dies at 90 — ST. LOUIS - Bing Devine, who helped lay the groundwork for the Mets' 1969 World Series victory, died yesterday, He was 90. — Devine, who was the assistant to team president George Weiss in 1965-66 and was the team president/general manager in 1967 …
RELATED:
Bob Ryan / Boston Globe:
No excuse, no defense for these ballot balks — Help! I am consumed with guilt by association. — Yes, I am currently carrying card No. 151 in the Baseball Writers Association of America. Yes, I voted in the most recent Hall of Fame election. And, yes, I am deeply ashamed because …
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Kansas City Star:
The Royals caravan runs on fans' hope — This is the third year of the Royals caravan column, which means by baseball standards this thing is now a full-fledged tradition. Three years is a long time with the Royals. Heck, Tony Peña didn't last three years.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Jason Williams / TwinCities.com:
A BUSY JOE — Joe Mauer isn't a big thing only in St. Paul anymore. The home-grown star talks about his rising fame and his game. — The hometown hero was undecided late Saturday afternoon about whether he would attend that night's concert at Xcel Energy Center.
NY Daily News:
Joe, Alex on hot seat — Joe Torre may be entering his last season as Yankee manager. Unless his team wins again, and that means win more than the American League East. If the Yankees do win the World Series again, it is hard to see him going anywhere. He will have finally won that fifth Series.
