Top News:
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Hitch was in his plan — Epstein took a wife, left media in dark — Theo Epstein is a married man. — The Red Sox general manager threw a shutout at the paparazzi, gossip columnists, nosy sportswriters, celebrity bloggers, and any other potential wedding crashers by sneaking off earlier …
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Jeff Horrigan / Boston Herald:
Matsuzaka reappears for workout in Cali — Kept out of sight since a Dec. 14 introductory press conference at Fenway Park [map], Daisuke Matsuzaka will meet with the media today for only the second time since joining the Red Sox [team stats]. — Matsuzaka, who signed a six-year …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Helton's goal still a title in Colorado — First baseman planning to put trade talk in past — Todd Helton's goal for the past several seasons has been to finish his career where it began - with the Rockies. — That's still the case. — Even in 2001, when he signed a nine-year contract extension …
Steve Buckley / Boston Herald:
Delcarmen a real homer: But OK with trade talk — "Dude, they're talking about you on ESPN." — So spoke one of Manny Delcarmen's buddies a couple of nights ago, cell phone to cell phone, informing the Red Sox [team stats] pitcher that his name had been attached to trade talks with the Colorado Rockies involving Todd Helton.
Discussion:
Purple Row
Jimmy Golen / Associated Press:
Drew contract gives Red Sox some outs — BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox would be able to void the final two years of J.D. Drew's contract if he spends 35 days on the disabled list in 2009 with a specified injury. — The team could also get out of the deal if Drew finishes the '09 season …
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:Schilling will pitch in '08 — Righty revises retirement plans
Discussion:
Boston Sports Media Watch
Jordan Bastian / toronto.bluejays.mlb.com:
Jays take chance on vet Zambrano — Injured starter not expected to challenge in Spring — TORONTO — Victor Zambrano had one major need: a team willing to give him some more time. He is eight months removed from surgery to repair his right elbow and will likely need most of Spring Training to continue his rehabilitation.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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Associated Press:
Jays sign Zambrano to minor league deal — TORONTO (CP) - The Toronto Blue Jays signed pitcher Victor Zambrano to a minor-league deal Tuesday with an eye toward what the right-hander might offer them later in the 2007 season. The 31-year-old is still building his arm back up after surgery …
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Sosa promises vintage Sammy — Slugger returns with confidence that he can perform at high level — egrant@dallasnews.com — ARLINGTON - If Sammy Sosa can still wield a bat anything like he can wield a microphone, the Rangers will have hit the lottery with Tuesday's announcement …
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Associated Press:
Sosa signs, says he won't let Rangers down — ARLINGTON, Texas — Sammy Sosa is back in baseball — and back to fielding the same steroids questions that dogged him when he left the game more than a year ago. — Sosa and the Texas Rangers agreed to a minor league contract Tuesday …
Jake Hooker / New York Times:
Joining China to Find a Yao Who Can Hit — Two of the world's most closely watched empires signed a deal here Tuesday. China wants a half-decent national baseball team. The Yankees want a toe in the Chinese sports market, and the chance to find — better yet, develop — Major League Baseball's Yao Ming.
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Associated Press:
Bonds gives Giants right to terminate deal — NEW YORK — Barry Bonds gave the San Francisco Giants the right to terminate his $15.8 million, one-year contract if he is indicted. — The unusual provision, included in the deal that was completed Monday night, protects the team in case Bonds …
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Moose pitches advice to Pavano — The Yankees are counting on Carl Pavano to occupy one of the five spots in the rotation, at least until Roger Clemens makes up his mind about his future. Mike Mussina believes that Pavano will have more to do this spring than to prepare on the field …
Discussion:
Off the Facade
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Bill Center / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Linebrink-Rowand deal off for now — The Padres have at least temporarily tabled a trade offer from Philadelphia that would have brought outfielder Aaron Rowand to the Padres for relief pitcher Scott Linebrink. — "It might be something we discuss again later this spring," Padres General Manager Kevin Towers said yesterday.
Baseball America:
Chris Kline's Winter Wonders — The 49th Caribbean Series begins Friday as the best clubs from Mexico, Venezuela, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico will battle it out for the 2007 title. — Puerto Rico is this year's host nation, and all games will be played at Roberto Clemente Walker Stadium …
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Pat / Where have you gone, Andy Van Slyke?:
2007 Preview Part 1 — Chris Duffy must be a consistent offensive contributor for the Pirates to win. — This is the first part of a running season preview in which I look at things that I think have to happen in order for the Pirates to be a decent baseball team in 2007 and decide how likely I think they are to happen.
JammingEcono / Banks of the Anacostia:
Church to Start in Left? — At first glance, the Nats outfield looks crowded. You've got Kearns ensconced in right, Nook Logan set (unfortunately) in center. As recently as last week, we had been led to believe that there would be a wide open competition between Ryan Church, Kory Casto …
Paul Hagen / Philly.com:
Chase won't take foot off the pedal — CHASE UTLEY was on first base when Ryan Howard singled to right. Utley raced around second and, barely hesitating, dug for third. When he arrived, he threw himself at the base in a headfirst sprawl. — The ball bounced off his back.
Discussion:
Balls, Sticks, & Stuff
