Top News:
Associated Press:
Barber, O's first 20-game winner, dies at 67 — BALTIMORE — Steve Barber, the first 20-game winner in modern Baltimore Orioles history and the losing pitcher in one of baseball's wildest no-hitters, has died. He was 67. — Barber became ill last week and died from complications …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
RELATED:
Roch Kubatko / Baltimore Sun:
Former Orioles pitcher Steve Barber dies at 67 … The first time Jim Palmer had the chance to watch Steve Barber pitch in person, during an exhibition game in Aberdeen, S.D., in 1964, the future Hall of Famer held one recurring thought in his head. — Toiling at the Single-A level …
Discussion:
Oriole Post
Baseball America:
Chicago Cubs — Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel. All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.
Discussion:
1060west.net
RELATED:
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Cubs open checkbook, raise expectations … Was there any event that summed up baseball's wacko winter better than this: — A general manager's signing a free-agent pitcher to a $40-million contract while hooked up to an EKG machine? — This actually happened, you know. In real life.
Associated Press:
Helling to retire after 12 seasons — FARGO, N.D. — Right-hander Rick Helling says he is retiring from Major League baseball after 12 years, to spend more time with his family. — "It's been long enough," Helling told The Forum newspaper on Monday. "It's time to be a dad."
Discussion:
The Griddle
John Beamer / Hardball Times:
Will Bonds Break Hammerin' Hank's Record? — It doesn't take a clairvoyant to prophesize that one of the media events of 2007 is the likely celebration/opprobrium when, or if, Barry Bonds clubs home runs numbers 755 and 756 out of the yard. — But is such a celebration likely to happen?
RELATED:
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Where's the next Verlander? — The search is on for this year's Justin Verlander, but good luck trying to find him. — FOX Bite — Videos — Hardball Report — Verlander made an enormous impact last season, earning 17 wins, helping the Tigers to the World Series and winning American League Rookie of the Year.
Josh Wilker / Cardboard Gods:
Toby Harrah — Nobody ever discusses the most equal trades of all time. Conversely, the awful trades come up periodically: Jeff Bagwell for Larry Andersen, Nolan Ryan for Jim Fregosi, Frank Robinson for Milt Pappas, Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek for Heathcliff Slocumb, Sparky Lyle for Danny Cater …
Associated Press:
Guardado, Reds agree to minor league contract — CINCINNATI — Cincinnati relief pitcher Eddie Guardado, recovering from surgery on his throwing arm, agreed to a minor league contract, the Reds said Monday. — The 36-year-old Guardado was invited to the Reds' major league training camp.
Discussion:
Redleg Nation
John Delcos / The Journal News:
Mets' Johnson looking for chance to play — Ben Johnson, a stranger in his new town, was eager for the opportunity to spend one of his dwindling days before spring training teaching kids how to swing a bat. — "I feel as a major-league player, I should give something back," …
Pat Andriola / Shea Faithful:
Interview with Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News — Adam Rubin, who covers the Mets at the New York Daily News and runs the great and informative NY Mets Blog, answered some of my questions on the Mets upcoming season. — Pat Andriola: What do you make of the Mets rotation this year?
