Top News:
Michael S. Schmidt / New York Times:
Rodriguez Avoids a High-and-Tight Pitch — It seemed like a harmless enough event for Alex Rodriguez — a book signing for his new children's book at a Barnes & Noble store in Midtown Manhattan. — But the distractions began shortly after Rodriguez, the Yankees' third baseman, arrived around 1:30 p.m. yesterday.
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Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Alex open to options — Mum on contract talk; stays A-OK with Torre — Alex Rodriguez says there are no issues to resolve with Joe Torre before spring training begins next week, despite the disappointing way last season ended for both of them in Detroit.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Jeff Goldberg / Hartford Courant:
Sticking With The Plan — Moving Papelbon To Closer A Long Shot, Francona Says — BOSTON — To anyone still clinging to the notion of Jonathan Papelbon closing games when the season begins in April, Red Sox manager Terry Francona says it's time to let go.
Wallace Matthews / Stamford Advocate:
Book on Rodriguez: Expect misfortune — If he didn't have that quarter-of-a-billion-dollar contract, that gorgeous wife, that precious 2-year-old daughter and the head of Ricky Martin grafted onto the body of Arnold Schwarzenegger, you might be tempted to believe that Alex Rodriguez just doesn't have any luck at all.
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Boras pulls his Sox on: Super agent's bond with Hub club grows stronger — NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — On the wall-panel controls for the five flat-screen TV's in the conference room of the Boras Corporation, NESN is one of the prominent pre-set buttons that an employee, or Scott Boras himself, can push.
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Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Q&A with Scott Boras — The following excerpts represent much of an interview with baseball agent Scott Boras conducted by Michael Silverman last week at Boras' Newport Beach, Calif., headquarters. — Q. Where's Bill Caudill these days? — A. That was my first multiyear contract, my first arbitration case.
Discussion:
The Feeding the Monster Blog
Christian Red / NY Daily News:
Pedro in fight to the finish — Pedro Martinez is working his way back into shape in hopes of returning to his old form and the Mets in time for a run to a World Series title. — Barring a change of heart, Pedro Martinez will likely retire once the remaining two years of his Mets' contract are up.
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Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Manny questions yet to be answered — There is a long checklist of issues to be addressed during the upcoming Red Sox season, but one that has been in hibernation since the winter meetings in December is Manny Ramírez's frame of mind. — The people who know — or think they know — just aren't saying, or they're hedging.
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Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Hicks: Third team not a crowd — New Liverpool co-owner insists he won't forget about Rangers, Stars — egrant@dallasnews.com — Tom Hicks spent Tuesday assuring sports fans on both sides of the Atlantic that he is about winning. — Early Tuesday, he and Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr …
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Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers sign left-hander Chen — The Rangers officially added left-hander Bruce Chen to the list of candidates for the fifth spot in the starting rotation Tuesday. — Chen, 29, agreed to a minor league contract and will be invited to spring training. He joins right-handers Josh Rupe …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Mike Chiappetta / NBCSports.com:
Dodgers preseason preview — Lots of pitching but little offensive firepower will make winning a grind — The Los Angeles Dodgers are a team that have historically built upon a strong pitching staff with a solid ace, from the days of Koufax and Drysdale to Valenzuela and Orel Hershiser.
Discussion:
Dem Bums
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Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:
Beinfest has major holes left to fill — HOLLYWOOD — After the rookie-laden Marlins surprised the baseball world with 78 wins in 2006, the front office hoped to spend the off-season adding players who could make the team into a playoff contender in 2007. — But with spring training 10 days away …
Discussion:
FishStripes
Barry Jackson / Miami Herald:
Expect Marlins' payroll to stay low — T he Marlins and Miami-Dade County officials remain optimistic about completing a deal for a nearly $500 million stadium, though key steps remain — including commission approval and the state allocating funds. (Neither is guaranteed.)
Discussion:
FishStripes
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Chris Constancio / Hardball Times:
The Best Young First Basemen of 2007 — This week, I will continue my position-by-position review of the game's best players by examining young first basemen. The following list differs from traditional prospect lists in two ways. First, anyone under 25 is eligible.
Associated Press:
Harang gets four-year, $36.5M deal from Reds — CINCINNATI — Right-hander Aaron Harang agreed to a four-year, $36.5 million deal Tuesday, making him the Cincinnati Reds' highest-paid pitcher. — The 28-year-old Harang emerged as one of the NL's top starters last season despite pitching …
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Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Rivera shut down as precaution — Colorado Springs - Stiffness in Oscar Rivera's left shoulder forced Mexican coaches to choose opportunity over country. Rivera, a candidate to make the Rockies' rotation, did not appear in the Caribbean World Series this week as precaution.
Discussion:
Purple Row
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Izzy seems right on schedule — JUPITER, Fla. — Cardinals pitchers and catchers aren't due to report for another week, but the first significant pitch of the spring may have been thrown Tuesday behind Roger Dean Stadium. — Climbing a mound for the first time since having hip surgery Sept. 21 …
Discussion:
Redbird Ramblings
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nationals Agree to Contract Terms With 12 Players — With pitchers and catchers set to report to spring training in Viera, Fla., on Tuesday, the Washington Nationals came to contract terms with a dozen players yesterday, leaving just four players invited to major league camp without deals.
