Top News:
ESPN:
Zambrano says he'll walk if Cubs don't sign him — Carlos Zambrano has issued an ultimatum to the Chicago Cubs — sign me now, or say goodbye when the 2007 season is over. — "Whatever happens, I don't want to know [anything] about a contract during the season.
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Fox Sports:
Report: Zambrano threatens to bolt Cubs — Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Carlos Zambrano is ready to move on if the team fails to give him a big-bucks contract extension before opening day, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune. — Zambrano, who is thought to be seeking …
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs' Zambrano: 'I must go' if no deal — Says he's ready to sign, but seeks Zito money — MESA, Ariz. — After announcing at the Cubs Convention he wouldn't discuss a contract extension with the Cubs if they don't come to an agreement before Opening Day, Carlos Zambrano said Monday he's gone if he has to play out the season.
Discussion:
Deadspin, GROTA, MLB Trade Rumors, 1060west.net, 6-4-2, Hot Foot, A New Pirates Generation and BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Associated Press:
No Williams now, maybe no Mo next year — TAMPA, Florida (AP) - As the New York Yankees prepared to start spring training without Bernie Williams, Mariano Rivera talked about the possibility of not being with the team a year from now. — Rivera will get $10.5 million this season …
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Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Rivera ready for hardball — Seeks relief with extension or new team — TAMPA - Mariano Rivera has long been the image of icy calm on the mound during pressure-packed October moments, so it's difficult to imagine the Yankee closer exhibiting frustration.
Discussion:
Pride of the Yankees
NY Daily News:
Show respect to one who is still a cutter above — TAMPA - This doesn't seem like a tough one. Until there is some solid evidence that age is stealing the late life from Mariano Rivera's famous cutter, he gets whatever he wants, right? — If he wants to grow tomatoes in the bullpen, the Yankees plant him a garden.
Associated Press:
Benson likely out for season with rotator cuff tear — BALTIMORE — Orioles pitcher Kris Benson has a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder and will probably miss the entire 2007 season. — Baltimore moved quickly to fill his spot in the starting rotation, agreeing Monday …
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Mike Chiappetta / NBCSports.com:
Brewers preseason preview — Key additions, healed injuries will make Milwaukee dangerous — In the wide open world of the National League Central, the Milwaukee Brewers and their fans should have every reason to believe that their team is capable of staying in contention for the long haul.
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Crew brings high expectations to camp — Milwaukee looks to make good use of additions, larger payroll — MILWAUKEE — More than four months have passed since the Brewers played their final inning last summer. With the ceremonial start of 2007 only days away, it's an opportunity to start over.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Lester: From patient to eager — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Maybe it's just part of the code of the so-called man-cave, which, after all, is what a baseball clubhouse really is. Or maybe it's because they're in a business where tough breaks come with the territory; the guy sitting beside …
Discussion:
Fenway Blogger
RELATED:
Jeff Horrigan / Boston Herald:Looking good: Lester's return to Sox takes shape in Fort Myers
Discussion:
Boston Sports Media Watch
Gerry Callahan / Boston Herald:
Dice-K's on easy street: Sox do anything, everything for pitcher — Larry Lucchino was sitting on the floor, dressed in stocking feet and a lavender kimono, when he made the stunning announcement to the 7,627 members of the international media who gathered yesterday at Fenway Park [map].
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NY Daily News:
Union makes appeal — With almost no options left, the Major League Baseball Players Association filed a last-ditch request last night to keep the names of 104 steroid cheats out of the clutches of a grand jury. — The MLBPA asked a federal appeals court in San Francisco to revisit …
RELATED:
David Kravets / Associated Press:Baseball players' union asks for steroid ruling
Discussion:
Hot Foot
Sports Illustrated:
Villone signs with Yankees — Veteran left-hander agrees to minor-league deal — Ron Villone has agreed to a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees. — He stands to make $2.5 million if he makes the club, which is likely, and an additional $300,000 in incentives based on games pitched.
Mark Hale / New York Post:
GREEN: I'M NOT RETIRING — Although a report said Shawn Green is considering hanging up his spikes after this season, the Mets right fielder said yesterday he anticipates playing in 2008. — "There's been no decision on the future at all as far as I'm concerned," the 34-year-old Green told The Post yesterday by phone.
Discussion:
Hot Foot
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
'Hawk' receives lifetime honor — White Sox broadcaster Harrelson joins exclusive company — CHICAGO — One by one, the young fans walked up to Ken Harrelson on Monday night at the Hilton Chicago, in search of autographs, a pat on the back or maybe even a quick photo opportunity.
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Molina throws curve to Wainwright, keeps memento — JUPITER, FLA. — During the celebration of the Cardinals' World Series victory, rookie pitcher Adam Wainwright bargained with catcher Yadier Molina for a title memento. — Wainwright believed they had a deal.
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Perez inks Minor League deal with Sox — Veteran infielder also receives invitation to Spring Training — It seems only fitting that Eduardo Perez and the White Sox agreed to a Minor League contract Monday, including a Spring Training invite, considering two of the more entertaining moments …
