Top News:
Sports Illustrated:
'Bernie should be here' — Rivera blasts Yankees for treatment of Williams — TAMPA, Fla. — Bernie Williams isn't in Yankees camp. But whether he comes or not, it's obvious he's going to be an issue. — Mariano Rivera, the great Yankees closer who'd previously expressed dismay …
RELATED:
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 …
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.
RELATED:
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.
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.
Discussion:
The Brewer Chronicles
RELATED:
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.
Joe / Mets Today:
Hatin' on Shawn Green — It's amazing how quickly — and with such finality — New York fans can get down on a particular player. — In a town that boos the greatest baseball player on the planet (perhaps of all time), even after winning the AL MVP, it shouldn't be surprising …
Discussion:
Always Amazin'
RELATED:
Mark Hale / New York Post:GREEN: I'M NOT RETIRING — Although a report said Shawn Green …
Discussion:
Hot Foot
Jeff Horrigan / Boston Herald:
Looking good: Lester's return to Sox takes shape in Fort Myers — FORT MYERS - Jon Lester [stats] has seen the looks he is getting from other early arrivals at Red Sox [team stats] spring training camp. He knows exactly what they are thinking. — After missing the final month of last season …
RELATED:
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Padres to give Marine spring tryout — The Padres' ongoing search for baseball talent recently found an unusual source: the United States Marine Corps. The Padres are enlisting Cooper Brannan, a Marine corporal whose service includes two tours of duty in Iraq.
Discussion:
The Griddle
RELATED:
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Winners and losers for baseball's off-season — Spring training is the time for teams to assess their fancy new ensembles. Some clubs will relish their fresh looks. Others quickly will grow wary of what they see. — Practically all of the money is spent now, well past $1 billion all told.
Amy K. Nelson / ESPN:
From Pearl Lagoon to the Back Bay … The Nicaraguan pitcher with a Jamaican inflection and British surname sat in his airy Toronto five-star hotel room this past September, took a deep breath and looked down at his dark, flexed forearms. — "A Pearl Lagoon boy is here," Red Sox pitcher Devern Hansack said.
Chris Constancio / Hardball Times:
The Best Young Second Basemen of 2007 — This week, I will continue my position-by-position review of the game's best players by examining young second basemen. The following list differs from traditional prospect lists in two ways. First, anyone under 25 is eligible.
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
Reuters:
Devil Rays acquire pitcher Ryu from Cubs — NEW YORK (Reuters) - South Korean hurler Jae Kuk Ryu will compete for a spot in the starting rotation with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after the American League club acquired the right-hander Tuesday in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Tall expectations for Hirsh — 6-foot-8 Jason Hirsh aims to win over fans, corral big awards — Jason Hirsh knows the concerns of Rockies fans. — And he wants to assure them they can relax. — He knows Jason Jennings is with the Houston Astros. — But the Rockies did OK in that deal …
Discussion:
Purple Row
Mark Zuckerman / Washington Times:
Unanswered questions — They have spent the last four months defending their grand plan to rebuild themselves into a championship-caliber franchise, determined not to deviate from their charted course while trying to convince the general public to climb aboard and enjoy the ride.
Baseball America:
Arizona Diamondbacks — 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 …
Discussion:
Purple Row
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].
