Top News:
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Javy Lopez rejoins Braves — Former fan favorite signed to minor league contract — Javy Lopez is back with the Braves. — The Braves signed their popular former catcher to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, where the 37-year-old will try to win a job backing up catcher Brian McCann.
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MLB.com:
Braves agree to terms with catcher Javy Lopez on Minor League contract — Former All-Star receives invitation to spring training camp — ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves announced today that former All-Star catcher Javy Lopez has agreed to terms on a one-year minor league contract …
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Young tries physical therapy — The longtime physical therapist for golfer Tiger Woods could play a role in whether the Padres reach the playoffs. — Pitcher Chris Young, beset by injuries to three torso muscles the past two years, has enlisted Keith Kleven, acclaimed for his muscle work with Woods and other pro golfers.
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Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Cards deal icon Edmonds to Padres — Center fielder and cash exchanged for prospect Freese — ST. LOUIS — Over an eight-year span as one of the finest players in Cardinals history, Jim Edmonds made St. Louis his home. As his career comes to an end, though, the franchise icon …
Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Yanks & Mets look into Prior — The possibility of the Yankees and Mets competing for a big-name pitcher always puts sizzle into a free-agent chase, but it remains to be seen how deep the two teams get into discussions over rehabbing righty Mark Prior, the ex-Cub.
Discussion:
Mets Refugees, Mets Merized Online, MetsBlog.com, Seven Train to Shea Mets Blog and Bronx Banter
John Sickels / Minor League Ball:
New York Yankees Top 20 Prospects for 2008 — New York Yankees Top 20 Prospects for 2008 — All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change. — Joba Chamberlain, RHP, Grade A — Jose Tabata, OF, Grade B+ — Ian Kennedy, RHP, Grade B+ — Alan Horne, RHP, Grade B
Discussion:
Pending Pinstripes, River Ave. Blues, The Sommer Frieze, Pinstripe Alley and WasWatching.com
ESPN:
Silent nights: A-Rod says he, Boras not speaking — NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez's desire to go it alone in contract talks with the Yankees drove a wedge between him and his longtime agent, Scott Boras. — But the player revealed the depth of the hard feelings in a "60 Minutes" …
NY Daily News:
Pettitte finds safe haven at his Tex. church — A day after Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte fessed up to using human growth hormone, he took refuge in the forgiving embrace of his family and his Texas church. — With his wife, Laura, and four children at his side, Pettitte was greeted warmly …
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Brian McTaggart / Houston Chronicle:
Berkman: Pettitte's statement on Mitchell findings puts pressure on Clemens
Berkman: Pettitte's statement on Mitchell findings puts pressure on Clemens
Discussion:
FanHouse
Erick Aybar / Rotoworld.com:
Winter League Action — I'm waist deep in draft guide projections and writeups, so these next couple of columns won't be quite as wordy as usual. Up this week is a look at how players are performing in winter ball. — Dominican Winter League — .246/.289/.342, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 15/6 K/BB, 7 SB in 114 AB
Associated Press:
Yankees, Rivera finalize three-year, $45M contract — NEW YORK — Mariano Rivera and the New York Yankees made it official Monday, finalizing a $45 million, three-year contract that will keep the ace closer in pinstripes. — Rivera became a free agent after the season and then told the team last month he would accept their offer.
Tim Brown / Yahoo! Sports:
Kuroda will bolster Dodgers' rotation — The winter pitching market continued to work around the existing free agents Saturday, when the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Japanese right-hander Hiroki Kuroda to a three-year contract worth $35.3 million. — Kuroda, whom the Dodgers followed …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Sports Illustrated:
ESPN still waiting to hear from Viña — NEW YORK — Will Fernando Viña appear on ESPN again? The network says it's up to him. Viña joined ESPN's Baseball Tonight as an analyst in 2007 but has yet to appear on any ESPN property since being named in the Mitchell Report.
New York Times:
Orioles Speak Up Against Mitchell Report — The Baltimore Orioles broke ranks with the other 29 major league clubs and Commissioner Bud Selig by issuing a statement late Saturday night that strongly questioned George J. Mitchell's report on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball.
Discussion:
Scott Van Pelt Style
Peter Schmuck / Baltimore Sun:
More O's woes — Response to report, quiet price hike have familiar feel — The great hope that blossomed around the Orioles organization with the arrival of new president Andy MacPhail was that - finally - it appeared there was a real sign owner Peter Angelos recognized that the revitalization …