Top News:
Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Astros sign Cassel with eyes on Prior — Wade makes offer to former Cubs righty; Benson also in mix — HOUSTON — Astros general manager Ed Wade is probably done trading players, but that doesn't mean he's done shaping the 2008 roster. Scouring the free-agent market, Wade continues to be on the lookout for starting pitching.
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MLB Trade Rumors
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ESPN:
Report: Astros make offer to injury-plagued Prior — It looks like Mark Prior won't be on the market for very long. — Cut loose by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, Prior received an offer from the Houston Astros on Monday, according to the Houston Chronicle.
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 …
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Kasten talks about Mitchell Report — Club president didn't receive notice of names in investigation — WASHINGTON — Nationals president Stan Kasten on Monday broke his silence about the Mitchell Report, which linked 89 current and former players to performance-enhancing drugs …
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Will Mitchell Report hurt? — MLB.com's Ladson answers fans' Nationals questions … I read the Mitchell Report and saw the sections on Paul Lo Duca. Are the Nationals going to do anything to address that issue with him? — Entering Monday, we have not heard from the Nationals …
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Federal Baseball
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Rivera finalizes three-year pact — NEW YORK — Mariano Rivera's wish to finish his career in Yankees pinstripes, the only uniform he has worn in the big leagues, is on its way to coming true. — Rivera and the club formally finalized a three-year, $45 million agreement on Monday.
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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.
Discussion:
Associated Press
Breaking News:
Another injunction sought against ex-Rays' Dukes — TAMPA — Another woman has asked a judge to protect her from ex-Rays player Elijah Dukes, saying he sent her threatening text messages. — Amanda E. Reese, 23, was granted a temporary injunction for protection against domestic violence on Dec. 10.
ESPN:
Vina admits HGH use, denies steroid claims — ESPN baseball analyst and former major leaguer Fernando Vina said Monday he used HGH in 2003 to try and recover from injuries, but said he never bought steroids from former New York Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski, despite claims to the contrary …
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Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Bombers release 2008 schedule — Dates announced for final season at current Yankee Stadium — NEW YORK — The dates for the final regular-season games at the current Yankee Stadium are now set, as the Yankees officially released their 2008 schedule on Monday.
MLB.com:
New York Yankees to begin final season at Yankee Stadium on March 31 — Yankees host Toronto Blue Jays in season opener — The 26-time-World Champion New York Yankees will begin the 2008 season — the 106th in franchise history and their last in the current Yankee Stadium — at home on Monday …
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Putting Rowand in perspective — Beat reporter Scott Merkin answers Sox fans' questions … The White Sox should be focusing on one thing— pitching. Why is that not the case? —Will, Evergreen Park, Ill. — On Friday morning, I had the chance to appear on an ESPN radio program …
Brian McTaggart / Houston Chronicle:
Berkman: Pettitte's statement on Mitchell findings puts pressure on Clemens — Astros slugger says Rocket needs to make more detailed response after friend goes public — Never afraid to share his opinion, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman spoke Sunday about the confession …
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FanHouse
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Matt Eddy / Baseball America Prospects Blog:
Minor League Transactions — Though it may be the smallest transactions window ever, Dec. 12-14, plenty of moves were made. — Last week's transactions available here. — Baltimore Orioles — Signed: RHP Cory Doyne, RHP Roberto Novoa — Released: RHP Zach Cole, RHP Josh Potter, RHP Ezequiel Selen, LHP Mark Horner
Discussion:
Nationals Farm Authority
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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