Top News:
Steve Popper / Amazin' Stories:
Mets land pitcher — No, not Johan Santana (I never get tired of that one). Not Erik Bedard (okay, enough of those jokes). — The Mets signed a reliever, likely the final arm for the bullpen - or maybe one for New Orleans if Rule 5 Draft selection Steven Register sticks. Here's the Mets release on it:
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MLB.com:
Mets sign RHP Matt Wise — The New York Mets today signed free agent righthanded pitcher Matt Wise to a one-year contract. — Wise, 32, went 3-2 with one save and a 4.19 ERA in a career-high 56 games last year for Milwaukee. In 53.2 innings, the 6-4, 200-pounder allowed 61 hits, 30 runs, 25 earned, with 17 walks and 43 strikeouts.
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Mets Sign Reliever Wise — Although their primary off-season goal of acquiring a front-line starter remains unfulfilled, the Mets are trying to offset those troubles by bolstering their bullpen. On Tuesday, they signed Matt Wise, a right-handed reliever who pitched last season for the Milwaukee Brewers, to a one-year contract.
Discussion:
The Musings and Prophecies …
Associated Press:
Mets sign ex-Brewers pitcher Wise to 1-year deal — NEW YORK — The Mets bolstered their bullpen Tuesday, agreeing with right-hander Matt Wise on a $1.2 million, one-year contract. — Wise was 3-2 with a 4.19 ERA and one save in a career-high 56 appearances for the Milwaukee Brewers this season.
Sports Illustrated:
Rose on Mitchell Report: Steroids users “making a mockery” of baseball — NEW YORK (AP) -Pete Rose thinks players who use steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs are “making a mockery” of baseball. — The career hits leader, banned by the sport for gambling, weighed in on the Mitchell Report …
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Steve Kettmann / New York Times:
‘Juiced’ Ghostwriter: I Told You So — Whatever else its eventual impact, the Mitchell report last week immediately recasts the importance of the small library of books documenting — and in some cases, shaping — baseball's steroid era. — In fact, given its timing and high profile …
Associated Press:
Yankees secretary guilty of tax fraud, fired — NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — New York Yankees traveling secretary David Szen pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to filing a false tax return and admitted he failed to report more than $50,000 in tips from players and coaches.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Padres would be logical choice for Prior — LIKE THIS STORY? — Logic dictates that the Padres are Mark Prior's first choice. Not only is he from San Diego, but he also might thrive by staying in the National League and pitching at spacious Petco Park.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Sources: M's in serious talks with Silva — FOXSports.com, Updated 44 minutes ago — LIKE THIS STORY? — Carlos Silva, perhaps the top starting pitcher remaining on the free-agent market, does not figure to be available much longer. — The Mariners are in serious negotiations …
Chicago Sun Times:
Cubs hire former Pirates GM Littlefield — The Cubs hired former Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield as a scout reporting to general manager Jim Hendry. — “We are extraordinarily pleased to add someone of Dave Littlefield's caliber to bolster our baseball operations efforts with the Cubs,” Hendry said.
Discussion:
Associated Press
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Teixeira undergoes left knee surgery — Braves first baseman expected to be ready for Spring Training — ATLANTA — Wanting to be at full strength as he prepares for his final audition before possibly hitting the free-agent market, Mark Teixeira opted to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery.
Discussion:
Chop-n-Change
Globe and Mail:
Chevrier passes away — Don Chevrier, the popular sports announcer best known as the first TV voice of the Toronto Blue Jays, has died suddenly. — Chevrier, who lived in Palm Harbour, Fla., near Tampa, suffered from a blood disorder caused by a low platelet count. Platelets are particles that help clot the blood.
Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
Hot Stove: Benson airs it out for scouts — Right-hander impresses in workout; Dodgers, Rays sign vets — Kris Benson threw 60 pitches in the Arizona desert on Monday, jazzing his agent and blowing the minds of the scouts who were on hand to watch him throw.
Dan Steinberg / D.C. Sports Bog:
Paul Lo Duca Says “Get Over It” — This extensive radio interview was conducted the day before the Mitchell Report dropped, and so, after lots and lots and lots of talk about the Mets, the hosts asked Lo Duca whether MLB players were nervous about what was to come in 24 hours.
