Top News:
Jim Street / MLB.com:
Source: Silva, Mariners agree to deal — The Mariners and free agent right-hander Carlos Silva have reached agreement on a multiyear contract, according to an American League source, and the deal could be finalized as early as Thursday, pending the outcome of a physical.
Discussion:
Associated Press, seattlepi.com Mariners blog, Shea Nation, Halos Heaven and MLB Trade Rumors
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John Hickey / seattlepi.com Mariners blog:
Silva signing could be announced by Thursday — When you look at Carlos Silva, you see a young veteran who has one of the best sinkers in the game. — Because of that, he gets lots of ground ball outs. How good a fit would that be in Safeco Field, a place that better accommodates fly ball pitchers?
Discussion:
Caffeinated Confines
John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Mariners, Silva agree to terms — When Carlos Silva officially joins the Mariners — that should be Thursday afternoon — he doesn't have to worry about being anybody's second choice. — The 28-year-old right-handed starting pitcher is the Mariners' first major acquisition of the winter …
Discussion:
Mets Today
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Lefty Mahay, Royals reach two-year deal — LIKE THIS STORY? — The Kansas City Royals, fortifying their bullpen, have reached preliminary agreement with free-agent left-hander Ron Mahay on a two-year, $8 million contract, according to major-league sources.
Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates fall short in bidding for free agent Durbin — The Pirates keep coming up second. — Their bid for free-agent starter Chad Durbin, formerly of the Detroit Tigers, was turned down in favor of one made by the Philadelphia Phillies, a source disclosed today. The Pirates and Phillies were the two finalists.
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Curt Schilling / 38 Pitches:
One players take on the Mitchell Report, Canseco, Clemens, records, looking back or going forward.... Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, Roger Clemens, Andy Petite, Todd Pratt, Gary Bennett, Paul Byrd, Dave Justice, Fernando Vina, Alex Cabrera, Brian Roberts, Lenny Dykstra, and many more.
Sports Illustrated:
The fallout continues — Clemens among big losers; redemption for Duquette — Roger Clemens' denials are getting louder and somehow less convincing as he attempts to extricate himself from the steroid allegations made against him in the bombshell, worth-every-penny Mitchell Report …
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Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Keeping up with AL heavyweights impractical for most … We can sum up the difference between the National League and the American League these days with one little winter meetings anecdote. — We were speaking with a high-ranking official of an NL contender.
Charlie Nobles / MLB.com:
A-Rod to open education center — Facility named for Yankees star to be in hometown of Miami — MIAMI — Alex Rodriguez has long had a field named after him at the Southwest Miami Boys & Girls Club, where he learned the game as a youth. By early next baseball season …
Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
Bud Selig's Successful Testing Program — Bud Selig is right. The drug testing program in Major League Baseball is second to none. I'll include not only the other major American professional sports, but all sports. Pro or amateur, US or foreign, MLB has it right.
Thomas Harding / MLB.com:
Rox talk to Giles about second base — Club discusses bringing in former All-Star to compete for job — DENVER — The Rockies have approached former All-Star Marcus Giles about competing for their opening at second base. — The Rockies are prepared to see if one of their in-house candidates …
Discussion:
The Bard's Room
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.
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Jon Paul Morosi / Detroit Free Press:
Tigers begin contract negotiations with Willis — The Tigers have begun negotiations with left-hander Dontrelle Willis on a long-term contract, according to one person with knowledge of the discussions. — The deal would likely be for three or four years.
Henry Schulman / San Francisco Chronicle:
Giants take look at pitcher Benson — (12-18) 21:24 PST — As the Giants continue their search for a third baseman and middle-of-the-order hitter, they are not closing their eyes to other spots on the diamond. — Ron Schueler, one of general manager Brian Sabean's new senior advisers …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Rumors, Over the Monster, Philliesflow.com, MLB.com and philly.com
Dave Zirin / CounterPunch:
George Mitchell's Drugs of Choice — The Mitchell Report on steroids is shaking the baseball world from cap to cleats. It names 86 players, and calls for a vast reformation of what is being called “the steroid era” in Major League Baseball. The 20-month, $20 million investigation has been accepted as gospel by the hoi polloi.
Associated Press:
New Marlins stadium clears significant hurdle — Deal for ballpark still needs to pass Florida Legislature — MIAMI (AP) — Miami-Dade County commissioners Tuesday approved a public works project that includes a new stadium for the Florida Marlins. — The ballpark would be built on the site of the Orange Bowl.
Discussion:
Field of Schemes
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