Top News:
ESPN.com:
Clemens ‘almost numb’ about steroid accusations — In a video posted on his official Web site, Roger Clemens said that he has become “almost numb” to the steroid accusations against him in the Mitchell report and that he has granted an interview with CBS' “60 Minutes” in an effort to clear his name.
Discussion:
River Ave. Blues
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Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Clemens issues video denial — In first public statements, veteran refutes steroid charges — HOUSTON — Roger Clemens spoke for the first time about his alleged steroid use when he released a video statement on Sunday, denying all allegations. — The video, shown on his personal web site …
Kat O'Brien / Newsday:
Deck the halls with Santana? Not likely — Johan Santana is not expected to be the Yankees' big Christmas present, a source with knowledge of the situation said Friday. — “I don't see it happening with us,” the source said. “We pulled out in Nashville, and we haven't put an offer back on the table.”
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NY Daily News:
Met fans' winter of discontent — People in the Mets' organization complain privately at times about the attention the Yankees get, but this is a winter in which they should be eternally grateful for the camouflage provided by the team in the Bronx. Without it, they'd be feeling a lot more heat from their hot-stove doings.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Murray Chass / New York Times:
Does Yankees' Steroid Use Indirectly Taint Torre? — Joe Torre was not mentioned in the Mitchell report. There was no reason he should have been. But the report raises a question about Torre indirectly, as it does directly about Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds and their chances for election to the Hall of Fame.
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
White Sox's spin: Small pieces, big impact — GM: Key positions covered even with no marquee signing — This being the season of good cheer and good will toward men, White Sox general manager Ken Williams is trying to put a positive spin on his off-season shopping, which has produced …
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Gerry Fraley / Sporting News:Inside Dish: Rowand will inject life into Giants
Discussion:
crashburnalley.com
Dan Naulty / NY Daily News:
Juicy tale of former Yank — Yankees closer Mariano Rivera got Atlanta Braves designated hitter Keith Lockhart to pop up to left field for the final out of the 1999 World Series - Oct. 27 - giving the Bombers a four-game sweep of the Braves and their third title in four years under manager Joe Torre.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Former Yankee Byrne dies at 87 — ‘Wild Man’ found success despite lack of control on mound — NEW YORK — Tommy Byrne, a hard-throwing left-hander who pitched in four World Series and was known for struggles with his control, died on Thursday in Wake Forest, N.C. He was 87.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Perry cuts to the chase — Today's ‘cheaters’ will pass Hall test — Everyone always suspected Gaylord Perry threw a spitter or a greaser, or cut the ball. He was a master at it. He was the safecracker. He perfected what so many others in his generation tried but couldn't pull off nearly as well.
Discussion:
El Guapo's Ghost Rambles …
Kevin Goldstein / Baseball Prospectus:
Rangers Top 11 Prospects — Four-Star Prospects — Three-Star Prospects — Just Missing: Kasey Kiker, LHP; David Murphy, OF; Neil Ramirez, RHP — 1. Neftali Perez, RHP — Acquired: NDFA, 2005, Dominican Republic (Braves) — 2007 Stats: 1.98 ERA at Rookie-level (27.1-18-12-28); 3.60 ERA at Short-season (15-13-12-27)
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Rob Bradford / Boston Herald:
No bluffing on this deal — Sox may need to up Ramirez ante … Every offseason presents a whole new set of storylines. But next year's might be Oscar worthy. — For the Red Sox [team stats], there is the impending free agency of catcher Jason Varitek [stats] and the task of replacing starter Curt Schilling [stats].
Discussion:
Peter's Red Sox Forever
Mike Imrem / Daily Herald:
Time to tear down Wrigley — Here's a solution to the latest Wrigley Field crisis: Save the name, dump the dump. — Yes, I'm playing demolition derby again because the crusty, creaky old joint doesn't need to be renovated or renamed. — It needs to be replaced.
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
Bedard likely won't be dealt by opener — After listening to trade proposals for his ace for the past couple of months, Andy MacPhail says it is a “strong likelihood” that Erik Bedard will be the Orioles' Opening Day starter rather than being traded. — “It's up to [manager] …
Discussion:
Reds Insider, Camden Chat, Redleg Nation, MLB Trade Rumors, Oriole Post, MLB.com and Cincinnati Reds
