Top News:
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.”
RELATED:
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.
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 …
RELATED:
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
RELATED:
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.
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
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, MLB Trade Rumors, Redleg Nation, Oriole Post, MLB.com and Cincinnati Reds
Eduardo A. Encina / St. Petersburg Times:
Holiday lull likely won't last … It has been a busy offseason for the Rays, and although activity usually dwindles during the holiday break, Tampa Bay can cross a lot off its wish list. — The Rays signed a closer (Troy Percival) and a left-handed bat to join the rightfield/DH platoon …
Discussion:
DRaysBay
Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Juan Padilla eyes Mets' bullpen role — Juan Padilla, a righthanded reliever who has missed the last two seasons because of two elbow surgeries, agreed to a minor-league contract with the Mets on Friday and said he hopes to compete for a spot in the team's crowded bullpen.
Flotsam:
A Flotsam data special: Tangiblizing the intangible — Chuck Dickens — Idiot Savant — After Tim McCarver's month-long David Eckstein sploogefest that was October 2006, a serious investigation into ‘grit’ was long overdue. Despite the penchant of sportswriters and broadcasters …
Bill Madden / NY Daily News:
‘Wild’ Yankee Tommy Byrne dies at 87 — Tommy Byrne, the “wild man” Yankee lefthander who was exiled for his inability to throw strikes and then came back as a pivotal starter on the Bombers' 1955 American League championship team, died Friday in Wake Forest, N.C. He was 87.
