Top News:
Duff Wilson / New York Times:
Congress Calls Clemens and Trainer to Testify — WASHINGTON - The star pitcher Roger Clemens, his former trainer Brian McNamee and three others will be asked to testify under oath before a Congressional committee at a hearing Jan. 16. — In addition to Clemens, the House Oversight Committee …
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Associated Press:
Congress asks Clemens, Pettitte, their ex-trainer to testify in hearing — WASHINGTON — Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte were asked Friday to testify before a congressional committee on Jan. 16, along with their former trainer, Brian McNamee. — Also invited to appear before the House Oversight Committee …
Howard Fendrich / Associated Press:
Clemens, Pettitte asked to testify — WASHINGTON (AP) — Now Roger Clemens gets a chance to tell his side of the story under oath. So does his good pal Andy Pettitte. And their former trainer, Brian McNamee, too. — Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner, was asked Friday to testify …
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated
New York Times:
Clemens Says Injections Were Not Steroids
Clemens Says Injections Were Not Steroids
Discussion:
Washington Post, Sabernomics, Baseball Musings, YanksBlog.com, The Big Lead and CBS News
Barry Svrluga / Nationals Journal:
Ayala hurt on hunting trip, should still be ready — This just dropped in. I'll make some calls, but this is straight from the Nationals: — While on a fishing/hunting trip shortly after Christmas, Luis Ayala was accidentally sprayed in the upper LEFT forearm by a single shotgun pellet.
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Northwest Herald:
Pietruszkiewicz: Williams commits No. 1 sin — Finally, after being jilted so many times this off-season, after watching so many primary targets slip out of focus, after hearing the complaints from a fan base begging for something, anything to be added instead of this constant stream of subtractions …
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Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Delgado Prepares to Hit; Minaya Is Going to Israel
Delgado Prepares to Hit; Minaya Is Going to Israel
Discussion:
Hot Foot
RJ Anderson / Beyond the Box Score:
An Interview with Paul DePodesta — Here's that interview I talked about a few weeks ago, I'd like to thank Paul for taking time out of his busy holiday and team schedule to answer some questions and note to owners; hire this guy as your next general manager, you won't regret it.
Associated Press:
Yankees still considering Santana trade — TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The New York Yankees are still discussing whether to pursue a trade for Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana, and senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner would like to make a deal. — “Nothing is really decided at this point,” …
Discussion:
Scott Proctor's Arm
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Tom Haudricourt / Brewers Blog:
Gonzo wants to play for the Brewers — I spoke with the agent for free agent outfielder Luis Gonzalez this afternoon and he assured me that Gonzalez would love to play for the Brewers in 2008. — “Luis thinks he'd be a perfect fit in Milwaukee,” said agent Terry Bross.
Christian Red / NY Daily News:
Ghost writer quits Jose Canseco book — Jose Canseco's sequel to his 2005 best-seller “Juiced” has hit its first snag. — As the Daily News first reported last weekend, former Bash Brother Canseco has finalized a deal to publish “Vindicated” with Penguin Books, with a planned release date to coincide with Opening Day.
Greg Jayne / Columbian:
Brush Prairie all-star Staley dies at 87 — Gerry Staley, perhaps the most successful major leaguer to come out of Clark County, has died at the age of 87. — Staley, who was born in Brush Prairie and went on to four All-Star selections, died Wednesday at his Hazel Dell home.
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards bring back Miles with one-year contract — The Cardinals fortified their infield depth by bringing Aaron Miles back with a one-year contract finalized Friday, the team confirmed this morning. — Miles returns for a third season with the Cardinals and will provide depth for both middle infield positions.
Matt Eddy / Baseball America Prospects Blog:
Minor League Transactions — This week's installment considers all transactions reported by MLB between Dec. 15, 2007, and Jan. 4, 2008. Last week's transactions are available here. — Minor league free agent signing season is in full swing, and some notable names from prospectdom past found homes …
Jim Callis / Baseball America:
Boston Red Sox — Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel. All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Wealth of free agents in waiting — Reality sets in quickly with the start of the new year. — There are 27 players on the free-agent market - Roger Clemens excluded - who made at least $5 million in 2007 who don't have a job yet for 2008. — Home run king Barry Bonds heads the list.
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards add Clement, see rotation as ‘legitimate’ — The Cardinals took their first gamble of 2008 on Thursday by signing free-agent pitcher Matt Clement to an incentive-laden, one-year deal that closes a hole in their rotation and creates the possibility of a payoff for 2009 as well.
Discussion:
Cardinals Diaspora
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Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Marlins sign Cantu, 13 others — Infielder split last season between Rays and Reds — MIAMI — In his short stint with the Reds last season, Jorge Cantu began showing flashes of his old self. — The Marlins are hopeful that the soon-to-be 26-year-old infielder will revert to his 2005 form.