Top News:
Peter Botte / NY Daily News:
Mets keep eye on A's, Blanton — With A's general manager Billy Beane in an all-out rebuilding mode, starting pitcher Joe Blanton could be the next to depart Oakland. — A person with knowledge of the situation said Friday that the Mets remain “interested in doing something there” …
RELATED:
Mike Puma / New York Post:
BOSS JR. ‘LEANING’ FOR JOHAN — Hank Steinbrenner has cast his vote, but not for Hillary, Barack or Mitt. — The best candidate to bolster the Yankees' rotation in 2008, according to Steinbrenner, is still Johan Santana. — Speaking yesterday outside Legends Field in Tampa …
Pete Caldera / NorthJersey.com:
Yanks haven't given up on Santana — A pitched battle for Johan Santana could spark again at any moment. At least for now, the Yankees are preparing to head to Tampa, Fla., next month with their present starting rotation intact. — “This is what the rotation is, and this is what we're going …
Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Twins showing some give in efforts to trade Santana — The club appears willing to adjust earlier demands in its quest for a deal, but GM Bill Smith remains patient. — Star Tribune — There is roughly six weeks before Twins pitchers and catchers report for spring training and …
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
The latest from Chairman Hank — Hank Steinbrenner stopped and talked to an AP reporter outside of Legends Field tonight. Here's what he said about Johan Santana: — “Nothing is really decided at this point. I'm still leaning towards doing it. There's others leaning not to do it.
Discussion:
SOX & Dawgs
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,” …
Yahoo! Sports:
Mets acquire OF Pagan — FLUSHING, NEW YORK (TICKER) — The New York Mets on Saturday acquired outfielder Angel Pagan from the Chicago Cubs for righthander Ryan Meyers and outfielder Corey Coles. — Pagan is returning to the Mets' organization for a second stint.
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Reds sign Phillips — Former Yankee Andy Phillips signed a minor-league deal with the Reds that included an invitation to spring training. — The Reds have Scott Hatteberg at first base with top prospect Joey Votto close to being ready. But if they make a trade for pitching, Votto could go.
RELATED:
Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates bring back Dessens for bullpen — Has minor-league deal but good bet to make roster — The Pirates finally have added some right-handed relief pitching. — The team and veteran Elmer Dessens agreed to a one-year, minor-league contract, the financial terms of which were not available.
Discussion:
Pittsburgh Lumber Co.
Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
Clemens asked to testify to Congress — McNamee, Pettitte, Knoblauch, Radomski also called — Roger Clemens, the seven-time Cy Young Award winner and current active leader with 353 victories, has been called to testify on Jan. 16 in front of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee …
Discussion:
MY BASEBALL BIAS
RELATED:
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Ayala Expects to Recover from Hunting Injury — Washington Nationals reliever Luis Ayala was accidentally hit in the upper left forearm by a shotgun pellet during a holiday hunting trip, the club and Ayala's agent said yesterday. Though the pellet is still lodged in his arm, doctors believe Ayala will be ready for spring training.
RELATED:
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.
Discussion:
Bronx Liaison, Scott Proctor's Arm, River Ave. Blues, SPORTSbyBROOKS and Sliding Into Home
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Doug Padilla / L.A. Daily News:
Angels target Konerko again — ANAHEIM - Angels general manager Tony Reagins might be in position to complete an acquisition his mentor never could. — A source has indicated the Angels and Chicago White Sox are discussing a second trade of the offseason, with this one sending Paul Konerko to the Angels …
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.
