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” …
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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 …
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,” …
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
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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 …
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.
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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.
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Fox Sports:
Yaeger bombs: Canseco's co-author out — FOXSports.com — Jose Canseco's co-author has bailed out on the sequel to the '05 book “Juiced,” according to the New York Daily News. — Don Yaeger, a former Sports Illustrated associate editor scheduled to work with the slugger, has decided to sit out.
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.
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.
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 …
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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.
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.
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 …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
