Top News:
ESPN:
Clemens plays tape of conversation with distraught McNamee — Roger Clemens repeatedly denied using steroids during a telephone conversation with Brian McNamee, but the former trainer would not confirm or deny his claims. — On Monday in Houston, Clemens and his lawyer played a tape …
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Houston Chronicle:
Clemens files defamation suit against his ex-trainer — Ex-Astros pitcher's attorney says McNamee 'has ruined Roger's reputation with a large percentage of the public' — In a defamation lawsuit filed Sunday night, Roger Clemens claims Brian McNamee, his longtime trainer and chief accuser …
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
A smoking gun? — Clemens just asked McNamee (on the tape) “Why would you say I did steroids?" — McNamee didn't say, “Well, because you did." Instead he keeps saying, “What do you want me to do, Roger?" It's not much but it's something. — This is pretty ugly. McNamee doesn't sound like a well man whatsoever.
Christian Red / NY Daily News:
Roger Clemens sues Brian McNamee for defamation
Roger Clemens sues Brian McNamee for defamation
Discussion:
The Bronx Stop
MLB.com:
Major League Baseball acts on Mitchell recommendations — MLB launches clubhouse security plan — As part of an evolving process to prevent the illegal use of performance-enhancing substances, Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced today that Major League Baseball …
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ESPN.com:
Mitchell fallout: MLB to increase clubhouse security — NEW YORK — Acting on recommendations in the Mitchell report, Major League Baseball cracked down on clubhouse security Monday in an effort to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs. — Among the changes: Teams will no longer …
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Sanchez signs one-year deal with Mets — Righty has chance to provide late-inning relief in New York — NEW YORK — Duaner Sanchez has a new contract and a new opportunity. The Mets can only hope those perks will bring with them some new results. — The Mets signed Sanchez …
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David Lennon / On the Mets beat:
Mets re-sign Sanchez, eight others — In what is mostly an administrative move, the Mets announced today that they have re-signed Duaner Sanchez to a one-year, $850,000 contract, as well as eight others to minor-league deals. Most notable of that second group is righthander Juan Padilla …
Discussion:
Blastings! Thrilledge
John Manuel / Baseball America:
New York Yankees — 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.
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Effects of Pagan trade — MLB.com's Marty Noble answers Mets fans' questions — How will the Mets' acquisition of Angel Pagan affect the team's pursuit of Johan Santana? — My first reaction Saturday when I heard of the trade was that importing Pagan might make Endy Chavez available …
Dan Connolly / Baltimore Sun:
Patterson could return to Orioles — Club could bring back center fielder if trade isn't made — If the Orioles don't trade for a young center fielder in the coming weeks, they likely will turn their attention back to last year's Opening Day starter, Corey Patterson.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Mario C. / Wax Heaven:
The Prospect Corner with Adam G. — Three days ago WaxHeaven.com had it's biggest day in its 2 1/2 month history with close to 1,000 page views in one day thanks in part to Adam G. and his second write up of New York Yankees prospect Joba Chamberlain. Today, he has sent in his newest article …
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Rockies, Marcus Giles agree to deal — Rookie Jayson Nix has the inside shot at the Rockies second base job. — For insurance, however, the Rockies will bring big-league veteran Marcus Giles to spring training, the Rocky Mountain News has learned. — Giles agreed to terms of a non-guaranteed deal …
John Sickels / Minor League Ball:
Pittsburgh Pirates Top 20 for 2008 — Pittsburgh Pirates Top 20 Prospects for 2008 — All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change. — Andrew McCutchen, OF, Grade A- — Steven Pearce, OF-1B, Grade B+ — Neil Walker, 3B, Grade B (not convinced he'll hit quite as well as they expect)
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Chris Jaffe / Hardball Times:
Tomorrow's Cooperstown election results today — Every year the annual BBWAA vote for Cooperstown transfixes me. I love guessing how the vote will shake out. — Over the years, I've discovered 10 rules of thumb that make the annual ballot quite a bit more predictable. None are perfect, but they work.
Discussion:
The Sommer Frieze
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Brewers ink five to one-year contracts — Parra, Nelson, Anderson, Dillard, Pena sign with Milwaukee — The Milwaukee Brewers signed five players to one-year Major League contracts on Monday, including outfielder Drew Anderson, first baseman Brad Nelson and pitchers Tim Dillard, Manny Parra and Luis Pena.
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings