Top News:
Murray Chass / New York Times:
The Game for Santana Is Stretching On — The most popular baseball game of the winter seems to be endless. If it were being played in July, it would be in extra innings, and the innings would be whizzing by with no end in sight. — This is very likely how Twins pitcher Johan Santana feels.
RELATED:
Kevin Kernan / New York Post:
JUST SAY NOHAN — METS UNWILLING TO PART WITH FIVE PROSPECTS — The door is open wide for the Mets to land Johan Santana, but the Twins' asking price is still too high, industry sources told the Post yesterday. — The superstar left-hander could be a perfect fit for the Mets and could land …
Thayer Evans / New York Times:
Knoblauch Ends Silence About Report From Mitchell — HOUSTON — In his first public comments since the Mitchell report was released last month, the former Yankee Chuck Knoblauch said on Thursday that he was not angry about being named in the report, although he did not explicitly admit …
RELATED:
Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Clemens might not attend mini-camp — Astros concerned Rocket's presence would be distraction — HOUSTON — The Astros plan to hold their annual Nolan Ryan Elite Pitching Camp and Jeff Bagwell Elite Hitting Camp at the end of the month, but they may be without one of their coaches — Roger Clemens.
ESPN.com:
Report: Knoblauch breaks silence on steroid report — Chuck Knoblauch, in his first public comments since the Mitchell report was released Dec. 13, said in a newspaper interview published Friday that he was not angry about being named in the report. — The former New York Yankees second baseman …
Paul Hoynes / Cleveland Sports News:
Tribe to play in Progressive Field — Jacobs Field, the home of the Indians since 1994, will now be called Progressive Field. — The Indians have reached an agreement with Progressive Insurance for the naming rights of the 40,000-seat facility on the corner of Ontario Street and Carnegie Avenue …
RELATED:
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Indians find Progressive partner — Tribe agrees to naming rights deal with Cleveland insurer — CLEVELAND — Say farewell to “The Jake” and hello to ... “The Prog,” perhaps? — Though the edifice is intact and the distinctive elements remain, Jacobs Field — in appellation alone — is no more.
Discussion:
A Red Sox Fan …
Barry Svrluga / Nationals Journal:
Nats avoid arbitration with Cordero — The Nationals announced they signed closer Chad Cordero to a one-year, $6.2-million contract, thus avoiding arbitration with the 25-year-old. — Cordero ranks second on the Montreal/Washington franchise's all-time saves list with 128 …
Eric Pfahler / TCPalm.com:
Mets' Carp hopes to get into a better rhythm this year — PORT ST. LUCIE — A year ago, first baseman Mike Carp entered New York Mets spring training as an eager 20-year-old just enjoying hanging around big-leaguers longer than he expected. — But after a tough 2007 season at Double-A Binghamton, Carp has a new goal for 2008.
Detroit Free Press:
Tigers want to lock up Miguel Cabrera, but price would be steep — The Tigers' intentions with Miguel Cabrera have been clear from the start. — During trade negotiations with the Florida Marlins last month, they asked for permission to discuss a contract extension with Cabrera before the deal was completed.
Wax Heaven:
The Prospect Corner - Fernando Martinez — Yesterday I spent some time looking at Carlos Gomez, so it only seems appropriate to follow that up by looking at Fernando Martinez who recently finished up a more than adequate year at AA ball as an 18 year old. The Mets are confident enough …
Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates to invest $4 million-$5 million in Dominican academy — Groundbreaking set for Jan. 22 on new Latin American headquarters — BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates, aiming to overcome a decade of lacking in Latin American talent, will have a Jan. 22 groundbreaking for their new baseball academy …
Matt Eddy / Baseball America:
Toronto Blue Jays — 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.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Dodgers host first winter mini-camp — Minor Leaguers undergo training session at Dodger Stadium — LOS ANGELES — Pitchers and catchers report to Dodgertown on Feb. 14, but De Jon Watson couldn't wait for that. — Watson, assistant general manager for player development …
Discussion:
True Blue LA
Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Biggio to receive Munson Award — Latest honor caps 20 years of service on and off field — HOUSTON — As a kid growing up in Long Island, N.Y., Craig Biggio did not root for a particular Major League team, but he did idolize one player in particular — Yankees catcher Thurman Munson.
RELATED:
Fox Sports:
Yanks join Brewers and others in pursuit of Cameron — The Brewers face strong competition for free-agent center fielder Mike Cameron, perhaps stronger than they even imagined.
Discussion:
NJ.com, Brewers Blog, Pinstripe Alley, WasWatching.com, MY BASEBALL BIAS and IT IS HIGH, IT IS FAR, IT IS
RELATED: