Top News:
Buster Olney / ESPN.com:
Sources: Brewers reach 1-year deal with Cameron … The Milwaukee Brewers have reached an agreement with center fielder Mike Cameron on a one-year contract, according to major league sources. — Cameron, 34, hit 21 homers and drove in 78 runs for the Padres last year.
RELATED:
Tom Haudricourt / Brewers Blog:
It's true: Brewers have signed Cameron — I just got it confirmed that the Brewers indeed have signed free-agent centerfielder Mike Cameron. The deal is for one year plus a club option for 2009 but I haven't learned the financial numbers yet. — After serving a 25-game suspension …
Discussion:
Twinkie Town
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:
Associated Press:
Baseball forms investigation unit to probe drug use — NEW YORK — Major League Baseball launched a department of investigations Friday, a permanent branch of the commissioner's office responsible for looking into drug use in the sport. — In his report last month on drug use in baseball …
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated, ShysterBall, The Chuck Knoblog, Associated Press and Washington Post
RELATED:
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves, A's discuss deal for Kotsay — Possible move to Atlanta ‘does excite’ veteran centerfielder — The Braves might soon have the short-term veteran center fielder they've been looking for, and Mark Kotsay said he's excited about the possibility of coming from Oakland to fill the role.
RELATED:
Mychael Urban / MLB.com:
Notes: A's talk Kotsay trade with Braves — Outfielder set to make $8 million in final year of current contract — OAKLAND — A source in Atlanta on Friday confirmed that the A's have had discussions with the Braves about a possible trade involving veteran center fielder Mark Kotsay …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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:
Paul Hoynes / Cleveland's Top Story …:
Indians' home will be ‘Progressive Field’
Indians' home will be ‘Progressive Field’
Discussion:
Beck's Blog
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.
RELATED:
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 …
Discussion:
We've Got Heart
RELATED:
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.
Uriel Sturm / Jerusalem Post:
The Friday Interview: Mets GM Minaya is a real mensch — You won't find many general managers rolling around a gym floor with a group of Israeli and Palestinian kids, but then Omar Minaya isn't any ordinary GM. — Minaya, General Manager of the New York Mets, visited Israel this week …
John Fay / Reds Insider:
Reds hire Jocketty — The Reds have hired Walt Jocketty as a special advisor to President and CEO Bob Castellini. Wayne Krivsky stays as GM. — Krivsky and Jocketty will be on conference call at 3:30 p.m. More details then. — OK, here's some of what was said in the conference call:
Discussion:
Fox Sports
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Hawkins adds clarity to Yanks' bullpen — Looking to win, veteran right-hander eager to fill middle innings — NEW YORK — LaTroy Hawkins has drawn duty in plenty of roles and uniforms, most recently trotting out of the bullpen to pitch for the Colorado Rockies in last year's World Series.
Discussion:
Scott Proctor's Arm
MLB.com:
Amaro Jr. comments on 2008 Phillies — Fans ask assistant GM about pitching, third base … Ruben Amaro Jr.: Hi, everyone, it's Ruben. Thanks for joining us today at phillies.com. I'm ready to answer your questions. — Q: Can we get [Adrian] Beltre?
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Associated Press:
Yankees' Hughes keeps hearing trade rumors — TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Phil Hughes keeps hearing the trade rumors. If the Yankees acquire Johan Santana from Minnesota, Hughes wound wind up with the Twins. — “I try to avoid the rumors best I can, but you eventually here it from friends …
Discussion:
MY BASEBALL BIAS
Mark Weiner / Syracuse Post-Standard:
Schumer: Syracuse Can Get Mets — The New York Mets are showing “very real interest” in relocating their top minor league team to Syracuse, according to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, who is actively lobbying for the move. — The senator said he spoke with Mets owner Fred Wilpon …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com