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:
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.
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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.
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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
Associated Press:
MLB establishes drug investigation department — 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:
Jim Molony / MLB.com:
MLB launches Dept. of Investigations — Selig enacts recommendation from Mitchell Report — Major League Baseball's ongoing efforts to address the recommendations detailed in the Mitchell Report led to the creation of a new Department of Investigations, Commissioner Bud Selig announced Friday.
Discussion:
Sliding Into Home
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 …
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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
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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.
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
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:
Yahoo! 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
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 …
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 …
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