Top News:
Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Berkman wants immediate blood testing — Astros All-Star would be willing to submit a sample now — TEMPLE, Texas — Houston Astros slugger Lance Berkman has definitive opinions about the controversies surrounding the aftermath of the Mitchell Report, and he's not afraid to share his thoughts.
Discussion:
ShysterBall
RELATED:
Ian Begley / NY Daily News:
Wright no fan of cheats — David Wright said he was a big fan of Roger Clemens growing up. The Mets third baseman even got his autograph. — He'd like to be able to say the pitcher he faced was not using performance-enhancing drugs, but Wright isn't sure what to make of the Rocket's …
Discussion:
Mostly Mets
MLB.com:
Statement of Commissioner Allan H. Selig before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform — I would like to thank the Chairman, the Ranking Member and the Committee members for inviting me to testify today. I have a number of people here with me today that I want to introduce.
Discussion:
Sabernomics
NY Daily News:
Hearing lands Miguel Tejada on hot seat — WASHINGTON - The players were supposed to have a one-month reprieve. — With a congressional committee examining the findings of the month-old Mitchell Report, only baseball's executives were expected to take the hot seat Tuesday.
Discussion:
iYankees
Associated Press:
Tejada's brother dies in motorcycle crash — SAN PEDRO DE MACORIS, Dominican Republic - An older brother of Major League Baseball star Miguel Tejada was killed in a traffic accident Tuesday, the shortstop's Dominican winter league team said. — Freddy Tejada died when his motorcycle collided …
RELATED:
George Vecsey / New York Times:
Spring Training and the Syringe Generation — As theater, what was missing was the big gong sound of Bud Selig's head and Donald Fehr's head being banged together, just to learn 'em. That big bang may never come around again, the way it did on the evening of March 17, 2005 …
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
Observations that can't wait — Picked-up pieces while waiting for the AFC Championship game . . . — Please tell me you were rooting for the Colts. Wouldn't this 19-0 ride be more satisfying with a butt-kicking of Indy at the Razor? Wouldn't that be like beating Derek Jeter and Friends en route to the 2004 World Series win?
Discussion:
Dan Shaughnessy Watch
Joe Sheehan / Baseball Prospectus:
Prospectus Today — Breakout Candidates — Friday, I wrote about Jeff Francoeur, who I believe is on the brink of a very big breakout season. The question naturally follows: Which players will join him in taking a big leap forward in 2008? — There are a number of ways to define a “breakout season.”
MLB.com:
Brewers brass chat up 2008 with fans — Attanasio, Melvin and Yost field questions online about season — Brewers owner Mark Attanasio, general manager Doug Melvin and manager Ned Yost talked about the team's new additions and improved roster for the 2008 season during an online chat Tuesday as part of the Brewers Winter Warm-Up.
Discussion:
Brewers Bar
Bill Sanderson / New York Post:
SIGN-ING UP — NAME SET AT YANKS' NEW PARK — The House That Jeter Built has a new sign that unmistakably promises great baseball will be played there. — The words “Yankee Stadium,” solidly etched in gold-leafed stone, were hoisted by crane onto the team's new South Bronx home this week.
Michael S. Schmidt / New York Times:
Baseball Is Challenged on Rise in Stimulant Use — WASHINGTON — When George J. Mitchell was appointed to investigate the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball nearly two years ago, amphetamines were not part of his mandate. The substances had been around baseball for decades …
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
RELATED:
Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:
Sanchez won't be ready to open spring training — JUPITER — The Marlins might have to wait a little longer than they had hoped for the return of right-hander Anibal Sanchez. — Sanchez, who made just six starts last year after winning 10 games and throwing a no-hitter as a rookie in 2006 …
Discussion:
FishStripes
Mark Hale / New York Post:
METS GIVE VALENTIN 2ND LOOK — The Mets will be bringing back Jose Valentin, the player's agent told The Post last night, giving him a minor league deal with an invitation to major league spring training. — Valentin, 38, was a huge contributor for the Mets in 2006, hitting .271 with 18 homers as their second baseman.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Jay Lindsay / Associated Press:
Top Red Sox prospects attend orientation — BOSTON (AP) — Clay Buchholz has already pitched a no-hitter during a pennant race. That doesn't make him an expert on life in the big leagues. — Buchholz is one of 12 top Red Sox prospects attending a rookie orientation this week …
RELATED:
ESPN:
Chat with Jerry Crasnick — Welcome to The Show! Jerry Crasnick is stopping by Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET as part of our ongoing Hot Stove Heaters chats! Check back each day for a new topic and a new chat! Take it away, Jerry! — Last week, we focused on the past and present …
