Top News:
Dan Graziano / New Jersey Online:
Mets need more than a closer to rebuild their bullpen — Talking today with somebody familiar with the Mets' off-season plans. This person agrees that the Mets want to and will sign one of the big free-agent closers (Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes or Kerry Wood), and that's a matter …
RELATED:
David Lennon / Newsday:
Mets expected to make offers soon — The Mets' true offseason strategy will reveal itself this week when general manager Omar Minaya finally extends offers to his top free-agent targets. A person familiar with the situation did not specify which day Minaya will deliver the numbers to Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, Ken Davidoff's baseball …, The 'Ropolitans, Mets Merized Online, MetsBlog.com, Newsday and New York Post
ESPN:
Is K-Rod getting closer to becoming a Met? — 1050 ESPN's Met Insider Rich Coutinho thinks so — Reports surfaced early on Sunday that Francisco Rodriquez has inched closer to becoming a New York Met. Sources indicate that K-Rod and his representatives will come to New York early this week to take some physical exams.
Discussion:
Mets Merized Online
Associated Press:
Pujols beats out Howard for NL MVP award — NEW YORK — St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols won his second NL MVP award, powering past Philadelphia Phillies star Ryan Howard by a comfortable margin Monday. — Pujols hit .357 with 37 home runs and 116 RBIs while playing with a sore right elbow.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
RELATED:
Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Crowning achievement: Pujols NL MVP — Cards slugger's dazzling season helps club exceed expectations — ST. LOUIS — The National League's best player has also been named its most valuable. — Albert Pujols' magnificent season earned him his second NL Most Valuable Player Award.
Geoff Baker / Seattle Times:
Mariners could name new manager as soon as Tuesday — Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik could name a new manager as soon as Tuesday after deciding not to hold a second round of interviews... Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik could name a new manager as soon as Tuesday …
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Sean McAdam / Boston Herald:
A good sign if Red Sox want Mark Teixeira — Attempting to ascertain the level of interest the Red Sox [team stats] have in free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira isn't easy. The Red Sox steadfastly refuse to signal how hard - or even, whether - they will pursue the switch-hitting slugger.
Phil Rogers / Baseball America:
Chicago White Sox — 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.
RELATED:
Agence France Presse:
Schoolgirl knuckleballer headed to Japan pro league — TOKYO (AFP) - A 16-year-old schoolgirl with a mean knuckleball has been selected as the first woman ever to play alongside the men in Japanese professional baseball. — Eri Yoshida was drafted for a new independent league that will launch in April …
RELATED:
Rich Lederer / Baseball Analysts:
The Bill James Handbook 2009 - Part One — One of the beauties of November is the arrival of The Bill James Handbook, the most stat-filled annual baseball guide available. The book, produced by Baseball Info Solutions and published by ACTA Sports, is always the first one to hit the market following the just-completed season.
Discussion:
Hardball Times
Kara Scannell / Wall Street Journal:
SEC Charges Mark Cuban With Insider Trading — The Securities and Exchange Commission filed insider trading charges against Mark Cuban, the outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks, for allegedly dumping shares in Mamma.com upon learning it was raising money in a private offering (full text of complaint).
Discussion:
FanHouse, The Cub Reporter (TCR), BBTF's Baseball Primer …, With Leather, SPORTSbyBROOKS and Deadspin
Associated Press:
Hall of Fame replacement game set to debut in '09 — COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Baseball's legends and old-timers will play in a new Hall of Fame Classic game beginning in 2009. — The inaugural Hall of Fame Classic will be held on Father's Day, June 21. The game replaces the Hall of Fame Game …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
O's lose front office executive to Phillies — Proefrock hired by Philly, will serve under new GM Amaro Jr. — Orioles President Andy MacPhail lost one of his top executives today as director of baseball administration Scott Proefrock was hired by the world champion Philadelphia Phillies …
Discussion:
Associated Press
