Top News:
Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Angels face crucial arbitration calls — K-Rod, Teixeira, Anderson among five players eligible — The Angels, in a winter of major decisions, have until 9 p.m. PT Monday to extend arbitration offers to an impressive quintet of six-year Major League free agents: Mark Teixeira …
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Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Sox likely to offer arbitration to Varitek — Catcher would then bring compensation if he signs elsewhere — BOSTON — Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein will face an important deadline when midnight ET strikes at the end of Monday, as he must decide by then whether to extend arbitration offers to his six-year free agents.
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Tom Singer / MLB.com:
Arbitration: To offer or not to offer? — It's a tricky business with free agents; this year could be trickier — In ordinary offseasons, the deadline for clubs to offer arbitration to their ranked free agents, which this time arrives Monday at midnight ET, has been a rather predictable occasion.
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Cubs likely to offer Wood arbitration — Chicago would receive two Draft picks if closer signs elsewhere — CHICAGO — The Cubs were expected to offer free agent Kerry Wood arbitration on Monday, but they may not do so for their other free agents such as Jim Edmonds, Daryle Ward and Bob Howry.
Tony Massarotti / Boston Globe:
Tazawa agrees to 3-year Red Sox contract — In the absence of big offseason news, the Red Sox are continuing to put smaller pieces in place. This week, they likely will confirm one of the worst-kept secrets in baseball. — Junichi Tazawa is coming to Boston.
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Tony Massarotti / Boston Globe:
Sox, Tazawa have deal in place — While the free agent market continued to move at a snail's pace, a baseball source confirmed today that the Sox have reached agreement with Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa pending the outcome of a physical exam this week. — According to the same source …
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Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
BASEBALL: Arbitration: Abreu, Ollie? — The Yankees intend to offer arbitration to their own free agent, Bobby Abreu, by tonight's midnight deadline, and the Mets likely will do the same with their own free agent, Oliver Perez. — The rest of the local teams' free agents …
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Mailbag: How is the 'pen setting up? — Beat reporter Bryan Hoch answers fans' burning questions — All of the talk has been about the starting rotation lately, but not many people are talking about the Yankees' bullpen. Who will we have in relief this season setting up for Mariano Rivera?
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Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Unmasking the starting catcher — Beat reporter Alyson Footer answers fans' burning questions — Who do you think will be starting at catcher on Opening Day? Also, how long do you think it will take for Jason Castro to reach the big leagues? — My best guess for Opening …
Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Where will Anderson land? — Angels beat reporter Lyle Spencer fields fans' questions — Is there any word on what's going to happen with Garret Anderson? He has always been my favorite Angels player. He has one of the sweetest swings in all of baseball.
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Dye still may be in play — But Jocketty says market is quiet — Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Saturday that the offseason remains quiet. — “Most clubs shut it down on the holidays,” he said. — As for talk that the Reds could be interested in outfielder Jermaine Dye …
Corey Brock / MLB.com:
Arbitration offer unlikely for Hoffman — Padres, saves king have not talked contract since last month — SAN DIEGO — The Padres have until 9 p.m. PT Monday to offer closer Trevor Hoffman arbitration, though it doesn't appears that will happen. — San Diego general manager Kevin Towers …
