Top News:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Sabathia Is Keeping Yanks' Offer in His Pocket — There was an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” in which Larry David desperately tried to give away a sweaty $50 bill he got from a friend's sneaker. The money was legal tender, but nobody wanted it. The Yankees know the feeling.
RELATED:
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Yankees go for Derek Lowe — While the CC Sabathia waiting game continued and the Braves made an official offer for A.J. Burnett, Brian Cashman decided to get aggressive in his pursuit of another top free-agent pitcher: Derek Lowe. — Cashman met with agent Scott Boras Thursday …
Ronald Blum / Associated Press:
AP Sources: Cashman meets Boras, Sabathia next — NEW YORK — Yankees general manager Brian Cashman met Thursday with agent Scott Boras and planned to get together this weekend with free-agent pitcher CC Sabathia ahead of the winter meetings. — Cashman's meeting with Boras and intention …
George A. King III / New York Post:
CASHMAN, BORAS MEET TO TALK FREE AGENTS — YANKEES COULD TURN TO OFFENSE IF PITCHERS FALL THROUGH — Brian Cashman and Scott Boras met today to go over the agent's high-end free agent shopping list that includes Mark Teixeira, Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez.
Discussion:
The Soxaholix, WasWatching.com, Phillies, MLB Rumors, Sliding Into Home and River Avenue Blues
Gordon Edes / Yahoo! Sports:
A-Rod to play for the Dominican in WBC — Buzz up! — Alex Rodriguez, who nearly sat out the inaugural World Baseball Classic because he did not want to choose between playing for his native United States or the Dominican Republic, the country of his parents' birth, is changing uniforms for the 2009 Classic.
Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Wilson could restructure contract for Dodgers — Tigers also in mix, make fresh offer for Pirates' shortstop — The Detroit Tigers ramped up their pursuit of Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, but the Los Angeles Dodgers remain very much in the mix. — And the latter is the case, in large part, because of money matters.
RELATED:
Rich Lederer / Baseball Analysts:
Another Addition to the Bert Blyleven Series — I received an email yesterday afternoon from my colleague Patrick Sullivan. The subject read: “Paging Mr. Lederer...” The body of the email had a link to a blog entry by T.R. Sullivan, the Texas Rangers beat writer for MLB.com.
RELATED:
T.R. Sullivan / Postcards from Elysian Fields:
The Hall of Fame ballot...Ron Santo belongs and other matters. — The Hall of Fame ballot is supposed to be in the mail. I haven't received it yet but should shortly. Not sure on who I will vote for but no doubt others have their opinion. — Really, you don't know for sure until …
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Braves appear to be front-runner for Burnett — The hot topic in baseball Thursday was which initial-laden free-agent starter will be the first to sign — A.J. Burnett or CC Sabathia? — For weeks now, I'd have guessed it would be Sabathia. But not anymore. I'm flip-flopping over to Burnett.
Bill Price / NY Daily News:
Omar, bring home Manny — Since the baseball season ended, Met fans have heard just two names when it comes to free-agent targets: K-Rod and Brian Fuentes. — But when Omar Minaya heads to Vegas this weekend, he should go after the ultimate closer: Manny Ramirez.
Discussion:
Mets Fever
RELATED:
Andrew Baggarly / Extra Baggs:
Sabean rules out run at Manny Ramirez, downplays other big-ticket items
Sabean rules out run at Manny Ramirez, downplays other big-ticket items
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Matt Eddy / Baseball America:
Seattle Mariners — 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.
Discussion:
U.S.S. Mariner
JSOnline:
Brewers sign Julio — By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel — Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has resurrected the careers of closers in the past, such as Derrick Turnbow, Dan Kolb and Francisco Cordero. — Perhaps he'll do it again with Jorge Julio.
Discussion:
Fox Sports
RELATED:
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Torre says Pettitte not going to Dodgers — Joe Torre has spoken with Andy Pettitte, the Dodgers' manager confirmed to Newsday, but doesn't foresee Pettitte heading West for a reunion with his former manager. — “I don't think that's going to happen,” Torre said Thursday, in a telephone interview.
Keith Law / ESPN:
Signing of Renteria a wise decision by Giants — The signing of Edgar Renteria makes the Giants more competitive in 2009 and probably 2010, but at no cost to the generally bright long-term picture in San Francisco. He doesn't cost them a draft pick and won't be blocking any major prospects.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, Only Baseball Matters, Vegas Watch, Baseball Musings, MLB FanHouse and NY Daily News
Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Finances could limit Jays' options — Economy, Canadian dollar might make for quiet Winter Meetings … Club needs — STARTING PITCHING — The Blue Jays plan on trying to re-sign free agent A.J. Burnett, who also has suitors in the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Braves and Phillies.
RELATED:
Joe Sheehan / Sports Illustrated:
Baseball Prospectus: Joe Sheehan is Mets GM for a day … Here's the thing about the New York Mets: For all of the focus on their bullpen, which was definitely a reason for their late-season collapses in 2007 and 2008, that is both the most easily explained and the most reparable problem that they have.
RELATED:
La Velle / Twins Insider:
Twins were in on Mike Lincoln...plus late updates — I've finally emerged from my Thanksgiving food coma. Joe C. is still on duty, but I'm getting up to speed before I head to Las Vegas next week for the winter meetings. — The Twins will have to look elsewhere for bullpen help …
RELATED: