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Bombers Brewin' up 30M offer for Sheets — LAS VEGAS - While most of the attention in the Yankees' universe is focused on CC Sabathia, the Bombers are preparing to make an offer to another free agent pitcher from Milwaukee in the next 72 hours. — According to a source …
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3 UP: K-Rod, Ankiel and Sheets — 1. The Mets are about to get much better in the ninth inning and much worse behaved in the eyes of their most heated rivals. Remember how the Phillies and the rest of the NL East have expressed open distaste for the Mets' prancing style, embodied most by Jose Reyes' gesticulations?

Pettitte among numerous options for Sox — LAS VEGAS - Shortly after Theo Epstein met with reporters tonight, an agent walking the hall of the Bellagio resort and casino gave the Red Sox the supreme compliment. — “They explore everything,” said the agent.
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A few things heard — LAS VEGAS - A few things heard while walking through the Bellagio Hotel early this morning at the Baseball Winter Meetings: — 1. The Red Sox are one of a few teams mentiond by agent Tom O'Connell as interested parties for free-agent right-hander Carl Pavano, a former Red Sox farmhand.
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Yanks expected to make offer to Sheets — Team met with righty Monday; said to be preparing offer — Though the Yankees are still very much at the center of the talks with free-agent left-hander CC Sabathia, they may be preparing to make a run at another ace — Ben Sheets.
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Mets close to 3-year deal with K-Rod … LAS VEGAS — The Mets appeared to be closing in late Monday night on a deal to bring star free-agent closer Francisco Rodriguez to New York. — The deal, expected to be completed very soon, is likely to be for three years and about $37 million …
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METS CLOSE TO SIGNING K-ROD — LAS VEGAS - The Mets were on the brink last night of closing their most important game of the offseason - landing closer Francisco Rodriguez. — Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer, said, “I am more optimistic than I have ever been” about finalizing a deal between the single-season save leader and the Mets.


K-ROD'S AGENT WILLING TO BE CREATIVE WITH METS — TALKING ABOUT SHORTER DEAL WITH OPT-OUT — Francisco Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer, acknowledges his client set the single-season saves record at the wrong time. With the economy spiraling, Kinzer acknowledged the bids for his client are down, as well.

NEXT MOVE?: Trade could come for closer J.J. Putz or signing Kerry Wood
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Dodgers agree to terms with Loretta — Infielder must pass physical before one-year deal is official — LAS VEGAS — While closing in on re-signing third baseman Casey Blake, the Dodgers further solidified their infield depth Monday night by agreeing to terms with veteran utilityman Mark Loretta …
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Loretta, Dodgers agree to deal — The Dodgers bolstered their infield depth Monday night by agreeing to terms with utilityman Mark Loretta on a one-year contract, according to agent Bob Garber. Loretta must pass a physical exam Tuesday for the deal to be official.
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Tomorrow notes: Blake deal not quite done
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Towers sets deadline on potential Peavy trade — Jake Peavy reacts while pitching against the Baltimore Orioles, June 19, 2007. — LAS VEGAS — General Manager Kevin Towers, wrapping up his first full day at the winter meetings, said the Padres have identified the players needed …
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Red Sox set sights on Teixeira — Buzz up! — LAS VEGAS - He is a decision-maker for a team that wants to be in the mix for free agent Mark Teixeira, but he has no illusions regarding the chances that Teixeira will sign with his team. — “I think he'll sign with the Red Sox,” the official said.
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Red Sox-Mets Talking Deal For Schneider — Two industry sources here at the Bellagio have confirmed the Boston Red Sox are in discussions with the New York Mets about catcher Brian Schneider, a further indication the Red Sox are preparing for the departure of captain Jason Varitek.
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Santo reaction: 'It's ridiculous' — Santo ‘kind of fed up’ with Hall balloting — LAS VEGAS - The longer he goes without getting the call from the Hall of Fame, the easier it is for Ron Santo to rebound. — The former Cubs third baseman led the balloting by the Veterans Committee …
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O's met with Teixeira, but no offer yet — Club in serious talks about deal to send catcher Hernandez to Reds; chance to land Burnett fading — LAS VEGAS - The Orioles still aren't considered the favorites to land coveted free agent Mark Teixeira, but you can't say they're not trying.
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Dodger notes: Trevor Hoffman, Rafael Furcal and more — The Dodgers are “thinking about” pursuing closer Trevor Hoffman (pictured at right) because of uncertainties about Takashi Saito's health and Jonathan Broxton's ability to handle the role. — Of Broxton, General Manager Ned Colletti said …
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Francoeur for Greinke? — LAS VEGAS — Here are a couple of other things to add to colleague Nick Cafardo's list of items from late last night/this morning: — According to one National League executive, the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves have had serious discussions about a trade …