Top News:
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Mets close to 3-year deal with K-Rod … LAS VEGAS — The Mets appear on the verge of simultaneously interrupting a sluggish baseball market and solving their biggest winter issue. They are closing in on a deal to sign star free-agent closer Francisco Rodriguez.
RELATED:
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
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.
Jon Paul Morosi / Detroit Free Press:NEXT MOVE?: Trade could come for closer J.J. Putz or signing Kerry Wood
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
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 …
RELATED:
Joel Sherman / Hardball:
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?
Chicagosports / Hardball:
Cubs close to acquiring Jake Peavy — The Jake Peavy-Cubs trade talks have reached a point where it will be a stunner if the Cubs don't acquire Peavy, who immediately would become the best pitcher on a staff that already boasts Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Ted Lilly and Rich Harden.
RELATED:
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Sox interested in Pavano? (And other whispers . . .) — LAS VEGAS — A few things heard while walking through the Bellagio Hotel early this morning . . . 1. The Red Sox are one of a few teams mentioned by agent Tom O'Connell as interested parties for free agent righthander Carl Pavano, a former Boston farmhand.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, MLB Rumors, Bugs & Cranks, sox1fan.com, Siberian Baseball and Tribe Report
Tony Massarotti / Boston Globe:
Pettitte among 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 a supreme compliment. — “They explore everything,” said the agent. — Including a name that should be familiar …
Discussion:
For the Record, Boston Herald, My Pinstripes, Hardball Times, Mike Silva's NY Baseball …, iYankees, MLB Rumors and Sliding Into Home
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
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.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
RELATED:
Jayson Stark / ESPN:Peavy headed to Cubs or back to San Diego
Discussion:
It is about the money, stupid
Gordon Edes / Yahoo! Sports:
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.
RELATED:
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
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 …
Discussion:
Inside the Dodgers, Dodger Thoughts, AZ Snakepit, Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness, whygavs.com and 6-4-2
RELATED:
Hot Stove Blog:
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.
Tony Massarotti / Boston Globe:
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 …
Dylan Hernandez / LA Times Sports Blog:
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 …
RELATED:
Dave Sheinin / Baseball Insider:
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.
RELATED:
ESPN:
Rays might re-acquire Young — Stuff can change fast at the winter meetings. Contrary to what I reported Monday morning on this very blog, there were indications Monday night that Tampa Bay was still talking to the Twins about a deal that would bring outfielder Delmon Young back to the Rays.
ESPN:
Phils, Mets, Cubs going after Ibanez — The Phillies, Mets and Cubs appear to have separated themselves from the pack of teams pursuing outfielder Raul Ibanez. Ibanez also is on the radar screen of the Braves and Angels. But the Braves have their pursuit of all their outfield options …
