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ESPN:
Red Sox aren't necessarily out of Teixeira talks … Red Sox executives flew to Texas on Thursday believing they were close enough in negotiations to complete a deal with Mark Teixeira. But after they arrived, they were informed that their offer to Teixeira — something in the range …
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Joel Sherman / Hardball:
3 UP: Sheets, Teixeira and Lowe — Hey, checking in from vacation again (sorry, honey). I will be completing my week of co-hosting The Show today from 3-6 p.m. on XM 175 or Sirius 210 in case anyone would like to listen. — 1. Keep hearing from multiple sources that the Yankees will have nothing to do with Ben Sheets.
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Is it really over for Red Sox and Teixeira? — ANALYSIS — If the Red Sox have pulled out of the Mark Teixeira talks for good, it would be a stunner to a lot of baseball people. — Of the people I've talked to this morning regarding John Henry's e-mail in which he said it seems that Boston …
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Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Sources: BoSox still in Teixeira hunt … The Red Sox haven't given up on the idea of signing Mark Teixeira, according to multiple baseball sources. — They are just taking a break from the bidding. — Though Boston's chances to land the multitalented free-agent slugger may have diminished slightly …
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Boston Globe, Boston Globe, River Avenue Blues, MLB Rumors, Projo Sox Blog and A Red Sox Fan …
Thomas Boswell / Baseball Insider:Teixeira — Plenty of Nationals fans are scratching their heads …
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Nationals Journal
Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:Red Sox say they won't be a factor for Mark Teixeira
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Federal Baseball
Jim Street / MLB.com:
Crosby clears outright waivers — Shortstop appears headed to Spring Training as A's starter — Athletics shortstop Bobby Crosby has cleared outright waivers, keeping the 28-year-old in Oakland — for now, at least. — The waiver period expired at 10 a.m. PT on Friday …
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Susan Slusser / San Francisco Chronicle:
A's eye landing Giambi and letting Crosby go — (12-19) 18:32 PST — Bobby Crosby appears to be fading from the A's plans for 2009, but another well-known name in Oakland could be getting a second opportunity with his former team. — The A's are poised to begin talks with free-agent …
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Norton signs one-year deal with Braves — Top-notch pinch-hitter will return to Atlanta in 2009 to help off bench — ATLANTA — After proving to be one of Major League Baseball's top pinch-hitters last year, Greg Norton proved valuable enough to earn a return to the Braves.
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Associated Press:
Pinch-hit specialist Norton agrees to $800K deal to stay in Atlanta — CBSSports.com wire reports — ATLANTA — Greg Norton and the Braves agreed Friday to an $800,000, one-year contract, a deal that keeps the pinch-hit specialist in Atlanta. — The 36-year-old Norton led the major leagues …
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Braun to play for Team USA — Brewers slugger to represent country in World Baseball Classic — MILWAUKEE — Before he plays for his team in 2009, Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun will suit up for his country. — Braun said Friday that he has accepted an invitation to play for Team USA …
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Adam Rubin / Baseball America:
New York Mets — 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.
Tim Ott / MLB.com:
Season's finest claim TYIB Awards — Superstars Pujols, Lincecum, Lidge among fan favorites for 2008 — Once again, the fans spoke loudly when given the chance to weigh in on this past season's best players, plays and moments in the This Year in Baseball Awards.
Dan Tomasino / New York Post:
CC MAKES MIKE CENTER OF ATTENTION — SABATHIA WOULD LIKE EX-MATE CAMERON ON YANKEES — When CC Sabathia takes the mound for the first time as a Yankee, he would like to see Mike Cameron playing center field behind him. — Sabathia, who was introduced to the New York media along …
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Corey Brock / MLB.com:
Gerut, Padres avoid salary arbitration — A pleasant surprise in '08, outfielder signs one-year contract — SAN DIEGO — Center fielder Jody Gerut, one of the bright spots for the Padres last season, agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.1775 million on Friday, thus avoiding a salary arbitration hearing.
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Rivera agrees with Angels on three-year deal … Free agent outfielder Juan Rivera is returning to the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year contract, the team announced Friday. — Rivera, 30, is a career .284 hitter with 72 homers in eight seasons with the New York Yankees, Montreal Expos and the Angels.
