Top News:
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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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.
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Sources: BoSox still in Teixeira hunt
Sources: BoSox still in Teixeira hunt
Discussion:
Boston Globe, Yahoo! Sports, Boston Globe, River Avenue Blues, Projo Sox Blog, MLB Rumors, Clubhouse Insider and A Red Sox Fan …
Thomas Boswell / Baseball Insider:
Teixeira — Plenty of Nationals fans are scratching their heads …
Teixeira — Plenty of Nationals fans are scratching their heads …
Discussion:
Nationals Journal
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Is it really over for Red Sox and Teixeira?
Is it really over for Red Sox and Teixeira?
Discussion:
MASN Online, MLB FanHouse, Over the Monster, Bottom9 Baseball, Angels blog, Red Sox Monster and Just A Nats Fan
Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Red Sox say they won't be a factor for Mark Teixeira
Red Sox say they won't be a factor for Mark Teixeira
Discussion:
MLB.com, Federal Baseball, Boston Herald, Angels blog, The Schmuck Stops Here and Boston Globe
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 …
WTVD-TV:
Former major league pitcher Dock Ellis dies — Former major league pitcher Dock Ellis died Friday of a liver ailment in California, his former agent, Tom Reich, confirmed. Ellis was 63. — Dock Ellis, the former major league pitcher best remembered for his flamboyance and social activism …
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.
MLB.com:
D-backs sign Travis Blackley to Major League contract — Australia native spent time with Mariners, Giants and Phillies — PHOENIX - The Arizona Diamondbacks today signed left-handed pitcher Travis Blackley to a Major League contract, as announced by D-backs' Executive Vice President and General Manager Josh Byrnes.
Discussion:
AZ Snakepit
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.