Top News:
Jack Curry / New York Times:
Mets Offer Lowe a 3-Year Deal — The Mets have offered the free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe a three-year contract for about $36 million, according to people who have been briefed on the discussions. — As the Mets try to add another starter, they have concentrated on Lowe, 35, as their No. 1 option over Oliver Pérez.
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John Harper / NY Daily News:
Mets playing Lowe ball — More and more it seems it will only be a matter of time before the Mets sign Derek Lowe, the starting pitcher they targeted going into the offseason. — Lowe recently told a friend that the Red Sox, who signed Brad Penny to a one-year deal this week …
Tom Singer / MLB.com:
Mets extend three-year offer to Lowe — Proposal for highly sought free agent reportedly worth $36 million — The Mets have acted on their remaining offseason priority, extending highly sought right-hander Derek Lowe a three-year offer for approximately $36 million, according to a report in the New York Times.
Troy Renck / All Things Rockies:
Rox agree to ship Vizcaino to Cubs for Marquis — The Rockies are going to swap a relief bust for rotation depth. — The Rockies and Cubs have agreed in principle on a deal that would send Luis Vizcaino to Chicago for starter Jason Marquis, according to multiple baseball sources.
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Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
Cubs close to Marquis-Vizcaino deal; Bradley next? — The Cubs are close to trading Jason Marquis and most of his $9.875 million contract to the Colorado Rockies for embattled reliever Luis Vizcaino, baseball sources confirmed Tuesday night. — The deal, which could be announced next week …
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Marquis For Vizcaino; Bradley Deal Close? — By Tim Dierkes [December 30 at 10:00pm CST] — 10:00pm: Dave Kaplan of Comcast Sportsnet Chicago says the Cubs are close to a multiyear deal with Bradley that would be announced next week. — 7:28pm: Ken Rosenthal confirms what most people are saying …
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Manny Ramirez's agent contacts the Dodgers — Negotiations for slugger appear to be underway again as Scott Boras gets in touch with team after General Manager Ned Colletti says Ramirez remains the club's ‘first choice.’ — The Dodgers' on-again, off-again negotiations with Manny Ramirez appear to be on again.
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Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Manny's agent contacts Dodgers — Boras' interest in outfielder's return to LA shared by GM Colletti — LOS ANGELES — The agent for Manny Ramirez contacted the Dodgers on Tuesday, one day after word that the club was considering making a run at free-agent outfielders Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu.
Scott Miller / CBS SportsLine.com:
Upon further review, Hawk belongs in Cooperstown — Andre Dawson finished with 438 home runs, 1,591 RBI and a .482 slugging percentage. He ranks 25th all time in total bases, 34th in RBI, 36th in home runs and 45th in hits. He even had 314 stolen bases.
Matt Eddy / Baseball America:
Minor League Transactions — This week's installment considers all transactions reported by MLB between Dec. 16 and Dec. 23. The previous installment is available here. — Atlanta Braves — Released: RHP Eligio Lagua, RHP Eliezer Murillo, RHP Matt Timms, LHP Tim Ladd, LHP T.J. Wohlever, OF Mike Elkerson, OF Chad Maddox
Peter Schmuck / The Schmuck Stops Here:
Orioles: Sexson an option at 1B? — The Orioles still are trying to figure out what they'll do at first base this coming season, and they've given some consideration to attempting a salvage operation with former 45-homer guy Richie Sexson. Club officials apparently have had at least …
Marc Katz / Dayton Daily News:
Former Red Benzinger named Dragons manager — He takes over position after departure of Dismuke for job with Braves' AAA team. — DAYTON — Todd Benzinger — best known for recording the final out of the 1990 World Series for the victorious Cincinnati Reds — today, Dec. 31 …
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Redleg Nation
Sportsnet.ca:
Jays invite 3 more to Spring camp — The Toronto Blue Jays have signed Michael Barrett, Raul Chavez, Randy Ruiz and pitcher Mike Maroth to minor league contracts and extended invitations for all to attend spring training with the Major League club. — Barrett, 32, has signed …
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