Top News:
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 …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, MLB Rumors, FakeTeams, Pinstriped Scranton, Sliding Into Home and iYankees
RELATED:
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.
Mike Puma / New York Post:
REPORT: METS OFFER LOWE $36M — The Mets are moving along negotiations with Derek Lowe, reportedly with a three-year offer in the $36 million range for the free-agent pitcher. — That isn't nearly in line with the four-or five-year deal at around $15 million per season that Lowe's agent …
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
Cubs acquire versatile infielder Miles — The Cubs agreed to terms with versatile free agent infielder Aaron Miles on a two-year, $4.9 million contract, adding important depth to the middle infield. — Miles, a switch-hitter who spent the past three seasons with St. Louis …
RELATED:
ESPN:
Aaron Miles Signs Two-Year Contract with Cubs — ESPN 1000 is first to report that infielder Aaron Miles has signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. This could be another transaction by Jim Hendry to setup two or three more moves in attempt to solidify his team in 2009.
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
DeRosa Traded To Indians — By Tim Dierkes [December 31 at 12:44pm CST] — 12:44pm: Levine says the three minor league pitchers coming to Chicago are Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer, and John Gobb. — 12:25pm: Levine and Buster Olney are saying it's a done deal - DeRosa to the Tribe for three minor league pitchers.
Troy Renck / All Things Rockies:
Rox add former utilityman Luis Gonzalez to bench mix — Among improvements general manager Dan O'Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle identified as necessary for the 2009 Rockies: a better reserve clause. — Colorado has added an interesting candidate to the bench mix, bringing …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
RELATED:
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:Cubs close to Marquis-Vizcaino deal; Bradley next?
Discussion:
Bugs & Cranks, Lone Star Ball, TEXAS RANGERS, Bottom9 Baseball, Another Cubs Blog and The Cub Reporter (TCR)
Baltimore Sun:
C. Izturis to join Mora on Venezuela's WBC team — Cesar Izturis, the Orioles' new starting shortstop, is planning to represent Venezuela in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, according to his agent. Izturis expects to join Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora on the Venezuelan team.
RELATED:
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.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, ESPN, MLB FanHouse, Dodger Thoughts, LA Times Sports Blog and River Avenue Blues
RELATED:
MLB.com:
Angels agree to terms on two-year contract with free-agent left-handed pitcher Brian Fuentes — Contract includes club option For 2011 — ANAHEIM, CA — The Angels Wednesday agreed to terms on a two-year contract with free agent left-handed pitcher Brian Fuentes. The contract includes a club option for the 2011 season.
Dylan Hernandez / LA Times Sports Blog:
Dodgers sign pitcher Claudio Vargas — The Dodgers may have found a pitcher who could take a spot in the back end of their rotation, signing right-hander Claudio Vargas to an incentive-laden, one-year deal. — Vargas will be paid a base salary of $400,000 and can earn an additional $1.4 million in incentives.
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.
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 …
Discussion:
Redleg Nation
