Top News:
Buster Olney / ESPN.com:
Sources: Dodgers hope to move cheaper Jones — A month ago, Andruw Jones was considered untradeable within the baseball industry. Now that his contract has been restructured, to make him more affordable to any interested suitors, the Dodgers intend to weigh his market value again, according to baseball sources.
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Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
It appears Andruw Jones is done as a Dodger — The Dodgers have agreed to trade or release Jones in exchange for his deferring much of the $22 million remaining on his contract. — Andruw Jones and the Dodgers? One and done. — The Dodgers have agreed to trade or release Jones …
Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
Starting Pitcher: Lowe wants $16 million per year — Tonight on the MLB Network's Hot Stove Live, SI.com's Jon Heyman said Derek Lowe rejected Omar Minaya's three- year, $36 million offer, because he is seeking $16 million per season. — According to Heyman, the Phillies and Braves …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Lowe Rejected Offer, Wants $16MM Per Year — By Ben Nicholson-Smith [January 3 at 7:56pm CST] — Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog passes on some comments made tonight by Jon Heyman on the MLB Network's Hot Stove Live. — According to Heyman, Derek Lowe rejected the Mets' three year $36MM offer …
Peter Gammons / ESPN:
2009 will celebrate the young player — During the 2008 ALCS, a Red Sox player said, “I've had to use a cup five times in the last three weeks. Drug-tested five times in three weeks — imagine if I had hit anything! I know the system is random, I know they're serious, I'm actually glad they're doing it.
Daulerio / Deadspin:
Meet Your New Fanhouse Columnist ... Jay Mariotti — Starting Monday, Fanhouse will add ex-Chicago Tribune columnist and venerable Around The Horn noisemaker Jay Mariotti to its stable of writers. Fun for the whole family.
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Ray Ratto / San Francisco Chronicle:
There's much to like about Manny blockbuster deal - and a lot to hate — (01-03) 18:53 PST — The last time we all pitched a nutty about the Giants making a run at a big-name free agent, Brian Sabean pitched a nutty right back, ripping the media for creating a firestorm out of nothing.
Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Where are they now? Former Met Anthony Young — Fans sent Anthony Young all sorts of good-luck talismans while he was enduring his infamous losing streak - four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, rabbit's feet. One woman gave him her treasured $2 bill. Psychics called the Met offices offering aid.
Discussion:
Tales Of A Transplanted …
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Moorad near deal to buy Padres from Moores — Fifteen years after Texan software mogul John Moores bought the Padres, Moores and his wife Becky have reached “an agreement in principle” to sell the club to a group led by Jeff Moorad, an Orange County resident with wide-ranging experiences in the baseball business.
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Derrick Goold / Bird Land:
Being a Cardinal “made my career happen,” says Aaron Miles — TOWER GROVE — In a few days, newly-minted Chicago Cubs infielder Aaron Miles will have a reunion of sorts at a charity event with the manager that made him a millionaire. He expects the worst.
New York Post:
YANKEES GREAT DENT PLAYED BALL WITH TEIXEIRA'S FATHER — Baseball is a tapestry and sometimes it is woven in pinstripes. — Hialeah High School was on its way to a Florida state championship in 1969, one of three state baseball titles the school has won in 55 years. Bucky Dent was the star shortstop.
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Stop the madness, please — Things that drive me crazy: — The Joba debate: Why does this still continue in some quarters? He had a 2.76 ERA in 12 starts last season. He struck out 74 batters in 60 innings. He's a really, really good starter and he's 23.
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Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com:
Roberts to the “other” Chicago? — Brian Roberts always seems to be linked to the Chicago Cubs in trade rumors, but White Sox general manager Kenny Williams loves the guy and is trying to acquire him. — The two sides have discussed former Mount St. Joe pitcher Gavin Floyd as a starting point in trade talks.
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Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
Winter wonderings — Readers have questions about Varitek, Baldelli, Lars Anderson, and some leftover thoughts on the Sox' failed pursuit of Teixeira — It's with a heavy heart that I bring you this edition of the mailbag. While you're all worried about the state of the Red Sox offense …
Discussion:
Fire Brand of the …