Top News:
Chad Finn / Boston Globe:
Sox agree to terms with Baldelli, Smoltz — (AP) — The rest of Red Sox roster is taking shape, with the club coming to terms today with a pair of well-known players who have battled injuries and health problems in recent seasons. — Shortly after the Red Sox formally announced …
RELATED:
Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
‘Frustrated’ Chipper questions Braves' dealings with Smoltz — Third baseman says Smoltz was upset when they spoke on phone Wednesday … Q. How did you take all this? — A. I am disappointed. Very disappointed. Deflated. Frustrated. It's been a very long offseason …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Smoltz, Braves differ on contract offer — Veteran righty to leave Atlanta, accept deal with Boston — ATLANTA — Some members of the Braves' organization believe their offer to John Smoltz was comparable to the one made by the Red Sox. But the veteran hurler saw things differently.
Discussion:
Bottom9 Baseball
Tony Massarotti / Boston Globe:
Lowe to meet with Braves — With the news that John Smoltz may be headed to the Red Sox, it should come as a no surprise that the Braves appear to be intensifying their pursuit of another free-agent pitcher: Derek Lowe. — According to a baseball source, Lowe is scheduled to meet …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, Ken Davidoff's baseball …, Mets Fever, Hardball Times, Ya Gotta Believe, Hot Foot and 24 Hours From Suicide
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:Red Sox Agree To Terms With Baldelli, Smoltz
Discussion:
The Schmuck Stops Here, Alex Speier, MLB.com, Raise the Jolly Roger and Sliding Into Home
Buster Olney / ESPN:Sources: Smoltz on verge of deal with Red Sox
Discussion:
Angels blog, Hot Stove Blog, Bless You Boys, Over the Monster, River Avenue Blues, MLB.com, MLB FanHouse, MLB Rumors, BOSTON IRISH, 3:10 to Joba and Chop-n-Change
Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Pettitte return to Houston highly unlikely — Despite report of lefty's interest, Astros remain firm on payroll — HOUSTON — The last time Andy Pettitte was unhappy with the Yankees, he phoned “home” — home being the Astros — and struck a tidy three-year deal that lasted from 2004 until '06.
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Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Pettitte not happy with Yankees right now — Andy Pettitte is extremely unhappy with how his negotiations have gone with the Yankees, and the lefthander might be softening on his opposition to rejoining the Astros. — What once seemed a fait accompli - Pettitte returning to the Yankees …
Henry Schulman / SFGate:
On Swisher and Nady — Some speculation has arisen that the Giants might find a first baseman in New York, either Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady. I do not expect either will come to San Francisco. — I've been told by a good source that Yankees GM Brian Cashman wants to keep Swisher …
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Yanks might move Nady or Swisher — Teixeira acquisition creates logjam in New York's outfield — NEW YORK — The chain reaction of Mark Teixeira's big contract may create a ripple effect in the Yankees' outfield, where Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher may be sent to a new destination in advance of Spring Training.
Discussion:
Sliding Into Home
Associated Press:
Hoffman, Brewers close in on deal — Career saves leader Trevor Hoffman is closing in on a deal with the Brewers. — A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the sides are near an agreement. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract hadn't been completed Wednesday night.
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball, Brew Crew Ball, Brewers Bar, It is about the money, stupid and Yahoo! Sports
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Mike Puma / New York Post:
REDDING MULLS OFFER FROM METS — As Mets GM Omar Minaya continues negotiations to secure Derek Lowe's services, he also has other starting-pitching options in mind. — Minaya, according to a source, has offered a contract to Tim Redding, who went 10-11 with a 4.95 ERA for the Nationals last season.
RELATED:
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:Mets still confident they'll sign Lowe or Perez
Discussion:
NorthJersey.com, New York Times, MetsBlog.com, Hot Foot, Mets Fever, MLB.com and Hardball
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Agent says Lee willing to extend deal — Reigning AL Cy Young winner will be free agent after 2010 — CLEVELAND — When the Indians arrive at their new spring digs in Goodyear, Ariz., next month, one of their first orders of business might be to sit Cliff Lee down and start talking contract.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
RELATED:
Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer:CLEVELAND INDIANS — Baseball News, Schedule, Pictures, and More
Discussion:
MLB FanHouse
New York Post:
DO A-ROD AND TEX GET ALONG? — ESPN'S GAMMONS CLAIMS THEY DIDN'T IN TEXAS — ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons appeared on Boston radio station WEEI yesterday and referenced a rift between new Yankees teammates Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. — “As you probably remember …
Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com:
Dodgers reaffirm interest in Manny — LA general manager Colletti ready to ‘keep talking’ about deal — Despite reports claiming that Manny Ramirez may prove to be too costly for the Dodgers, general manager Ned Colletti said Thursday that the club still has interest in the free-agent slugger.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats unlikely to sign top free agents — Washington no longer in running for Dunn, Hudson or Lowe — WASHINGTON — It appears the Nationals will not sign any major free agents this offseason. According to a baseball source, they will concentrate on their Minor League system and try to make trades for young players.
Discussion:
Fire Jim Bowden
