Top News:
Chad Finn / Boston Globe:
Sox agree to terms with Baldelli, Smoltz — (AP) — Read a transcript of tonight's Baldelli press conference — 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.
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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 …
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Glavine open to pitching outside Atlanta — Now that Greg Maddux has retired and John Smoltz has opted to leave Atlanta for the Boston Red Sox, the question remains: What's next on the agenda for the other member of the Braves' “Big Three”? — As Tom Glavine continues to make progress …
Associated Press:
Smoltz, Red Sox agree to terms … BOSTON (AP) — John Smoltz and Brad Penny are on their way to the Red Sox. Rocco Baldelli was already in Boston, holding up his new jersey. — After missing out on Mark Teixeira, the biggest free-agent prize of the offseason, the Red Sox were poised …
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Red Sox still pursuing Varitek — Boston GM knows catcher's importance, but has other options — BOSTON — The starting rotation is basically complete, with John Smoltz and Brad Penny climbing on board within the next couple of days. The backup outfield hole has been filled with Rocco Baldelli.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
Baldelli talks about joining the Sox — (AP) — Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, manager Terry Francona, and newly-acquired outfielder Rocco Baldelli addressed the media before tonight's Boston Baseball Writers' 70th Awards Dinner at the Westin Waterfront Hotel in Boston... Epstein opening:
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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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 …
Discussion:
River Avenue Blues, MLB Rumors, The Yankee Scrolls, Rivera's Cutter, WasWatching.com and iYankees
Dejan Kovacevic / PBC Blog:
Pirates, Yankees talk Swisher, Nady — The Pirates have had trade talks with the New York Yankees regarding outfielders Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady, one high-level source said today, but there is little cause to expect a deal involving either coming to Pittsburgh.
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 …
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:
Nats320
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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.
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 …
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
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Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer:CLEVELAND INDIANS — Baseball News, Schedule, Pictures, and More
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MLB FanHouse
Hot Stove Blog:
Brewers waiting for Hoffman's signature — The Brewers faxed a term sheet to free-agent closer Trevor Hoffman late Wednesday, the strongest signal yet that both sides were very close to a deal. — Brewers general manager Doug Melvin would not talk about details of the negotiations during …
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