Top News:
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Wren, Cox meet with Lowe at Turner Field — Chipper calls free-agent pitcher with sales pitch; Mets, Phillies also interested — Braves officials met Thursday with free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe at Turner Field, with the shock of John Smoltz's exit reverberating in Atlanta and an increased sense of urgency in the air.
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Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Braves Join Mets in Pursuit of Lowe — Once again, Scott Boras has his ideal situation: two ostensible rivals bidding for the same player. — In a discouraging development for the Mets, the Braves emerged Thursday as a serious suitor for the free-agent starter Derek Lowe …
Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
Starting Pitcher: Mets still Leaders for Lowe — Interestingly, during tonight's Hot Stove show on the MLB Network, SI.com's Jon Heyman said, while Omar Minaya prefers Oliver Perez to Lowe, some in the team's front-office prefer Lowe, because he is a ground-ball pitcher …
Boston Herald:
Mark Kotsay set to re-sign — After adding one role player yesterday by signing outfielder Rocco Baldelli to a one-year, $500,000 deal with incentives, the Red Sox [team stats] are poised to add another soon. — Mark Kotsay, whom the Sox obtained from Atlanta last August …
Discussion:
The Bottom Line, Fire Brand of the …, Associated Press, MLB Rumors, Red Sox Monster and Talking Chop
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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.
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.
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Henry Schulman / SFGate:On Swisher and Nady
Discussion:
Newsday, River Avenue Blues, WasWatching.com, MLB Rumors, Pinstripes, Pa., Rivera's Cutter, The Yankee Scrolls and iYankees
Bill Shaikin / LA Times Sports Blog:
Chipper Jones a July fit for Dodgers or Angels? — You've heard this story from the Dodgers and Angels in many previous summers, and you'll probably hear it from them again this summer: We'd like to trade for a big bat. — How about Chipper Jones? The idea was floated by none other than Jones himself …
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Hardball Times
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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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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.
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Chico Harlan / Nationals Journal:
Nats Draw Line With Dunn, Hudson — Though the Washington Nationals' pursuit of its top free agent targets — Adam Dunn and Orlando Hudson — has not been called off, the team is discouraged about its chances of signing either, one well-placed source said yesterday.
Steve Buckley / Boston Herald:
Jim Rice ‘Restless’ but not about Hall — Say this about Jim Rice: He was never much of a politician as a player and he has never been much of a politician as an ex-player. — This is why those members of the Baseball Writers Association of America, who each year are entrusted with determining …
Discussion:
A Red Sox Fan …
Carl Steward / insideBayArea:
Voter: I made a mistake not voting for Rickey Henderson — It remains to be seen how close Rickey Henderson comes to being the first unanimous selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame, but the one sportswriter who publicly disclosed that he didn't vote for Henderson already has admitted he made a mistake.
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Bradley hopes to fill Cubs' problem spot — Since Sammy Sosa left in disgrace after the 2004 season, right field has been a sinkhole of talent — and dollars — for the Cubs. — First there was Jeromy Burnitz, then Jacque Jones, Cliff Floyd and Kosuke Fukudome. — And now there is Milton Bradley.
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Hoffman has far-reaching impact — Closer addition offers McClung, Villanueva more defined roles — MILWAUKEE — With one big move, the Brewers might have strengthened both their bullpen and their starting rotation. — Assuming that all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman passes his physical …
MLB.com:
Brewers and Potawatomi Bingo Casino form presenting sponsor partnership — First presenting sponsorship for a Major League sports franchise in Wisconsin history — MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers and Potawatomi Bingo Casino today announced a multiyear partnership in which Potawatomi Bingo Casino …
