Top News:
John Harper / NY Daily News:
Harper: Mets should play Sheets music — If the Mets are going to continue to ignore Manny Ramirez's availability and take a lineup that has significant question marks into the 2009 season, then they need to think boldly about filling the final spot in their starting rotation.
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David Lennon / Newsday:
Sheets, Pettitte on Mets' radar? — The Mets figured that the two Scott Boras clients on their shopping list would sign by mid-January. Turns out, they were only half right, with Derek Lowe accepting a four-year, $60-million contract from the Braves last week.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Carpenter gives an upbeat report — Cardinal pitcher Chris Carpenter signs autographs for fans at the Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis for the 13th Annual Winter Warm-Up on Saturday morning. Proceeds benefit the team's community foundation, Cardinals Care. (Erik M. Lunsford /P-D)
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Wellemeyer, Cardinals close to deal — Club hopes to avoid arbitration with right-hander, four others — ST. LOUIS — Todd Wellemeyer could have a new contract with the Cardinals finalized by the end of the holiday weekend. — Wellemeyer and general manager John Mozeliak both said on Saturday …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Associated Press:
Carpenter seeking return to Cardinals rotation — ST. LOUIS (AP) — Two months after having elbow surgery, oft-injured St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Chris Carpenter is optimistic about making at least 28 starts this season. — “I feel great. I really do,” Carpenter said Saturday …
Joel Sherman / Hardball:
PHILS SIGN COLE HAMELS FOR THREE YEARS — The Phillies have reached a three-year, $20.5 million contract with their ace, Cole Hamels, the Post has learned. — Hamels will receive $4.35 million in 2009, $6.65 million in 2010 and $9.5 million in 2011. Though a long-term contract …
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Terence Moore / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Mazzone admits he erred leaving Braves — In addition to Cy Maddux, Cy Glavine and Cy Smoltz for the Braves, there was Cy Mazzone, the pitching coach who helped push those other Cys into the city limits of Cooperstown. — Then Cy Mazzone blew it. — He left. He should have stayed with the Braves forever.
RELATED:
Dan Connolly / Baltimore Sun:
Source: O's, Markakis close to six-year extension — Reported deal would be worth between $64 million and $66 million in guaranteed money — It looks as if Nick Markakis will be patrolling right field at Camden Yards for several more years. — Markakis and the Orioles have made …
Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates minicamp: Alvarez lags behind — McCutchen, Lincoln in peak shape, but not latest first-rounder — BRADENTON, Fla. — Two of the Pirates' top three prospects, outfielder Andrew McCutchen and pitcher Brad Lincoln, reported to minicamp in exemplary shape.
Discussion:
ESPN, Bucco Blog, Raise the Jolly Roger, Bucs Trade Winds, MVN, Bucs Dugout and PBC Blog
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Deep thoughts on players — Many stars don't shine when spotlight's bright — For many teams, it's about getting deep into the postseason, winning it all. Yet how much thought goes into rosters to make sure teams have the players that will perform once they get there?
Discussion:
Baseball Analysts
Christian Red / NY Daily News:
The End Zone: Bernie Williams is still swingin' — SAN JUAN - The press corps is gathered in a windowless conference room one floor up from the lobby of San Juan's plush Intercontinental Hotel, reporters and photographers mingling with representatives and organizers of the upcoming …
Associated Press:
Sabathia ready for NY pressure — Lefty ruminates on new home before receiving Spahn Award — OKLAHOMA CITY — CC Sabathia has yet to meet George Steinbrenner, but he believes he's ready for the pressure cooker that he'll encounter as the New York Yankees' new ace.
