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.
RELATED:
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
JSOnline:
Fielder, agent likely to swing for the fences — Folks throughout the baseball industry are waiting to see how bold agent Scott Boras will be Tuesday when filing his salary arbitration request for Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder. — Not even the Brewers are sure how aggressive that figure will be.
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 …
RELATED:
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
RELATED:
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 …
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 …
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
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.
Jim Reeves / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Adding another scoring option was needed by Mavs — The coach preaches defense constantly, and Rick Carlisle's right. If the Mavs don't play good defense, they have no chance. — What we've also discovered this season is that they have little or no chance with just two players on the floor who can score.
