Top News:
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Source: Cubs to acquire Heilman — The Chicago Cubs have acquired pitcher Aaron Heilman from the Seattle Mariners for infielder Ronny Cedeno and pitcher Garrett Olson, a baseball source told ESPN.com. — Heilman and Olson have already been involved in trades this offseason.
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MLB.com:
Mariners Acquire LHP Garrett Olson, INF Ronny Cedeno From Cubs — Seattle sends RHP Aaron Heilman to Chicago — SEATTLE, Wash. — Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik today announced that the club has acquired left-handed pitcher Garrett Olson …
Discussion:
Major League Baseball
Ben Shpigel / Bats:
A Heilman Homecoming — Just a few days ago, Steve Kelley of The Seattle Times wrote a column about one of the newest Mariners, Aaron Heilman. In it, Heilman was quoted as saying that he was looking forward to (finally) getting a chance to start and that he was hopeful the change of scenery could revive his career.
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Abreu, others, might soon swallow pride — As recently as a week ago, the asking price on Bobby Abreu was said to be locked in place, a three-year deal for something in the neighborhood of $16 million a year. But those numbers were based on appraisals made before the motor companies got a bailout …
Discussion:
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Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Jon Heyman: The latest on the best remaining free agents … The stunning thing about this free-agent market isn't that there are still about 100 players without jobs, it's that at least a dozen of the unemployed are excellent players in their prime. — It isn't just patient …
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
The latest on the best remaining free agents (cont.) — 9. Joe Crede. He's said to have a clean bill of health, though past back trouble obviously is worrisome to some. The Giants, Twins and Rangers have shown interest. — 10. Randy Wolf. Depending on reports, Wolf rejected either $22 million …
Tyler Kepner / Bats:
Torre on Jeter, A-Rod, Beltrán, Pavano, Brown and More — I am not a speed reader, like my colleague Jack Curry, so there is no way I can quickly finish my copy of “The Yankee Years.” But just from scanning it for a couple of hours, it is filled with extraordinary tidbits and rich detail.
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Mark Hale / New York Post:
MUSSINA SAYS TORRE BOOK WON'T HURT
MUSSINA SAYS TORRE BOOK WON'T HURT
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Associated Press:
Mets still interested in bringing Pedro back in '09 … SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya says the club is interested in signing pitcher Pedro Martinez to a new contract. — The Mets' four-year, $53 million deal with Martinez expired after last season.
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Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Minaya may be looking at Pedro — Report states that GM expressed interest to pitcher's agent — A report out of the Dominican Republic on Wednesday says Mets general manager Omar Minaya has expressed interest in re-signing Pedro Martinez. The report by The Associated Press cites no source …
Discussion:
Mets Fever
Fox Sports:
Dodgers have even clearer path to sign Wolf — The pitching dominos might be starting to fall. So is Randy Wolf next? Our Ken Rosenthal went straight to the source for answers.
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ESPN.com:
Source: D-backs to add Garland to rotation
Source: D-backs to add Garland to rotation
Discussion:
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Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
D'Backs Agree To Terms With Jon Garland
D'Backs Agree To Terms With Jon Garland
Discussion:
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Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
Orioles in talks with Looper — Free-agent pitcher Braden Looper would fill rotation hole for Orioles — Still seeking an innings-eater for the middle of their rotation, the Orioles continue to have talks with the representative of free-agent pitcher Braden Looper, according to industry sources.
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers, Sheets no closer to reunion — GM Melvin reached out after Red Sox signed Penny, Smoltz — MILWAUKEE — At every winter stop, a Brewers fan would ask general manager Doug Melvin the same question, and it was usually the first one asked. — Is there any chance the Brewers will look at re-signing Ben Sheets?
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T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Benoit may be lost for season — Rangers righty has surgery to repair torn rotator cuff — ARLINGTON — The Rangers, still over two weeks away from Spring Training, have suffered another major setback in their pitching staff. — Right-hander Joaquin Benoit underwent surgery on Tuesday …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
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Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Glavine, Wren discuss 2009 season — Braves' need for an outfielder a factor in ability to ink lefty — ATLANTA — Tom Glavine understands the Braves might not have the funds to satisfy his financial desire. But the veteran left-hander still remains hopeful he'll have the opportunity to pitch at least one more season in Atlanta.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Joel Sherman / Hardball:
David Weathers signs with Reds — The Reds avoided arbitration with David Weathers by signing the bulldog reliever to a one-year contract with an option worth $3.9 million, the Post has learned. — Weathers will make $3.5 million this year with a club option for 2010 worth $3.7 million or a $400,000 buyout.
Mets Blog:
Bowa: Dodgers need Manny — At least one person is ready to admit his team needs Manny Ramirez. Dodgers third-base coach Larry Bowa is adamant that his team should bring back Ramirez, who is a free agent. — “I'm going to tell you something right now, if Manny Ramirez doesn't sign with us, we're in deep trouble.
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Dylan Hernandez / LA Times Sports Blog:
Agent: Manny Ramirez should be signed by the start of spring training
Agent: Manny Ramirez should be signed by the start of spring training
Discussion:
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