Top News:
CNN:
Torre on book: 'It wasn't my intention to shock anybody' — (CNN) — Los Angeles Dodgers baseball manager Joe Torre's new book about his old club has been burning up best-seller lists even before it hits stores. — In “The Yankee Years,” Torre candidly details his life as the former skipper …
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Peter Kerasotis / Cincinnati.com:
Damon weighs in on Torre's book — ORLANDO, Fla. - Johnny Damon stopped short of saying he's disappointed with his former manager, Joe Torre. — “I'm OK,” he said. — But the New York Yankees' outfielder did express - or perhaps reiterate one of baseball's unwritten codes of ethics …
Andy Martino / NY Daily News:
Bouton: No clubhouse ‘sanctity’ — Did Joe Torre's book violate the sanctity of the Yankee clubhouse, particularly with his criticism of Alex Rodriguez? The man who pioneered the candid sports memoir is amused by the question. — “What's the big deal?
Buster Olney / MLB:
Sources: Rays agree to deal with LHP Shouse — Brian Shouse, a veteran left-handed reliever, has agreed to a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, according to baseball sources. The deal is pending a physical exam, which he will take on Thursday. — Shouse, 40, pitched in 69 games …
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Alex Walsh / MLB Rumors:
Rays, Shouse Agree To Deal — By Alex Walsh [January 31 at 3:37pm CST] — The Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a two-year deal with Brian Shouse, reports Buster Olney. — The deal is pending a physical, which is reportedly scheduled for Thursday.
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Al's Ramblings
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Still Jobless, Abreu Awaits Right Offer in a Slow Market — Ed Wade is the last man to sign Bobby Abreu to a contract. It was nearly seven years ago, when Wade was the general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies and Abreu was an emerging star. To keep him out of free agency …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Approaching spring workouts to find Tampa Bay Rays in transition — The Rays have their first official spring workout two weeks from today, and relocation to Port Charlotte isn't the only thing that's going to require some adjustment. — CF B.J. Upton, 1B Carlos Pena …
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Giants could ultimately be in mix for Manny — Only Scott Boras knows for sure what offers Manny Ramirez may or may not have, but it appears that the San Francisco Giants are the only team standing between Ramirez and a capitulation that the slugger might feel is utterly embarrassing.
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Mets Merized Online, MLB Rumors, MetsBlog.com, Baseball Musings and St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Pedro says he's received offers — Righty declines to identify bidders, but claims Mets not among them — The availability of Pedro Martinez as a free agent has prompted interest among big league clubs, according to the veteran right-hander. With less than three weeks remaining …
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MLB:
White Sox not chasing more high-priced talent — CHICAGO — Don't expect the Chicago White Sox to sign any free agents still on the market. — White Sox general manager Ken Williams said Saturday he doesn't see the need for more high-priced talent, especially with a roster full of young talent and a lousy economy.
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Associated Press
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Prospect Green has wrist surgery — Third baseman forced to wear a cast for four weeks — MILWAUKEE — Brewers prospect Taylor Green could miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery this week for a fractured left wrist. — Green, 22 and a third baseman …
Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Cooper ponders Astros' lineup — Skipper will use Spring Training to formulate his batting order — HOUSTON — Astros manager Cecil Cooper still envisions Michael Bourn as his leadoff hitter, but just not quite yet. — Bourn will hit elsewhere in the order when the season starts …
Joel Sherman / Hardball:
BRAVES SIGN KOTCHMAN — The Braves signed their first baseman, Casey Kotchman, to a $2.885 million contract, avoiding arbitration, the Post has learned. — Kotchman had asked for $3.25 million through arbitration and the Braves had countered at $2.475 million.
