Top News:
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
Orioles close to landing Hill — Sources say O's hopeful to complete deal acquiring Cubs pitcher early this week — The Orioles could announce as early as tomorrow that they will acquire left-handed starter Rich Hill from the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later, according to industry sources.
RELATED:
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
O's get pitcher Hill in trade with Cubs — Acquired for player to be named later, LHP will compete for spot in starting rotation; Burres designated for assignment — Rich Hill issued 18 walks in 19 2/3 innings with the Chicago Cubs in 2008, going 1-0 with a 4.12 ERA in five starts before being sent to the minors.
Discussion:
Another Cubs Blog
Gordon Edes / Yahoo! Sports:
Varitek saga might be lesson for Ramirez — Buzz up! — Memo to Manny Ramirez, wherever you are: — Scott Boras always swings for the fences, and has a better batting average than most. But if you're still counting on someone giving you the deal of your dreams, you might want to pay attention …
RELATED:
Nat Boyle / MLB Rumors:
Cafardo's Latest: Players Out Of Options — By Nat Boyle [February 1 at 9:51am CST] — Lots of stuff in Nick Cafardo's column in the Boston Globe to go over. — With around 100 free agents vying for less than 20 remaining roster spots, things become more interesting with 227 players on big-league rosters who are out of options.
ESPN.com:
Report: MLB's Selig paid more than $18M in '07 — Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig is paid commensurate to the highest-paid players in his sport. — According to tax filings obtained by the Sports Business Journal, Selig's compensation climbed past $18 million for the fiscal year ending Oct. 31, 2007.
Discussion:
The LoHud Yankees Blog
Bill Center / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Floyd, Hernandez on Towers' wish list — The long list of unsigned free agents could produce two players for the Padres - left-handed hitter Cliff Floyd and starting pitcher Livan Hernandez. — Padres General Manager Kevin Towers said Thursday night the Padres were interested in the pair.
Tyler Kepner / Bats:
Bobby Abreu Still Looking For Work — Get ready for a lot of free-agent signings over the next 10 days. With spring training starting Feb. 14 for the Yankees and others, it's time for the 90-plus players remaining on the market to find a home. — “Some players are sitting at home …
RELATED:
Meddler / Amazin' Avenue:
Is There Anything To Like About Tim Redding? — A little while ago, the Mets extended a $2.5 million contract offer to Tim Redding, which he accepted. At the time, it was assumed the Mets would add another starting pitcher, most likely on a far more lucrative deal.
Discussion:
Hot Foot
Globe and Mail:
Jays used amphetamines: McNamee — Joe Torre and Tom Verducci's The Yankee Years is less salacious than the advance coverage suggested, but it has a brutally honest streak that reveals itself in some less than glowing references to the Toronto Blue Jays. — Brian McNamee, Roger Clemens's …
Discussion:
Drunk Jays Fans
Jim Salisbury / Philly.com:
Phils hopeful of avoiding Howard arbitration — Salary arbitration hearings are scheduled to begin today in Phoenix, but the Phillies and Ryan Howard still have time to strike a deal before heading to the table. — The date of Howard's hearing has been a closely guarded secret …
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
The Market For Adam Dunn — By Tim Dierkes [February 1 at 7:00am CST] — Amazingly it's February 1st and the one 40 home run bat on the free agent market, Adam Dunn, remains unsigned. We learned from Bobby Abreu's agent that his client is willing to consider a one-year 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 …
Discussion:
Tampa Bay Rays, Rays Report, Rays of Light, MLB Rumors, THE BASEBALL SAVANT, Rays Index, Baseball Insider, The Heater and DRaysBay
RELATED:
Cjennings / Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees Blog:
One update and one non-update — Shot text messages back and forth with two pitchers today. — Alan Horne (right) said his right shoulder is “doin great” and that his rehab is progressing nicely. He's up to 50 throws from 120 feet and said he expects to be throwing off a mound soon.
Discussion:
Mike Silva's NY Baseball …
