Top News:
Jerry Crasnick / MLB:
Sources: Abreu, Angels discussing 1-year deal — Free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu is in serious talks toward a one-year agreement with the Los Angeles Angels, two baseball sources told ESPN.com. — Abreu, 34, is one of the premier hitters left on the market this offseason.
Discussion:
FanGraphs Baseball, Mariners Insider, U.S.S. Mariner, River Avenue Blues, Bucs Trade Winds, Jorge Says No!, PE.com, 6-4-2, JonahKeri.com and ESPN.com
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Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Angels showing serious interest in Bobby Abreu — They are expected to sign the free-agent outfielder before the start of spring training Saturday. — The Angels, in dire need of a power boost from the left side, have expressed serious interest in Bobby Abreu and are expected to sign …
Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Abreu might be headed Halos' way — Free-agent slugger reportedly nearing one-year deal with Angels — According to several reports, the Angels are closing in on a deal for free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu. — Efforts to reach Angels general manager Tony Reagins for comment have been unsuccessful.
John Hickey / seattlepi.com Mariners blog:Abreu could bypass Mariners and go with Angels
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Oswalt would erase A-Rod's numbers — HOUSTON — If Roy Oswalt had his druthers, any player who was proven to, or admitted to, using performance-enhancing drugs would have his numbers erased from baseball history, the Astros ace said on Tuesday. — That includes Alex Rodriguez …
RELATED:
Washington Post:
Tejada Charged With Lying to Investigators — Former Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada was charged today with lying to congressional investigators about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. — Federal prosecutors accused Tejada of making misrepresentations …
RELATED:
Joel Sherman / Hardball:
METS SIGN VALENTIN TO MINOR LEAGUE DEAL — The Mets have thrown another player into the mix to be a potential backup or alternative to Luis Castillo by signing Jose Valentin to a minor league contract, the Post has learned. — Valentin would make $800,000 if he played in the majors.
RELATED:
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Rockies sign former Cardinal Flores — No go for Joe. But the Rockies are ready for Randy. — Bent on adding left-handed relief depth, Colorado signed Randy Flores to a $600,000 minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training, according to contract information obtained by The Denver Post.
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Dodgers add Milton to pitching mix — Left-hander signs Minor League deal to compete for spot — LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers, seemingly collecting veteran pitchers on the eve of Spring Training, signed Eric Milton to a Minor League contract Tuesday to join the competition for the fifth starter spot or the bullpen.
JSOnline:
Looper deal has mutual option — By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel — The one-year deal the Brewers struck with free agent right-hander Braden Looper yesterday has a mutual option for 2010. — I don't know the salary figure for that year yet but I heard this is the way it works …
MLB.com:
Royals sign pitcher Jamey Wright to a Minor League contract with spring invitation — Hudson Removed from Major League Camp — The Kansas City Royals today have signed right-handed pitcher Jamey Wright to a minor league contract for the 2009 season. Wright has been invited …
Cjennings / Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees Blog:
Notes from Newman: Fryer, Cox, Duncan and others — Got a call back this morning from Yankees vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman. He was able to give me a few tidbits about how the organization is leaning regarding certain players, but ultimately our conversation centered …
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Jon Weisman / Dodger Thoughts:
Torre hopes gay ballplayers would feel free to go public — It went mostly unnoticed in the rapid transition of Bronx-dominated headlines from “The Yankee Years” to Alex Rodriguez and steroids, but Joe Torre made some helpful comments in his interview with CNN's Larry King regarding gay baseball players.
Joe Strauss / Cardinal Beat:
The Carpenter Watch: Waiting to Exhale — JUPITER, FLA — Chris Carpenter takes the mound Wednesday for the first time since a nerve disorder shut down his 2008 season and a non-related issue required November nerve transposition near his right elbow. — “I don't know if there's any special significance,” Carpenter said.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Wang is ready to get going — How about some baseball? — When I walked into the complex this morning, the first two guys I saw were Chien-Ming Wang and Phil Hughes. — The Wanger looked good. He got to Arizona in mid January and worked out for several weeks with a trainer before coming here.
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Rays beat catcher Navarro in arbitration — PORT CHARLOTTE — The Rays saved $400,000 in winning their arbitration case against Dioner Navarro and, more importantly, didn't appear to lose any good will with their All-Star catcher. — “Navi wants to thank the Rays organization for making …
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Beimel waits out uneasy market — Dodgers reach out, but left-hander isn't getting hopes up for deal — LOS ANGELES — Baseball's version of rising unemployment includes Joe Beimel, whose strategy for finding work has been reduced to waiting patiently. — He's a job seeker coming off …
Scottbordow / Valley Sports:
Look out for the Dodgers — As I'm writing this, it's just before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, and the Arizona Diamondbacks should feel good about their chances to win the National League West. — No one else in the division has significantly upgraded in the offseason: The Padres stink …
