Top News:
Aaron Fitt / Baseball America:
Oliver Wins Suit Against NCAA — In a landmark decision, an Ohio judge today ruled in favor of Oklahoma State lefthander Andrew Oliver in his lawsuit against the NCAA. Erie County judge Tyge M. Tone ruled that the NCAA cannot restrict a player's right to have legal representation …
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Craig Calcaterra / Hardball Times:
Andy Oliver sticks it to the NCAA — An Ohio court reaches the perfectly reasonable conclusion that an NCAA rule which effectively prohibits a 17 year-old kid from responsibly consulting professionals when trying to determine the course of his future violates the law:
Associated Press:
Oklahoma St. star reinstated after winning lawsuit against NCAA … NEW YORK (AP) — Oklahoma State pitcher Andrew Oliver was reinstated to the team on Thursday when an Ohio judge tossed out an NCAA rule that prevents college baseball players from hiring advisers who are in direct contact with big league clubs.
Thomas Boswell / Washington Post:
A Boost and a Blast — Finally, the Nationals can smile. And show their faces when they do it. — After three years as owners, the Lerner family can point at Adam Dunn — all 275 pounds of him, with five straight 40-homer seasons — and say, as Mark Lerner did yesterday: “We are thrilled. …
Discussion:
DC Pro Sports Report
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Bob Raissman / NY Daily News:
Raissman: YES is best cover for Alex … While watching the Yankees fail to qualify for a playoff berth in his rookie season as Yankees manager, Joe Girardi managed to alienate the media covering the team. — Girardi staked his final claim to lame in late September when he lied to reporters …
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Ken Davidoff / Ken Davidoff's baseball insider:
Joe Girardi says he knows his job is on the line — Sitting here at George M. Steinbrenner Field, staring out at the main field, with Dale Mabry Highway full of traffic behind the outfield. — Kat O'Brien will have a story up shortly about Girardi and Brian Cashman offering their thoughts on how they'll deal with Alex Rodriguez.
Steve Buckley / Boston Herald:
Jason Varitek's return a relief to Justin Masterson — FORT MYERS - Count Red Sox [team stats] reliever Justin Masterson among the many men in uniform who can't wait for the arrival of veteran catcher Jason Varitek [stats]. — “I was excited when I heard he's coming back,” …
Discussion:
Red Sox Monster
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Rob Bradford / Full Count:'It's nice to have peace and tranquility on Day 1′
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Main Board
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Uhlaender touched many — Baseball took a hit on Thursday. — Ted Uhlaender died. — Put Alex Rodriguez and his lies and performance-enhancing drugs on hold for a moment. Ignore the accusations of a former female acquaintance about Roberto Alomar and AIDS.
Discussion:
Hardball Times
Mike Rose / On the Mets beat:
Switch to the Show — After spending the pre-camp portion of the week at the minor-league complex, everyone is packing up and switching to Tradition Field for the actual start of spring training. — Freddy Garcia arrived this morning, and the lockers in the main clubhouse already have been assigned.
Discussion:
Hot Foot
MLB.com:
Selig's statement on A-Rod, PEDs — Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig today responded to the recent revelations that Alex Rodriguez took performance-enhancing substances while a member of the Texas Rangers from 2001 to 2003. — “On behalf of Major League Baseball …
Discussion:
Hardball Times, bronxbanterblog.com, New York Times, MLB, Sliding Into Home, NBCSports.com, St. Petersburg Times and USA Today
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David Lennon / Newsday:
Mets rotation arrives early, has great chemistry — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - The Mets' rotation doesn't have — CC Sabathia, Derek Lowe or even Pedro Martinez anymore. But what it appears to have is chemistry and a sense of purpose, two things on display even before the official beginning of spring training.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Manny Ramirez puts DirecTV appearance on hold — Manny Ramirez smiles after hitting a single against the Colorado Rockies on Sept. 12. Ramirez has postponed a promotional appearance for DirecTV since he could be on the verge on signing a new contract. — Satellite television provider DirecTV issues …
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Sean McAdam / Boston Herald:Terry Francona disputes Manny Ramirez's book talk
Discussion:
Projo Sox Blog
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Francoeur likely destined for arbitration — Braves optimistic Johnson won't need hearing; not so with outfielder — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Braves remain hopeful that they'll be able to avoid arbitration hearings with both Jeff Francoeur and Kelly Johnson, but there is a growing belief …
T.J. Quinn / MLB:
Most of Clemens' defamation lawsuit dismissed — A U.S. District judge in Houston dismissed most of Roger Clemens' defamation lawsuit against his former personal trainer Brian McNamee Thursday, agreeing that the court did not have jurisdiction to hear most of the case and that McNamee's conversations …
Discussion:
Hardball Times
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Sporting News:
Griffey to Mariners? 'It's all rumors,' he says — PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — If Ken Griffey Jr. is about to return to the Seattle Mariners, it's news to him. — “We don't know what we're doing next year with respect to Seattle. It's all rumors,” Griffey said Thursday after finishing …
Discussion:
Mariners Blog, Walkoff Walk, FanGraphs Baseball, Seattle Times, MLB Rumors and Associated Press
Associated Press:
Young, Twins agree to 1-year deal for 2009 — Buzz up! — FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)—Delmon Young and the Minnesota Twins have agreed to terms on a $1,152,000, one-year contract. — Young gets a raise from the $700,000 he made last season, but his salary is technically being cut …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Mike DiGiovanna / LA Times Sports Blog:
It's official: Bobby Abreu, Angels reach a deal — As expected, the Angels announced this morning that they have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, believed to be for about $5 million, with veteran outfielder Bobby Abreu, who will join an outfield/designated hitter rotation …
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Bats
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