Top News:
Nick Friedell / Yahoo! Sports:
Things I learned while attending A-Rod's press conference — BLS contributor Nick Friedell was at Steinbrenner Field today for A-Rod's press conference. — The circus was supposed to be in Tampa on Tuesday afternoon, but I only saw one clown all day: His name was Alex Rodriguez.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
RELATED:
MLB:
Alex Rodriguez says relative injected him with banned drug … TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez expanded on his admission last week that he used a banned substance earlier this decade, saying a cousin injected him with an over-the-counter drug designed to give an “energy boost.”
Discussion:
Peter's Red Sox Forever
ESPN.com:
Bud Selig says he doesn't deserve blame for steroids era — In the volatile wake of Alex Rodriguez's admission that he used performance-enhancing substances earlier this decade, Bud Selig remains bothered by the suggestion that he is to blame for Major League Baseball's steroids era.
Kobrien / On the Yankees beat:On Alex Rodriguez (of course) with thoughts from good friend Melky Cabrera
Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Griffey picks Braves over Mariners — Negotiations still on-going, both sides working to finalize deal — Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Ken Griffey Jr. has chosen to sign with the Braves, according to a person close to the veteran star and familiar with the on-going negotiations.
RELATED:
Jim Street / MLB.com:
Griffey denies report he chose Braves — Veteran wrestling with decision, will choose later Tuesday or Wednesday — PEORIA, Ariz. — Free-agent outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., who is being hotly pursued by the Mariners and Braves, told MLB.com that he has not reached a decision on which team he will play for next season.
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers sign Gagne to Minors deal — Reliever can become free agent if he doesn't make 40-man roster — PHOENIX — Exactly one year to the date he arrived at Maryvale Baseball Park with a $10 million contract in tow, Eric Gagne will report Wednesday as a Minor Leaguer pitching for a job.
RELATED:
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers, Hart avoid arbitration — Right fielder agrees to one-year, $3.25 million deal on eve of hearing — PHOENIX — It wasn't exactly the 11th hour, but it was getting pretty late for the Brewers and right fielder Corey Hart when they finally struck a deal.
JSOnline:
Gagne is back — By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel — Phoenix - I'm guessing most of you didn't see this coming because we sure didn't. — Eric Gagne is back. — The Brewers just announced that Gagne signed a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring camp.
Tim Brown / Yahoo! Sports:
Brad Penny's escape from L.A. — Buzz up! — FORT MYERS, Fla. - Though he loved Los Angeles and in its place was subject to the softest free-agent market in years, Brad Penny is happy to be free of the Dodgers. — And though they were left to rebuild a pitching staff that could use another power arm …
Discussion:
The Fightins
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Dejan Kovacevic / PBC Blog:
Pirates, McLouth reach long-term deal — In a sharp reversal, the Pirates and center fielder Nate McLouth this morning agreed to terms on a three-year contract — plus a club option for a fourth — that avoided an arbitration hearing that had been scheduled for this afternoon in Phoenix.
RELATED:
Maury Brown / The Biz of Baseball:Pirates and Nate McLouth Reach 3-year, $15.75M Agreement. Avoid Arbitration
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Troy Renck / All Things Rockies:Details on deals for Pirates' McLouth and Reds' Encarnacion
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Bonderman: Rogers likely retiring — Tigers right-hander says lefty mentor comfortable at home — LAKELAND, Fla. — Not only is Jeremy Bonderman keeping in touch with former Tigers teammate Kenny Rogers, he's trying to talk the 44-year-old left-hander into returning for another Major League season.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Manuel's unusual hitting drill hands-on — Manager believes tool will help Mets combat fatigue at the plate — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Some degree of any big league training camp is about conditioning, of course. Pitchers run sprints and “poles” — foul pole to foul pole — and throw, and everyone builds stamina.
MLB:
Miguel Tejada apologizes to Houston Astros for use of PEDs — KISSIMMEE, Fla. — While Alex Rodriguez was addressing his use of performance-enhancing drugs in front of a national media contingent Tuesday, Miguel Tejada made a quiet apology to his teammates at the Houston Astros' training camp.
JSOnline:
Hart avoids arbitration — By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel — Phoenix - The Brewers have avoided a salary arbitration hearing with their last eligible player, righfielder Corey Hart. — I haven't seen the settlement figure yet but I'm guess it's a bit lower than the midpoint figure …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Brian / Spring Training '09:
Spring Training Trade Candidates — Big trades are a rarity in Spring Training. Still, possibilities emerge as rosters begin to take shape. Here's a close look at 10 Spring Training trade candidates. — 1. Cardinals outfielders. If everyone's healthy, the Cardinals have more outfielders than they need.
