Top News:
John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Griffey returning to Mariners after 9 years — PEORIA, Ariz. — It was as difficult a decision as he'd ever had to make in baseball. — In the end, Ken Griffey Jr. stuck to what he said 18 months ago and agreed to a one-year contract, worth about $2 million plus incentives, with the Mariners for the 2009 season.
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Jerry Crasnick / MLB:
Ken Griffey chooses to return to Seattle Mariners — Ken Griffey Jr. is returning to Seattle. — Griffey — The future Hall of Famer informed the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday that he's returning to the city where he carved out a Hall of Fame career as a perennial All-Star in the 1990s.
Discussion:
ESPN, 1530HOMER.COM, 3:10 to Joba, Friar Forecast, Jorge Says No!, Chop-n-Change, MVN, MLB.com, Mets Merized Online, MLB Rumors, Bowman's Blog and Seattle Times
Jim Street / MLB.com:
Griffey's decision aided by Mays — Past legend offers advice to future Hall of Famer — PEORIA, Ariz. — A Hall of Fame outfielder apparently played a key role in Ken Griffey Jr.'s decision to sign with the Mariners. — A telephone conversation with Willie Mays on Wednesday morning helped Junior decide …
Amy K. Nelson / MLB:
Alex's Rodriguez's cousin, Yuri Sucart, would do anything for him — As far back as anyone can remember, Yuri Sucart was always by Alex Rodriguez's side. — Sucart would tell anyone who would listen he was Rodriguez's cousin. But he was also Rodriguez's best friend, confidant and personal protector.
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T.J. Quinn / MLB:
Sources: MLB wants A-Rod to sit down with its investigators — Alex Rodriguez isn't finished answering questions yet. — Major League Baseball will ask the disgraced slugger to meet with its investigators in the coming weeks to further explain his admitted use of performance-enhancing drugs …
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Jack Curry / New York Times:
Jeter Declares His Independence From the Steroids Era — TAMPA, Fla. — Derek Jeter subtly expressed his support for Alex Rodriguez on Wednesday as Rodriguez grapples with possible repercussions from admitting to the use of performance-enhancing drugs. But Jeter was much more forceful …
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
St. Louis Cardinals Pineiro upset with Jose Oquendo decision — JUPITER, FLA. — Debate continues over whether Major League Baseball devised the World Baseball Classic as a competition or global marketing opportunity. — In the Cardinals' training camp, the tournament has become a flash point.
Discussion:
Hardball Times
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Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Duncan is back in the swing — JUPITER, FLA. — There were at-bats when his right arm would go numb as he swung and there were nights he couldn't sleep through the pain in his neck. Cardinals outfielder Chris Duncan kept playing, kept increasing his work in the batting cage and kept struggling.
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Tampa Bay Rays finalize deal with versatile switch-hitter Willy Aybar — Willie Aybar, right, with Jason Bartlett, has shown the Rays that he can handle multiple positions and hit effectively from both sides of the plate, and his work ethic has been a plus. — Times]
Discussion:
Cardinals Best News Links
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Chico Harlan / Nationals Journal:
Kasten: “I am angry. We've been defrauded.” — For about 20 minutes today, Washington Nationals team president Stan Kasten spoke to the media about the false identity of the prospect formerly known as Esmailyn Gonzalez. In the coming minutes, as you refresh this blog, a transcript of what he said will grow.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, Nats320, Nationals Farm Authority, The Nationals Enquirer and Baseball Musings
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Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Francoeur, Braves avoid arbitration — Outfielder now can focus on Spring Training, upcoming season — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Jeff Francoeur won't need to board his scheduled flight on Thursday morning. Nor will he have to experience the arbitration hearing that had seemed destined to take place.
Will Brinson / MLB FanHouse:
MLB Power Rankings: Preseason Edition — That's right, MLB Power Rankings. You do know that that means, right? It means we're only a few short weeks/months (depends on you how you want to look at it, you pessimistic jerk) from starting the 2009 baseball season.
Discussion:
Sliding Into Home
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Lucchino, Henry in favor of salary cap — Red Sox brass address issue of competitive balance for MLB — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Despite their status as a big-market team, the Red Sox's ownership revealed Wednesday that they would be highly in favor of an “enlightened” salary cap …
David Lennon / Hartford Courant:
Mets' Castillo arrives lighter, rejuvenated — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Despite the apologies, and a seemingly heartfelt desire to repair his reputation, Luis Castillo would not be with the Mets if not for a contract that made him impossible to trade this winter.
Discussion:
Archie Bunker's Army
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Rating every team's winter activity (cont.) — 11. Cubs: Milton Bradley and the lovable losers have the potential to be a dicey mix, and it doesn't help that they'll need the volatile slugger to remain healthy enough to play the outfield. Kevin Gregg doesn't make up for the loss of Kerry Wood …
Discussion:
Right Field Bleachers
Adam Schefter / NFL.com Blogs:
Harrison's Indy days are done — Everyone keeps focusing on WR Terrell Owens' future with the Cowboys. But the more pressing issues surround Colts WR Marvin Harrison. — It's no longer a question of if Harrison, 36, will be let go. It has become a question of when.
Discussion:
FanHouse
