Top News:
La Velle / Twins Insider:
Done deal: Joe Crede is a Twin! — I was told by a source a couple hours ago that the Twins were expected to announce Joe Crede's signing this afternoon. Then another source with knowledge of negotiations called Joe Christensen with even more details. — The Twins will sign Crede …
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Crede agrees to deal with Twins — Third baseman Joe Crede dives for the ball in 2005. (Tribune archive photo) — Joe Crede was a fan favorite among White Sox fans for 61/2 seasons. — Now he will be playing for one of the Sox's biggest enemies. — Crede, 30, agreed to terms Friday night …
Keith Law / ESPN:
Hudson signing a great deal for Dodgers — The Dodgers' signing of Orlando Hudson is easily one of the biggest bargains of the offseason. He's a very good offensive second baseman who in the past was also a plus fielder. Hudson's defense has slipped in the past two years, particularly in 2008 …
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Chone Smith / Anaheim Angels all the way:
Projected Standings: NL West — I've saved this one for last since the Dodgers are the favorites to eventually sign Manny Ramirez, and the Giants are the only other team mentioned as a possible fit. Ramirez once again could easily be the difference maker in a mediocre division where the spread …
Discussion:
Friar Forecast
Chris Forsberg / Boston Globe:
Ortiz on Dominican trainer, shoulder — FORT MYERS, Fla. — David Ortiz spent five minutes answering questions this morning about his relationship with Angel Presinal, amid reports that Major League Baseball investigators want to talk with Alex Rodriguez about his work with the Dominican trainer.
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ESPN:
A-Rod suspension? — 1050 ESPN New York has learned, it is possible that Alex Rodriguez could be suspended by the Commissioner's Office depending on what MLB investigators were to find out about A-Rod's relationship with shady trainer Angel Presinal. The Daily News reports that Presinal has traveled with Rodriguez in recent seasons.
Discussion:
ESPN.com, River Avenue Blues, Mike Silva's …, Yankees Rumors, Sliding Into Home, Baseball Musings, YanksBlog.com and NY Daily News
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Players affected by Stanford scandal — Situation impacting investments of Damon, Nady and Pelfrey — TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees outfielders Johnny Damon and Xavier Nady and Mets pitcher Mike Pelfrey are reportedly among those affected by the continuing Stanford Financial Group scandal.
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Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com:
Bucs exercise Russell's option for 2010 — Skipper entering his second season at helm in Pittsburgh — BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates announced on Saturday that manager John Russell's contract option for 2010 has been exercised. — Russell, 48, is coming off his first season at the helm in Pittsburgh …
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Tampa Bay Rays news and notes — The sideshow to Thursday's pig roast was the hazing of players in their first major-league camp. They had to dress as hula girls and serve drinks. A rundown from emcee Fernando Perez: — RHP Neal Frontz: “Most ladylike. He probably throws 95, but he has the body of a middle school girl.”
Carolyn Jones / San Francisco Chronicle:
A's halt plans for ballpark village in Fremont — (02-20) 11:50 PST Fremont — Oakland Athletics officials today asked the City of Fremont to halt the planning process required to build a new stadium and move the team there, saying they want to reconsider their options.
John Harper / NY Daily News:
Harper: A-Rod's body of lies overshadows his body of work — TAMPA - On Tuesday Alex Rodriguez asked to be judged “from this day forward,” yet in the four days since, there is legitimate reason to judge him more harshly than ever. — More and more he looks like a liar as well as a steroid cheat …
Marc Topkin / The Heater:
Rays sign Isringhausen to minor-league deal — The Rays have signed former All-Star closer Jason Isringhausen to a minor-league deal. — Isringhausen, 36, was with St. Louis last season, but did not pitch after Aug. 16 and had surgery Sept. 12 to repair a torn flexor tendon …
