Top News:
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Manny Ramirez will remain with Dodgers — The outfielder will not exercise the escape clause in his contract that would have let him re-enter the free-agent market. — The Dodgers have learned that Manny Ramirez will be theirs for another season — at a price tag of $20 million.
RELATED:
Dylan Hernandez / LA Times Sports Blog:
Dodgers: Manny Ramirez to return in 2010 — Manny Ramirez will return to the Dodgers next season, according to his agent, Scott Boras. — Boras said that he informed General Manager Ned Colletti today that Ramirez would not exercise the escape clause in the two-year, $45-million contract he signed in the spring.
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Manny exercises option, remains in LA — Outfielder will earn $20 million with Dodgers in 2010 — LOS ANGELES — Outfielder Manny Ramirez notified the Dodgers on Friday that he's exercising his $20 million option and will return to the team for 2010, agent Scott Boras confirmed.
Tony Massarotti / Boston Globe:
Sox were in on Hardy — Before you ask the obvious question, here's the answer: yes, the Red Sox were in on discussions for shortstop J.J. Hardy, who was traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Minnesota Twins earlier today. — According to a baseball source, the Sox had been engaging …
RELATED:
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Johnson, Calero file for free agency — Veteran first baseman not expected to return to club — MIAMI — In 35 games, Nick Johnson made an impact with the Marlins. But unless Florida works out a contract with the veteran, those 35 games may be the extent of Johnson's tenure with the organization.
Discussion:
FishStripes
RELATED:
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Donnelly, Gload file for free agency — Marlins hold exclusive negotiating rights until Nov. 19 — MIAMI — Neither one of them was on the roster when the Marlins opened Spring Training in 2009. Yet, both became big contributors. — Now, reliever Brendan Donnelly and first baseman/pinch-hitter Ross Gload will test the market.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Cashman casts praise far and wide — As the Yankees' players hopped happily in the middle of the infield late Wednesday, in the first moments after winning the World Series, plastic glasses were dispensed in the suite of general manager Brian Cashman. There were about 20 members …
Andy Martino / Philly.com:
Phils exploring alternatives to Feliz; Lidge's elbow examined — The Phillies are actively exploring options at third base other than Pedro Feliz, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said today. — The team has until Monday to exercise a $5.5 million dollar contract option on Feliz for the 2010 season.
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Report: Lincecum reaches deal on drug charge — SEATTLE (AP) - San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum has an agreement with a prosecutor in his home state of Washington that could settle his misdemeanor marijuana charge, The Columbian reported Friday. — The Vancouver, Wash. …
RELATED:
Henry Schulman / SFGate:
Lincecum pot charge dropped by DA in standard deal, which awaits judge's approval
Lincecum pot charge dropped by DA in standard deal, which awaits judge's approval
Discussion:
Athletics Nation
Tim Kurkjian / ESPN:
Expect moves, moves and more moves — Johnny Damon, John Lackey and Matt Holliday are among the hot offseason topics — The baseball offseason is one of the great misnomers in the game. There is no offseason anymore in baseball. The winter months are filled with signings, trades and moves of all kinds.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Associated Press:
Twins exercise 2011 option on Cuddyer — MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Twins have picked up outfielder Michael Cuddyer's $10.5 million option for 2011. — Cuddyer hit a career-high 32 home runs to lead the team. He also had 94 RBIs and was sixth in the American League with 73 extra-base hits.
Discussion:
Twinkie Town
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Tigers part ways with Treanor, Thames — Pair likely to become free agents after removal from roster — DETROIT — Marcus Thames' Tigers tenure is likely over. The team removed him from the 40-man roster Friday, the first step towards making the slugging outfielder a free agent.
Discussion:
MVN
RELATED:
Peter Gammons / ESPN:
Beckett will be free agent after 2010 — Josh Beckett told WEEI.com that he wants to come to Boston in the next couple of weeks to get a reading on the club's feelings about an extension when his contract expires after next season. — Beckett is highly respected by the Boston staff.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Kearns tenure with Nats is likely over — WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals have declined their $10 million option on outfielder Austin Kearns and are paying a $1 million buyout, presumably ending his disappointing tenure with the team. — The 29-year-old Kearns hit only .195 …
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Matsui's uncertain offseason begins — World Series MVP says he hopes to return to Yankees — NEW YORK — Minutes after topping his career with a World Series title on Wednesday, Hideki Matsui addressed the thousands still in attendance at Yankee Stadium, professing his love for both the city and the team.
Troy Renck / All Things Rockies:
Rockies decline options on Torrealba, Embree — DENVER — What was suspected for weeks became a reality Friday. The Rockies declined the $4 million option on Yorvit Torrealba's contract, making him a free agent. They also exercised a buyout with reliever Alan Embree.
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Blue Jays, D'Backs Discussing Snyder For Overbay — 12:31pm: Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports that the two teams are discussing a Snyder for Lyle Overbay swap. He mentions that it's “unclear how far along the trade talks are.” — 10:05am: MLBTR has learned that the Blue Jays …
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
Andy Martino / Philly.com:
Myers will not return to Phillies — Brett Myers was told today that his Phillies career is over, the Inquirer's Jim Salisbury reports. — “I officially won't be a Phillie next year,” the 29-year-old pitcher told The Inquirer this afternoon. — In a meeting with general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. …
Discussion:
The700Level.com, Mack's Mets, Metsopolis, The Fightins, MLB Rumors, Balls, Sticks, & Stuff, MetsBlog.com, MLB Daily Dish and Phillies Nation
RELATED: