Top News:
JSOnline:
Brewers trade Hardy for Gomez — By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel — As it turns out, the Brewers will not be trading shortstop J.J. Hardy for pitching help after all. Instead, the Brewers used Hardy today to address their centerfield position, trading him to the Minnesota Twins …
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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 …
Discussion:
Beyond the Box Score
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers trade Hardy to Twins for Gomez — Deal opens door for top prospect Escobar at short — MILWAUKEE — It didn't take long for the Brewers to make the trade everybody saw coming. — The ticker tape was still falling in Manhattan on Friday when the Brewers dealt shortstop …
Todd Zolecki / MLB.com:
Phillies pick up option to keep Lee — No decision on Feliz's option; coaching staff retained — PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies announced their first big move of the offseason on Friday when they picked up left-hander Cliff Lee's $8 million club option. — It was no surprise.
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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.
Discussion:
Circling The Bases
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.
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Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Rivera kept injury quiet during Series — Yankees closer hurt rib cage against Angels during ALCS — NEW YORK — There was no perceptible wincing when Mariano Rivera threw the final pitch of the World Series on Wednesday, inducing Shane Victorino to hit an easy ground ball that secured the Yankees' 27th championship.
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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:
Metsopolis, MetsBlog.com, The700Level.com, The Fightins, Balls, Sticks, & Stuff, MLB Rumors, Phillies Nation and MLB Daily Dish
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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
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Bruce Levine / ESPN:
Chicago White Sox buy out final year of Jermaine Dye's contract — The Chicago White Sox and 2005 World Series MVP Jermaine Dye have parted ways. — On Thursday, Jermaine Dye informed the White Sox that he was accepting his 2010 one-year option for $12 million.
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MLB.com:
Angels' GM Tony Reagins given contract extension — ANAHEIM, CA - The 2009 A.L. West Division champion Angels announced Friday that General Manager Tony Reagins has received a long-term contract extension. Reagins became the 10th General Manager in Club history when he signed an initial three-year contract on October 16, 2007.
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.
Henry Schulman / SFGate:
Lincecum pot charge dropped by DA in standard deal, which awaits judge's approval — Prosecutors in Clark County, Wash., and Tim Lincecum have reached an agreement in which the pitcher will pay a $250 fine relating to his possession of a marijuana pipe with the drug possession charge being dropped.
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
CBS4:
I Team: Marlins Construction Contaminates Canal — MIAMI (CBS4) ― No project in the City of Miami has been more controversial than the decision to build a new stadium for the Florida Marlins. Debated for more than a decade and the subject of numerous lawsuits, the Marlins finally won …
Discussion:
FishStripes
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 …
Adam Rubin / Baseball America:
New York Mets Top 10 Prospects — New York Mets … After being eliminated from the playoffs on the final day of the regular season in 2007 and 2008, the Mets continued to generate drama in 2009—though this time it was primarily off the field. New York christened Citi Field by going 70-92 …