Top News:
Bruce / Chicago's Inside Pitch:
Cubs to send 4 prospects for Garza — Would you give up Chris Archer, Hak-Ju Lee, Brandon Guyer and Robinson Chirinos to get Matt Garza. The Cubs are getting set to do just that, I've learned this morning. An announcement is not imminent for several reasons (physical exams, for one) …
RELATED:
Bruce Levine / ESPN:
Chicago Cubs are close to a trade for Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Garza — The Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs are close to agreeing to a multi-player deal that would bring right-handed pitcher Matt Garza to Chicago, according to a major league source. — The Cubs and at least three …
Newsday:
Ken Davidoff's baseball insider — We've discussed a few times this winter Brian Cashman's reluctance to give up a first-round draft pick to sign Rafael Soriano as a setup man. Today, Cashman came right out and told Chad Jennings of the Journal News that he wouldn't sign Soriano, because of the draft pick.
Discussion:
HardballTalk and MLB Rumors
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Cubs To Acquire Matt Garza — 12:57pm: The deal is done pending physicals, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times (on Twitter). — 11:54am: The deal is not completely done yet, but it's heading in that direction, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (on Twitter).
Discussion:
The Process Report, GoatRiders of the Apocalypse and Fanhouse MLB Blog
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Cubs, Rays Working On Garza Trade
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, Bleed Cubbie Blue, GoatRiders of the Apocalypse, River Avenue Blues, NESN.com and Bucs Dugout
Brian Costello / New York Post:
Yankees' Pettitte ‘just chilling out’ — DEER PARK, Texas — Tanned and rested, Andy Pettitte stood on his front porch last night and answered the question on every Yankees fan's mind: Do you know if you're going to pitch this year? — “I don't,” Pettitte told The Post fresh off his two-week vacation in Hawaii.
RELATED:
Wallace Matthews / ESPN:
Clemens reason for Pettitte's pause? — Yankees lefty still waffling about next season as The Rocket's perjury trial looms — Nearly four years after he cashed his last Yankees paycheck, $18 million for a half-season's work and a 6-6 record, it is possible that Roger Clemens is still exacting a heavy price from the team.
Bob Klapisch / NorthJersey.com:
Is Roger Clemens spooking Andy Pettitte and his return to the Yanks?
Discussion:
HardballTalk, It's About The Money and Sliding Into Home
Enrique Rojas / MLB:
Reds, Edgar Renteria agree to deal — ORLANDO — Veteran shortstop and World Series MVP Edgar Renteria has signed a one-year deal for $3 million with the Cincinnati Reds. — Renteria, who led the Giants to its first World Series title since the franchise moved to San Francisco …
Discussion:
Cincinnati Reds
RELATED:
Jfay / Cincinnati Reds:
Baker: No quarterback controversy at short
Discussion:
OMGreds and Redleg Nation
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Reds close to signing Series MVP Renteria
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Mark My Word
host.madison.com:
Baseball: Cazenovia native Ryne Duren, 81, dies — Wisconsin native Ryne Duren, one of Major League Baseball's premier relief pitchers during the 1950s and a familiar face in recent years at Madison Mallards games, died Thursday at his winter home in Lake Wales, Fla. He was 81.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Baseball-Reference Blog and Al's Ramblings
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Former major league reliever Ryne Duren dies at 81 — LAKE WALES, Fla.—Ryne Duren, an All-Star pitcher known for a 100 mph fastball, occasional wildness and Coke-bottle glasses that created a most intimidating presence on the mound, has died at his winter home in Florida. He was 81.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com and MiamiHerald.com
Chad Jennings / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Cashman: “I will not lose our No. 1 draft pick” — Essentially taking himself out of the running for Rafael Soriano, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said this afternoon that he absolutely will not make a move that costs the Yankees their top draft pick. — “I will not lose our No. 1 draft pick,” Cashman said.
Discussion:
Over the Monster, lenNY's Yankees, River Avenue Blues, Full Count, Fanhouse MLB Blog and ESPN
Corey Brock / MLB.com:
Inbox: Who will be Padres' backup catcher? — Beat reporter Corey Brock answers questions from fans — What can you tell us about the catching position in 2011? I know Nick Hundley is set to be the starter, but who will back him up? — The Padres have two players, Rob Johnson and Guillermo Quiroz …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
RELATED:
Bill Center / SignOnSanDiego.com:
Bell wants to remain a Padre with multiyear deal
Discussion:
HardballTalk
RADAR:
EXCLUSIVE: New Reality TV Show About Major League Baseball Groupies — Move over Tiger Woods, it looks like some cheating major league baseball players are about to see their groupies on TV, thanks to a new reality show in the works. — RadarOnline.com has learned exclusively that casting …
Discussion:
BronxBanterBlog.com
Dave Allen / Baseball Analysts:
Historical Hall of Fame Vote Comparisons — Congratulations to Bert Blyleven and Roberto Alomar for being voted into the Hall of Fame. A great honor for two deserving players. Of course I also want to send my best to Rich, who I am sure is also enjoying Wednesday's news.
Kristi Dosh / It's a Swing and a Miss:
The American Dream Show — I've been consulting with a group putting together a new reality television show. I know, you're probably thinking, “No, not another reality show!” This one is different though! The American Dream will scour the country for talented young baseball players …
