Top News:
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Fox advances Frank McCourt money to help cover Dodgers' operating expenses — An individual close to the situation declined to say how much money had been advanced. It is unclear whether the cash advance indicates the Dodgers are in immediate financial trouble.
Discussion:
True Blue LA, VIN SCULLY IS MY HOMEBOY and HardballTalk
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T.J. Simers / Los Angeles Times:
Alliance between Fox and Frank McCourt spells trouble for Dodgers — Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, right, greets former owner Peter O'Malley at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena before the unveiling of a plaque honoring Walter O'Malley, the former owner who moved the team from Brooklyn to L.A. …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
NY Daily News:
Yankees GM Brian Cashman overruled by Hank, Hal Steinbrenner in Rafael Soriano signing, source says — The Yankees made a hairpin turn when they decided Thursday to sign All-Star closer Rafael Soriano to become a set-up man and perhaps their closer-in-waiting.
Discussion:
The LoHud Yankees Blog, New Jersey Online, HardballTalk, New York Times, MLB Rumors, Pinstripe Alley and Sliding Into Home
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Fox Sports:
Sources: A's out to sign Fuentes — FOX Sports — The Yankees aren't the only American League contender trying to load up their bullpen. — The A's, who reached agreement Friday with free-agent right-hander Grant Balfour, are pushing to add free-agent lefty Brian Fuentes, major-league sources say.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, HardballTalk and Todd Van Poppel Rookie …
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MLB.com:
Cubs to honor Ron Santo with statue at Wrigley Field, uniform patch throughout 2011 season — Statue to be unveiled on “Ron Santo Day” - August 10 — The Chicago Cubs today announced the organization will honor Ron Santo with a statue of his likeness, only the fourth of its kind at Wrigley Field …
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Yahoo! Sports
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals set to sign infielder Ramon Vazquez — ST. LOUIS — Looking to augment their depth on the left side of the infield, the St. Louis Cardinals have an agreement in place with utility fielder Ramon Vazquez. — The minor-league deal comes with an invitation to spring training …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Roger Rubin / NY Daily News:
Johan Santana's return expected in June, Mets say; R.A. Dickey, Pelfrey and Pagan go to arbitration — Johan Santana's return from September shoulder surgery is on schedule. — After seeing doctors this week, the Mets' ace lefthander was cleared to begin a program that will allow …
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Andrew Marchand / ESPN:
New York Mets lefty Johan Santana OK'd to throw after surgery
New York Mets lefty Johan Santana OK'd to throw after surgery
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Yahoo! Sports
Phil Rogers / Chicago Tribune:
Roenicke in enviable spot, but he better win — (Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press / November 4, 2010) — Brewers' 1st-time manager has team built for success now, but odds still against him — On Baseball — Ron Roenicke better be tough. He has taken on a rough job …
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Shadows of the legends — I'm not much of a photographer. But as I was hiking through the slush on Ipswich Street today, the shadows of Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Dom DiMaggio and Johnny Pesky were so striking in the morning sun. — We're here at the New Stars For Young Stars event at Jillian's.
Mike Axisa / MLB Rumors:
Royals To Sign Bruce Chen — The Royals and Bruce Chen have agreed to a one-year contract worth $2MM with another $1.5MM in performance bonuses according to SI.com's Jon Heyman (on Twitter). The deal is pending a physical per a team press release. Chen is represented by Scott Boras.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, HardballTalk and ESPN
Associated Press:
Ex-Met manager named public safety director — QUICK READMayor Michael Pavia announced Thursday morning that he has appointed — STAMFORD - Mayor Michael Pavia announced Thursday morning that he has appointed former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine to his cabinet as the city's director of public health and safety.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Rizzo confident in Nats' stable of pitchers — WASHINGTON — Published reports have indicated that the Nationals are trying to acquire free-agent right-hander Chris Young. Not true, according to a baseball source, who declined to say why the club doesn't have interest.
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Third annual NatsFest set for March 30