Top News:
Andrew Marchand / ESPN:
Yanks prez: Rangers owner ‘delusional’ — NEW YORK — Yankees president Randy Levine has fired back at Texas Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg, calling him “delusional.” — The message was direct: Mind your business and keep your team off “welfare.” — Levine made his comments in response …
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Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Yankees upset with Texas owner again … The Yankees are again upset about comments made by Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg. This time, the Yankees believe Greenberg implied in remarks made to fans in Texas Thursday that he got one over on the storied franchise when he made his second trip …
Discussion:
Texas Rangers
Richard Durrett / ESPN:
Lance Berkman bashes Rangers — Lance Berkman criticized the Texas Rangers on a Houston radio station Thursday as he discussed why he opted to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason. — Berkman, who turns 35 just before spring training begins, said on the John & Lance show …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Nathaniel Vinton / NY Daily News:
Yankees president Randy Levine rips Texas Rangers over Cliff Lee …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Joe Stiglich / Contra Costa Times:
A's not giving up on outfield prospect Chris Carter — Many reporters were on hand to interview Chris Carter on Thursday at the A's preseason media day. — That shows interest remains high in the power-hitting outfielder, even as his stock appears to be low in the eyes of the A's brass.
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Susan Slusser / SFGate:
Figgins' no-trade clause to Oakland hasn't been waived yet, but... I'm hearing little bits here and there with the A's and any possible pursuit of Seattle's Chone Figgins, some of it conflicting, but here's what I can gather so far: While there may have been talks, nothing has reached the stage …
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Seattle Times
Gary Peterson / insideBayArea:
A's future, and uniforms, are bright as gold
Discussion:
The Nationals Enquirer
Joe Stiglich / Mercury News:
Source: Oakland A's trying to trade for Chone Figgins
Discussion:
SBNation.com, Lookout Landing and Beyond the Box Score
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
Hal: ‘No problem’ with Yankees GM — Hal Steinbrenner does not think Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is insubordinate. He does not think Cashman is trying to get fired. He does not think Cashman is saying anything outrageous publicly. — What does the Yankees owner think about his general manager?
Discussion:
BronxBanterBlog.com, TYU, River Avenue Blues, HardballTalk, Sliding Into Home, Fanhouse MLB Blog and It's About The Money
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NY Daily News:
Raisman: Brian should Cash in on reality show — Yankees GM Brian Cashman goes over the edge of the Landmark Building in December. His behavior lately may spark a reality TV show, in the mold of Snooki and Kim Kardashian (below). — Considering the hot stuff coming out of the Yankee …
Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
Wilpons are ‘exploring’ possibility of strategic partnership — Craig Calcaterra has a thought-provoking post up at NBC's Hardball Talk, in which he figures, based on what happened with the Texas Rangers, the Wilpons are likely to get an offer they can't refuse. — Updated at 1:35 pm:
Discussion:
MLB.com, Amazin' Avenue, SNY and MetsMinorLeagueBlog.com
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Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
Recap: Wilpon conference call at 2:15 PM — Fred Wilpon, Jeff Wilpon and team advisor held a conference call with reporters today to discuss this morning's announcement that they're ‘exploring their options,’ including the possibility of bringing in a strategic partner. — Here are noteworthy comments from Fred Wilpon:
Discussion:
Mets Merized Online
Craig Calcaterra / HardballTalk:
There is no guarantee that the Wilpons will be able to keep control of the Mets — Forgive me if I'm not optimistic about the Wilpons' chances of finding “strategic partners” who will gladly fork over millions in exchange for a minority share of the team, leaving the Wilpons in control.
Discussion:
BronxBanterBlog.com, SBNation.com and Amazin' Avenue
Sports Illustrated:
Yankees waiting on Pettitte, one of many weighing retirement … The Yankees are said to be “frozen” while they continue to wait on Andy Pettitte's decision about whether he intends to play in 2011. Spring training is only two weeks away, and Pettitte holds the key to the storied team's entire winter.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, The LoHud Yankees Blog, Yankeeist, New York Post and Royals Review
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Nick Collias / MLB Rumors:
Spanish Links: Garcia, Belaguer, Rangers
Discussion:
Pinstriped Bible … and Sliding Into Home
Peter Botte / NY Daily News:
Mets owner Fred Wilpon happy with new GM Sandy Alderson, expects Mets to be good in 2011 — Fred Wilpon finished up a story about how even his dogs don't want to go out in the snow anymore by declaring Thursday night, “I'm ready for spring training.” — But are the Mets ready, the team's longtime owner was asked?
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, Bleacher Report and Kranepool Society
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Ian Begley / ESPN:
Mets see Omar Minaya in advisory role
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Amazin' Avenue
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Rays sign Casey Kotchman to minor-league deal — The Rays are signing 1B Casey Kotchman to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. — Kotchman, 28 next month, was a first-round pick out of Seminole High in 2001 (13th overall by the Angels), but has had mixed results …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and DRaysBay
Greg Johns / MLB.com:
Aardsma not expected back until mid-April — SEATTLE — Mariners trainer Rick Griffin confirmed Thursday that closer David Aardsma, who underwent hip labrum surgery three weeks ago, is not expected to be ready to pitch in games until at least the second week of the regular season.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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