Top News:
Bob Klapisch / NorthJersey.com:
Backman shows loyalty to Mets — Wally Backman doesn't have to be reminded there's a dark age on its way to Citi Field, if it isn't already here. But he's decided to stick with the organization, despite an open door to Davey Johnson's coaching staff with the Nationals.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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New York Post:
Source: Mets open to Wright deal — Mets on Twitter — Word continues to circulate in baseball circles that the Mets will be willing to discuss David Wright in trades this offseason as part of a complete facelift/rebuild away from Wright and Jose Reyes. — “We will listen on Wright for sure …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com and HardballTalk
Adam Rubin / ESPN:
Will payroll constraints cost Reyes? — With Sandy Alderson working with a lower payroll, expect the Mets' star to depart — There has been no shortage of phrases over the years spoken by New York Mets personnel that have taken on lives of their own. — “Skill sets” is how Fred Wilpon referred to Steve Phillips' qualifications.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com and Mets Merized Online
Marc Carig / New Jersey Online:
Yankees make contact with rep for top free agent pitchers Roy Oswalt, C.J. Wilson — NEW YORK — The Yankees have already checked in with two of the top free agent pitchers in the market, Roy Oswalt and C.J. Wilson. — “I'm in the process of talking with everybody,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.
Discussion:
The LoHud Yankees Blog, Orioles Insider and HardballTalk
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Dan Martin / New York Post:
Yankees ‘certainly will talk to’ Wilson despite postseason problems — C.J. Wilson has won 31 games in his two seasons as a starter for the Rangers, becoming one of the best lefties in the game and perhaps the most sought-after free-agent pitcher this offseason.
Discussion:
Bronx Baseball Daily, NESN.com, HardballTalk, MLB Rumors and River Avenue Blues
Tim Kurkjian / MLB:
Sources: Orioles close to naming Duquette GM — The Baltimore Orioles are close to officially naming Dan Duquette as their next general manager, two sources confirmed Saturday. — Duquette, formerly a GM for the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox, interviewed in Baltimore Friday and was traveling …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, Orioles Insider, School of Roch, baseballmusings.com, HardballTalk, NESN.com, Boston Globe, River Avenue Blues and ESPN
New York Post:
Mets will pay 3% interest to investors — The New York Mets are hoping to drum up more interest in the team by paying a little interest. — The money-losing franchise, shopping $20 million to $30 million minority stakes to as many as 10 buyers, is now telling prospective investors …
Discussion:
HardballTalk and MetsBlog.com
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Dan Martin / New York Post:
Mets lay off 10 percent of non-player staff
Discussion:
NY Daily News, Amazin' Avenue, Mets Merized Online and HardballTalk
Fox Sports:
Braves ready for moves to improve — The Braves are up to something. How can they not be after their historic collapse in September? — No one should be immune from trade discussions. And, apparently, no one is. — Yes, the Braves would move right-hander Jair Jurrjens and left fielder Martin Prado …
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Bob Dutton / Kansas City Star:
Royals' efforts to acquire the Braves' Jurrjens stall
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley, Phillies Nation, Royals Review, MLB Rumors and SI Tracking Blog
Doug Miller / MLB.com:
MLB All-Stars win fourth straight in Taiwan — Nats' Morse delivers go-ahead two-run single in sixth inning — KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — The venue changed, the weather heated up and the All-Stars of Major League Baseball kept on winning, but this one was close.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue, The LoHud Yankees Blog, Federal Baseball and MetsBlog.com
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Doug Miller / MLB.com:
MLB All-Stars cruise to third straight in Taiwan
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Communication breakdown between Diamondbacks, agent, hurts Willie Bloomquist's chances to remain in Arizona — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willie Bloomquist is drawing “a lot of interest” on the free agent market, agent Scott Boras said, adding that his client could land with a team that views him as more than a utility player.
Discussion:
Baseball Nation, HardballTalk and MLB Rumors
Jon Paul Morosi / mlbbuzz:
Sources: Giants willing to deal Jonathan Sanchez — In an effort to free up money so they can pursue offensive upgrades, the Giants are willing to trade starter Jonathan Sanchez, according to major-league sources. — The Giants have one of the best (and most expensive) starting rotations in baseball.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, HardballTalk, Lone Star Ball, MetsBlog.com and MLB Rumors
Todd Zolecki / MLB.com:
Thome, Phillies agree to one-year deal — PHILADELPHIA — Jim Thome signified a rebirth of baseball in Philadelphia with his arrival in 2003. — He's coming back for possibly his final shot at a World Series championship. — Sources said Friday evening that the Phillies and Thome have agreed on a one-year contract.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation, Mets Merized Online, ESPN, MLB Rumors, The Good Phight, HardballTalk, The Zo Zone, Yahoo! Sports and SI Tracking Blog
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Mike Axisa / MLB Rumors:
Phillies Agree To Sign Jim Thome
Discussion:
Through The Fence Baseball, HardballTalk, Around the Majors and DRaysBay
Associated Press:
AP Source: Cardinals Interview Matheny for Manager — ST. LOUIS (AP) — A person with knowledge of the search tells The Associated Press that former St. Louis catcher Mike Matheny has been interviewed for the Cardinals' vacant manager's job. He is the third person to be interviewed since …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
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