Top News:
Joey Nowak / MLB.com:
Kimbrel, Hellickson take top rookie awards — Braves closer set freshman saves mark; Rays righty won 13 — Braves closer Craig Kimbrel and Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson received high honors for their outstanding first full seasons in the Major Leagues on Monday, as they were named …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, Bleacher Report, Call to the Pen, WasWatching.com and Batter's Box Interactive …
RELATED:
Joseph Smith / The Heater Feed:
Hellickson in line for possible AL Rookie of the Year Award today — Rays righthander Jeremy Hellickson admitted he's allowed himself to think about today's announcement of the American League Rookie of the Year Award. — Nervous? Nope, he said. After all, Hellickson has showed little nerves …
Jeff Fletcher / BBWAA.com:
2011 Rookies of the Year — Jeremy Hellickson Wins AL Award, — Craig Kimbrel Wins in NL — Tampa Bay pitcher Jeremy Hellickson, who went undefeated in five consecutive starts against American League East opponents in September as the Rays earned the wild-card playoff berth …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com and Getting Blanked
Fox Sports:
Sveum to get 2nd interview with BoSox — As the Red Sox and Cubs interviewed many of the same candidates for manager, the possibility existed that they would end up trying to hire the same guy. — The possibility is growing stronger. — Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum is scheduled …
Discussion:
Boston Globe, Over the Monster, Fenway West, NESN.com and FenwayNation
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Fox Sports:
Sources: Kemp, Dodgers working on deal — The Los Angeles Dodgers and Matt Kemp are in serious discussions that could land the 27-year-old outfielder $160 million over eight years, sources told FOXSports.com. — It would rank as the seventh-largest contract in baseball history.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, ESPN and Bleacher Report
RELATED:
Steve Dilbeck / Dodgers Blog:
Matt Kemp on verge of signing record contract
Matt Kemp on verge of signing record contract
Discussion:
HardballTalk, baseballmusings.com, MLB Rumors and Mike Scioscia's tragic illness
Fox Sports:
Cards show who's boss, hire Matheny — The pay-your-dues, bet-on-upside camp wanted Ryne Sandberg. — The experience-matters-most camp wanted Terry Francona. — The appease-Albert camp wanted Jose Oquendo. — John Mozeliak didn't listen to any of them.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
RELATED:
Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Cardinals hand managerial reins to Matheny
Cardinals hand managerial reins to Matheny
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos, Babes Love Baseball, Red Hot Mama and Deadspin
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Dodgers Reach Agreement With Mark Ellis — Check another item off the Dodgers' winter to-do list, as the team reached an agreement with second baseman Mark Ellis on a two-year, $8.75MM deal. — With Dee Gordon penciled in at shortstop and Juan Uribe at third, second base was considered one of the Dodgers' offseason needs.
Discussion:
Mike Scioscia's tragic illness, HardballTalk, Baseball Nation, True Blue LA and 6-4-2
Fox Sports:
Sources: Tigers interested in Prado — With Aaron Hill returning to the Diamondbacks on a two-year, $11 million deal, the Tigers believe they may need to turn to the trade market to fill their opening at second base. — The Tigers are interested in Atlanta's Martin Prado, sources say.
Discussion:
MLB.com, MLB Rumors and HardballTalk
Bob Elliott / Toronto Sun:
Jays looking to deal for closer — Blue Jays' Alex Anthopoulos has a surplus of prospects and could look to make a deal or two at the general managers meetings. (Craig Robertson, Toronto Sun files) TORONTO - — Alex Anthopoulos says he hasn't hung up the phone on any agents representing free-agent relievers.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, Batter's Box Interactive …, DRaysBay, Pirates Prospects, Bluebird Banter, HardballTalk and Bucs Dugout
Buster Olney / MLB:
Sources: MLB sides close to OKing draft tweaks — Major League Baseball and its players' union appear to be close to agreeing to a draft structure that will serve to restrain signing bonuses — something commissioner Bud Selig has wanted — and could eliminate first-round draft pick compensation …
Discussion:
Where Have You Gone …, MLB Rumors and The Yankee Analysts
Sports Illustrated:
New-look Marlins make a splash but big questions still remain … The newly-named Miami Marlins entered this world with a bang — actually three of them. You've got to give them credit for one thing at least. They do know how to make an entrance. — Coincidence or not, last Friday …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, MLB Rumors, MLB Daily Dish and Fish Tank blog
Kevin Baxter / LA Times Sports Blog:
Angels hire Hal Morris as pro scouting director — In the latest move toward rebuilding a front office decimated by firings, the Angels on Monday announced that former big leaguer Hal Morris has agreed to terms on a multiyear contract to become director of pro scouting.
Discussion:
Halos Heaven and 6-4-2
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Rangers remain in contact with Wilson — Club would like lefty to return, but is prepared if he doesn't — ARLINGTON — Rangers general manager Jon Daniels, whose wife gave birth to their third child on Saturday, said he has remained in contact with agent Bob Garber about pitcher C.J. Wilson.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and Lone Star Ball