Top News:
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
From zero to $254 million, how the Pujols deal got done — DALLAS - The telephone rang at 7:30 in the morning Thursday in room 1882 of the Tower Building at the Anatole Hotel. — It was Albert Pujols, who uttered the words to agent Dan Lozano that would dramatically change baseball's landscape.
Discussion:
FanGraphs Baseball, Over the Monster, MLB Rumors and Baseball Nation
RELATED:
Los Angeles Times:
Pujols, Wilson deals enabled by Angels' TV revenue — LOS ANGELES — Albert Pujols, brought to you by Frank McCourt and Kobe Bryant. — With a combination of shrewd business sense and fantastic timing, Angels owner Arte Moreno parlayed an escape clause in his television contract …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, Boston Herald and Associated Press
Bill Shaikin / Dodgers Blog:
Dodgers can hold early sale of TV rights, judge rules [UPDATED] — The Dodgers can sell their television rights along with the team, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross ruled Thursday. — Fox Sports now has until Jan. 14 to negotiate a new television contract with the Dodgers …
Discussion:
Baseball Nation and MLB Rumors
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Marlins offered Albert Pujols $275 million
Marlins offered Albert Pujols $275 million
Discussion:
Fish Stripes, MLB Rumors and MLB Daily Dish
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Angels Sign C.J. Wilson
Angels Sign C.J. Wilson
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Baseball Nation, Eye on Baseball, Lone Star Ball and Pinstripe Alley
Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com:
Angels land both Pujols and Wilson
Joey Matschulat / Baseball Time in Arlington:
It's The End Of C.J. Wilson As We Know It, And ... I Don't Feel Fine — “I feel like I just want the [Rangers] fans to know that if things were a lot closer, it would have been a more difficult decision to go to Anaheim and I possibly might not have gone. But there was really no comparison between …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, Lone Star Ball, MLB.com, Foul Territory and ESPN
MLB:
Rhiner Cruz top pick in Rule 5 draft — DALLAS — The Houston Astros have made pitcher Rhiner Cruz the top pick in baseball's Rule 5 draft. — The draft of players left off the 40-man rosters of major league teams was held Thursday at the winter meetings.
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
RELATED:
J.J. Cooper / Baseball America:
2011 Rule 5 Draft Results
2011 Rule 5 Draft Results
Discussion:
VFTB, Minor League Ball, Talking Chop and Where Have You Gone …
John Manuel / Baseball America:
Luhnow Hire Trumps Rule 5 Buzz
Luhnow Hire Trumps Rule 5 Buzz
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus, Minor League Ball and HardballTalk
Bruce Levine / ESPN:
Cubs trade Tyler Colvin to Rockies — The Chicago Cubs traded Tyler Colvin and infielder DJ LeMahieu to the Colorado Rockies for Ian Stewart and Casey Weathers, the team announced Thursday. — The 26-year-old Stewart, who had a wrist injury at the end of 2011, batted .156 with no home runs and six RBIs in 48 games.
Discussion:
Purple Row, Beyond the Box Score and Yahoo! Sports
Associated Press:
Marlins' Leo Nunez won't face charges — SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Miami Marlins reliever Leo Nunez was arrested Thursday in his native Dominican Republic but then quickly released, with authorities saying he will not face charges stemming from an investigation into his use …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and Miami Marlins
Baseball America:
Orioles Trade For Dodgers' Eveland To Bolster Rotation — The Deal — New Orioles general manager Dan Duquette added depth to the Baltimore rotation by dealing a pair of low-ceiling prospects to the Dodgers for lefty Dana Eveland. Baltimore shipped low Class A lefty Jarret Martin …
Discussion:
Camden Chat and Yahoo! Sports
RELATED:
Matthew Hathaway / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Store gives away jerseys while Metro East man hawks anti-Pujols shirts … Albert Pujols apparel flew off the shelves this morning at the four area Pro Image Sports stores, but only because it was free. — Paul Russo, who owns the St. Louis area franchises, said at about 1:30 p.m …
Discussion:
HardballTalk and LA Times Sports Blog
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Pujols' agent touched base with Yankees — DALLAS — The Yankees never feigned even a glimmer of interest in fitting Albert Pujols for pinstripes, but the slugger's agent did reach out to general manager Brian Cashman just to make sure. — Cashman learned of Pujols' monster contract …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Rockies in mix for free agent OF Michael Cuddyer — DALLAS — The Rockies' willingness to consider a three-year deal for Michael Cuddyer has made them a serious suitor for the free-agent outfielder. — Cuddyer is already sitting on a reported three-year, $25-million offer from the Twins, his existing club.
Discussion:
AaronGleeman.com, Wahoo's on First, MLB.com, Twinkie Town, HardballTalk and MLB Rumors
Adam McCalvy / Brew Beat:
Brewers pick Gonzalez over Yuni for shortstop — The Brewers filled the most glaring hole on their roster before boarding a flight home from the Winter Meetings on Thursday when they agreed to terms with shortstop Alex Gonzalez on a one-year contract that reportedly includes a vesting option for 2013.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball and Yahoo! Sports
Andrew Blankstein / Los Angeles Times:
Dodger James Loney arrested after collision on 101 in his Maserati — Dodger James Loney was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after his Maserati allegedly sideswiped several cars on the 101 Freeway before it came to a halt in the fast lane with the infielder passed out inside, authorities said Thursday.
Discussion:
Dodgers Blog, True Blue LA and Yahoo! Sports