Top News:
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Red Sox Acquire Andrew Bailey — The Red Sox have acquired Andrew Bailey from the Athletics in a trade that will send Josh Reddick to Oakland and Ryan Sweeney to Boston, the teams announced. First base prospect Miles Head and right-handed pitching prospect Raul Alcantara are going to Oakland in the deal.
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Cash Kruth / MLB.com:
Red Sox acquire closer Bailey from A's — Outfielder Sweeney also headed to Boston in five-player swap — The Red Sox found their new closer Wednesday afternoon, acquiring right-hander Andrew Bailey from the A's for three players. — The trade was first reported by ESPN's Buster Olney.
Discussion:
Crashburn Alley and Gonzo and ‘The Show’
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Cherington: Bailey is a top-quality closer — Ben Cherington just did a conference call with the media. A few of his more interesting comments . . . On Andrew Bailey: “Andrew's a proven, top-quality closer in the American League. He's done for three years and had a lot of success.
Discussion:
SOX & Dawgs and MLB Daily Dish
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Red Sox acquire Andrew Bailey, Ryan Sweeney — The Red Sox have acquired Oakland closer Andrew Bailey and OF Ryan Sweeney. — Josh Reddick is going to Oakland as part of the deal. The Athletics also receive Single A first baseman Miles Head and Single A RHP Raul Alcantara.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and The Mighty Quinn Media Machine
Mike Puma / New York Post:
Yankees' A-Rod saw German doctors on advice from Kobe — Kobe Bryant can be credited with an assist to Alex Rodriguez. — According to multiple sources, the Yankees third baseman recently followed a recommendation from Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers star, and traveled to Germany …
Discussion:
NY Daily News, New York Magazine, Baseball Nation, River Avenue Blues, HardballTalk, MLB Rumors, FenwayNation and Yahoo! Sports
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Associated Press:
A-Rod has plasma-rich platelet injections in knee, shoulder — The New York Yankees say star third baseman Alex Rodriguez is totally fine after having special treatment on his right knee and left shoulder in Germany earlier this month. — The 36-year-old Rodriguez had plasma-rich platelet …
Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Reports: Yankees agree to minor-league deal with reliever Hideki Okajima — The Yankees have agreed to a minor-league contract with former Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima, according to multiple reports. Okajima, who turned 36 on Christmas Day, will be invited to spring training and could compete …
Discussion:
Surviving Grady and Sliding Into Home
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Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Yankees To Sign Hideki Okajima
Discussion:
HardballTalk, New York Yankees Fan Blog, The Yankee Analysts and FenwayNation
Boomskie on Baseball:
My Hall of Fame Ballot for 2012 — I voted for Barry Larkin, Edgar Martinez, Fred McGriff, Mark McGwire, Jack Morris, Rafael Palmeiro, Tim Raines, Lee Smith and Alan Trammell. — It's a very down year for first-year possibilities on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot distributed …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com:
Gap still exists in Giants/Lincecum talks — After some more negotiating this winter, indications are that there's still a sizable gap in long-term contract talks between the San Francisco Giants and their ace pitcher Tim Lincecum. — Neither side would speak directly about the specifics …
Discussion:
HardballTalk, MLB Daily Dish and MLB Rumors
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Marlins' new home to feature aquatic theme — This is part of an MLB.com/Marlins.com exclusive series with team president David Samson, chronicling the progress and developments of the new retractable-roof stadium that is opening in 2012. Throughout the series, fans are encouraged …
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Baseball Nation
Ben Badler / Baseball America:
Diamondbacks Add Cuban Lefty — Cuban lefthander Alexander Carreras, who turns 22 on Sunday, has signed with the Diamondbacks for $400,000. — At his best, Carreras has shown a solid delivery and athleticism, touched 93 mph and mixed in a hard cutter/slider, which some scouts believe is his best pitch.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Fox Sports:
Boras taking his time with Fielder deal — To the question, “What the heck is taking Prince Fielder so long to sign a contract?” his agent, Scott Boras, essentially replies, “These things take time.” — Fielder is a rare free agent, a 27-year-old slugger with 230 career homers …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and Baseball Nation
Ian Rapoport / Rap Sheet:
Exclusive: NYC-based company says Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is ducking another lawsuit — Forgive me for some non-Patriots news... Cowboys WR Dez Bryant will have more on his mind on Sunday when he heads to New Jersey to play the Giants. The mercurial playmaker is facing another legal battle …
Discussion:
SBNation.com, The Big Lead, ProFootballTalk and SI Tracking Blog
