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6:20 PM ET, January 29, 2012

Ballbug

 Top News: 
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
For what they're worth, the winter standings  —  The offseason is just about over, and today we take a look at where the 30 teams rank after their moves.  We know from last year - when the Red Sox acquired Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez - that “winning” December and January doesn't mean you win when it counts.
Todd Rosiak / JSOnline:
Weeks still not at 100 percent  —  By Todd Rosiak of the Journal Sentinel  —  Underscoring how severe the sprained left ankle that Rickie Weeks suffered late last July, the Milwaukee Brewers' second baseman still isn't classifying himself as 100 percent recovered roughly three weeks before the start of spring training.
Discussion: HardballTalk
RELATED:
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers setting record pace at box office  —  MILWAUKEE — The uncertainty surrounding National League MVP Ryan Braun has not hurt the Brewers at the box office, the team's chief operating officer said Sunday.  —  As fans began filling the Frontier Airlines Center for this year's version of Brewers On Deck …
Discussion: Brew Beat and Brew Crew Ball
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards seeking match for McClellan  —  The Cardinals are actively shopping versatile righthander Kyle McClellan in order to alleviate a numbers crunch within their bullpen and to restore payroll flexibility that could be committed to a free agent starting pitcher.
Gordon Edes / ESPN:
Source: Oswalt likely to sign with Cards ‘soon’  —  Free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt has elected to remain in the National League and is likely to sign with theSt.  Louis Cardinals “soon,” a major league source said late Friday night.  —  Presumably, any agreement would be pending a physical for Oswalt …
RELATED:
Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Cards deny that Oswalt deal is in the works
Hartford Courant:
A Big League Pep Talk From Bobby Valentine
Discussion: joy of sox and Boston Globe
Matt Eddy / Baseball America:
Minor League Transactions: Jan. 18-25  —  You know spring training is just around the corner when veteran pitchers begin settling for minor league deals with invites to big league camp.  A bevy of veteran starters came to terms recently, including Vicente Padilla (age 34), Kevin Millwood …
Discussion: SoxProspects News
RELATED:
John Schlegel / MLB.com:
Rangers sign outfielder Hudson to Minors deal
Discussion: Lone Star Ball
Adam McCalvy / Brew Beat:
Greinke open to extension talks  —  Brewers ace Zack Greinke said he is still operating without an agent, but that does not necessarily scuttle the chances of a contract extension.  —  Greinke is entering his second season with the team and the final season of the four-year, $38 million extension he signed in January 2009.
Andy Martino / NY Daily News:
Johnny Damon, Raul Ibanez, Rick Ankiel and Kosuke Fukudome on Mets' wish list  —  Amazin's in search of a lefty bat to come off the bench  —  Traded from the Cubs to the Indians in 2011, Kosuke Fukudome bats .249 with five homers and 22 RBI in 59 games with the Tribe.
Discussion: MetsBlog.com, MLB Rumors and TCPalm.com
Joe Capozzi / Fish Tank blog:
Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson injured in fall, misses charity baseball game  —  Just got back from Fort Lauderdale Stadium, where I had hoped to catch up with Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson for his thoughts on how Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez might handle a move to third base this season.
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Who's next in line for a big Rockies payout?  —  The refrain is consistent, if not relentless.  The Rockies never spend money.  Clearly, they don't dole out enough on payroll to satisfy most fans, understandable given the support this city and region have shown this team.  —  But the Rockies do spend money.
Discussion: Purple Row
Ken Rosenthal / mlbbuzz:
Diamondbacks' Montero: Headed to hearing?  —  Arbitration season is upon us, and the first player on the docket, Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero, appears headed to a hearing, according to major-league sources.  —  Montero, 28, asked for $6.8 million, a figure that would more than double his 2011 salary of $3.2 million.
Discussion: MLB Rumors and MLB Daily Dish
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
At crossroads or not, Beckham has positive attitude  —  After two dismal seasons, Sox 2nd baseman believes he must return to his hitting strengths  —  Throwing baseballs out to fans at SoxFest: John Danks, Paul Konerko, Gordon Beckham, Matt thornton and Brent Lillibridge.  (Phil Velasquez / Tribune Photo)
Greg Johns / MLB.com:
Safeco Field's roof stuck open for FanFest  —  SEATTLE — While many of the Mariners future stars made appearances at Saturday's opening day of FanFest, one old dependable fixture was a no-show, as the Safeco Field roof failed to close due to a broken axle.  —  The retractable roof has failed …
Discussion: HardballTalk
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Mark Cuban, Dennis Gilbert eliminated from Dodgers' bidding race  —  At least eight bidders reach the next round, including groups of Magic Johnson/Stan Kasten and Rick Caruso/Joe Torre.  —  Mavericks owner Mark Cuban yells at officials during the second half of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves …
RELATED:
Bill Shaikin / Dodgers Blog:
Dodgers ownership finalists include Magic, Torre, Cohen [UPDATED]
Associated Press:
Report: Dodgers begin narrowing bids
 
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 More News: 
Peter Gammons / MLB.com:
Heyward hopes hard work is rewarded
Doug Padilla / ESPN:
White Sox's Dunn ready for a second chance
Discussion: MLB Daily Dish and Yahoo! Sports
Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com:
Mauer declares himself healthy, rarin' to go
Discussion: Eye on Baseball
 Earlier Picks: 
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Rangers broadcaster Nadel helps in community
Discussion: Lone Star Ball
Dylan Hernandez / Dodgers Blog:
Hiroki Kuroda talks about leaving Dodgers, why he chose Yankees
 

 
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