Top News:
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 — ST. LOUIS — Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak denied on Saturday that a deal is in the works with Roy Oswalt, as reports swirled that the club is close to a contract with the veteran free-agent right-hander.
Discussion:
Rangers Blog, HardballTalk, Viva El Birdos and MLB Rumors
Hartford Courant:
A Big League Pep Talk From Bobby Valentine — Red Sox Manager Visits UConn Baseball Team — Players gathered around Bobby Valentine, but it was a group much different from the ones he will be addressing in a month. — These were young players, UConn baseball players, and he had their attention.
Discussion:
joy of sox and Boston Globe
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.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, MetsBlog.com, Mets Merized Online and HardballTalk
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.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, NESN.com, Eye on Baseball, SI Tracking Blog and School of Roch
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 …
Discussion:
Dodgers Blog, Los Angeles Times, True Blue LA, HardballTalk and Pinstripe Alley
RELATED:
Bill Shaikin / Dodgers Blog:
Dodgers ownership finalists include Magic, Torre, Cohen [UPDATED]
Dodgers ownership finalists include Magic, Torre, Cohen [UPDATED]
Discussion:
Lasorda's Lair, Eye on Baseball and ESPN
Bill Shaikin / Dodgers Blog:
Mark Cuban, Dennis Gilbert out of Dodgers' ownership derby
Mark Cuban, Dennis Gilbert out of Dodgers' ownership derby
Discussion:
Mike Scioscia's tragic illness, Wall Street Journal and Chad Moriyama
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
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
Peter Gammons / MLB.com:
Heyward hopes hard work is rewarded — Young outfielder determined to reclaim budding-star status — On April 5, 2010, Jason Heyward was 20 years old — an age when most of his friends would have been coming off spring break and downshifting toward the end of the school year.
John Schlegel / MLB.com:
Rangers sign outfielder Hudson to Minors deal — The Rangers added speedy outfield depth to their Spring Training contingent by signing free agent Kyle Hudson to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to Major League camp. — Hudson, 25, made the rare trip from Class A through …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Doug Padilla / ESPN:
White Sox's Dunn ready for a second chance — CHICAGO — The loudest countdown on New Year's Eve might have been coming from the Adam Dunn household. — The disappointing Chicago White Sox slugger is among those glad that the calendar has turned to 2012 — the further he can get away from the worst season of his career the better.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com:
Mauer declares himself healthy, rarin' to go — Catcher ready to move forward after injury-riddled 2011 — MINNEAPOLIS — After dealing with a range of injuries and illnesses that plagued him during the 2011 season, Joe Mauer said Saturday that his offseason has been going to plan and that he's fully healthy.
Discussion:
Eye on Baseball
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Rangers broadcaster Nadel helps in community — Offseason renaissance man involved with civic-related projects — DALLAS — Rangers fans have come to realize over the past 30 years that Eric Nadel is one of the top broadcasters in the game. Getting ready for his 34th season with the Rangers …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball