Smoltz set to sign with Red Sox
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:40:00 EDT)
Never shy about pitching on a big stage, John Smoltz, a potential Hall of Famer, is on the verge of signing with the Boston Red Sox, where every game feels big.

Baldelli will join 'hometown' Red Sox
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:46:00 EDT)
Rhode Island native Rocco Baldelli is nearing an agreement to play for the Red Sox and return to his New England roots.

Hoffman, Brewers close in on deal
(Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:56:00 EDT)
The Brewers are nearing a deal to sign free-agent closer Trevor Hoffman, a baseball source close to the negotiations told MLB.com in the wee hours on Thursday morning.

Mets hold discussions with Boras
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:21:00 EDT)
Agent Scott Boras met with Mets brass at Citi Field on Wednesday, and according to a person with knowledge of the talks, the sides discussed "all of" Boras's free-agent clients.

Giambi 'excited to be home'
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:03:00 EDT)
After splitting the first 14 years of his career with the A's, for whom he debuted in 1995, and the Yankees, with whom he signed as a free agent after the 2001 season, Jason Giambi has officially returned to Oakland.

Hot Stove: Familiar faces, new places
(Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:55:00 EDT)
John Smoltz, who has spent his entire 20-year career in Atlanta, and Trevor Hoffman, who has opened bullpen gates and closed games in San Diego for 16 seasons, both are about to join the game's mobile society.

A's players thrilled with Giambi's return
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:43:00 EDT)
Two very important things have not changed in the seven seasons since Jason Giambi left the A's for big money in the Big Apple: He remains a dangerous middle-of-the-order threat and a respected clubhouse presence.

Cubs consider options for fifth starter
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:32:00 EDT)
The Cubs have a rotation spot to fill after the trade of Jason Marquis, and despite rekindling Jake Peavy rumors, Chicago could stay in-house.

Deep offense gives Angels confidence
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:19:00 EDT)
Embarking on his 10th season as manager, Mike Sciosica feels the Angels will surprise critics with a deep, multidimensional offense that could feature at least 20 home runs from as many as six spots in the batting order.

Fantastic four say 'yes' to Griffey
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:09:00 EDT)
One of the hottest topics of conversation about the Mariners these days is whether the organization should sign 39-year-old free-agent outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. The four members of the Mariners' Hall of Fame certainly think it's a good idea.

Mangini's hiring makes for family affair
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:12:00 EDT)
Having lived in Cleveland since 1991 as a member of the Indians' organization, Mark Shapiro has become more than a casual observer of the Browns.

Ex-Bucs CEO sells shares in team
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:50:00 EDT)
Former Pirates chief executive operator Kevin McClatchy announced on Wednesday that he has sold his remaining shares in the team and will therefore be stepping down from the organization's board of directors.

Marlins, MLB join for youth academy
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:45:00 EDT)
Under a tent, and across from acres of undeveloped land, Major League Baseball and the Marlins joined together with the city of Hialeah on Wednesday afternoon to announce that this will be the grounds of an MLB Urban Youth Baseball Academy in South Florida.

Tigers haven't given up closer hunt
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:20:00 EDT)
If there's a proven closer left on the market, the Tigers have inquired and talked about him, including Jason Isringhausen, Brandon Lyon, Chad Cordero, Takashi Saito and Trevor Hoffman. At this point, though, nothing is close, and the club is preparing for a process that seems headed into at least next week.

Brewers to watch Cordero session
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:47:00 EDT)
Chad Cordero, rehabbing a major shoulder injury, was scheduled to throw for scouts on Wednesday and again on Friday in California. A club source indicated that the Brewers, who are at risk of losing three relievers and have already lost another to retirement would be represented.

Rangers keep eye on Cordero
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:49:00 EDT)
The Rangers will be among the teams that watch former All-Star closer Chad Cordero throw this week in California, general manager Jon Daniels confirmed.

Kauffman renovations ahead of slate
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:08:00 EDT)
The clubhouses were done two years ago. Last year, the huge CrownVision board and new bullpens were in place. Now comes the last phase of renovations for Kauffman Stadium.

Baseball runs deep in Pohlad family
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:43:00 EDT)
The desire by the Pohlad family to be involved in running the team is why there is no concern about the stability of the Twins ownership following Carl Pohlad's passing on Monday at the age 93.

Marquis brings winning aura to Rockies
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:41:00 EDT)
Jason Marquis has been around a lot of winning, so if there is any magic dust that comes from being a part of all that success, Marquis would be covered in it. In Marquis, the Rockies have a player who speaks their language and knows how to put it into action.

Braves keeping tabs on Kawakami
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:04:00 EDT)
As Kenshin Kawakami gets closer to choosing a Major League employer, the Braves still appear to be appealing to the Japanese right-hander.

Rejuvenated Hairston returns to Cincy
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:48:00 EDT)
Jerry Hairston Jr. was able to resurrect his career last year in Cincinnati, and Hairston chose to continue his comeback by re-signing with the Reds on Wednesday.

Pitcher Patterson retiring from MLB
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:32:00 EDT)
Right-hander John Patterson, best known for his years with the Nationals, announced on Wednesday that he is retiring from baseball because of persistent pain in his right forearm.

Sox rotation questions similar to 2008
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:45:00 EDT)
Just as he discounted the Gavin Floyd trade rumors when he heard them, White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper downplays talk of the team's inexperienced back end of the rotation heading into Spring Training.

Japanese team may play spring games
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:48:00 EDT)
Bringing in a team from the Land of the Rising Sun is the latest idea to keep the sun from setting on Spring Training in Tucson, Ariz.

Feliciano to join team Puerto Rico
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:42:00 EDT)
Mets reliever Pedro Feliciano confirmed on Wednesday that he will pitch for Puerto Rico in this year's World Baseball Classic.

Royals add catcher Wilson to Minors
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:47:00 EDT)
If the Royals need a backup for their backup catchers, they might have one in Vance Wilson. Kansas City signed Wilson, 35, to a Minor League contract on Wednesday as he continues rehabilitation for a right elbow injury.

Marlins reach deal with Kensing
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:58:00 EDT)
Reliever Logan Kensing avoided arbitration by signing a one-year deal with the Marlins on Wednesday.

NLBM set to present Legacy Awards
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:42:00 EDT)
Ryan Howard, Cliff Lee and Cito Gaston are the headliners for the ninth annual Legacy Awards of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City on Saturday night.

Rays sell Johnson to Japanese club
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:32:00 EDT)
Dan Johnson, who hit perhaps the biggest home run of the year for the Rays in 2008, has been sold to the Yokohama Bay Stars of the Japanese Central League.

Reds invite 11 to big league camp
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:38:00 EDT)
The Reds revealed on Wednesday that 11 players have been invited to Major League Spring Training as non-roster players.

Phils invite nine to Spring Training
(Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:17:00 EDT)
The Phillies extended a Spring Training invitation to nine additional players on Wednesday, assistant general manager of player development and scouting Chuck LaMar announced.