Brandon McCarthy Driven To Succeed After Battle With 'The Yips'

To own up to weakness is a challenge in itself. To open up to the world about it, to expose your vulnerability to anonymous critics on social media, takes a particular kind of courage.

LA Times

Darrell Porter Up For Royals' Hall of Fame Voting

Voting is open for the Royals Hall of Fame Class of 2015, with fans able to cast their online vote through Jan. 16.

Kansas City Official Site

Russell Martin Seeking Five-Year Deal Worth $75-80M

As I reported last week the Blue Jays will take a shot at signing free-agent catcher Russell Martin, who is said by some industry insiders to already be leaning in the Chicago Cubs direction. Martin wants a contract worth between $75-$80 million over five years, similar to or a little more than the deal Brian McCann received from the New York Yankees last winter. An intriguing component might be Martin’s oft-stated desire to move out from behind the plate at some point, and while it challenges the bounds of reality to see him at shortstop, the Blue Jays have enough positions in flux that it might prove to be a bit of a carrot for Martin.

Sportsnet Canada

Pedro Feliz' Contract Has Opt Out Clause

Some further details on the minor-league contract signed earlier this month by veteran third baseman Pedro Feliz, who will get $800,000 if he makes the big-league club.

Feliz’s deal has an out clause that permits him to become a free agent if he isn’t on the opening day roster. He can also choose to go to the minors for $75,000 — $15,000 a month for five months.

The major-league portion of the deal also includes $200,000 in possible performance bonuses.

Kansas City Star

Would You Buy Mark Teixeira For Albert Pujols?

FoxSports.com columnist Ken Rosenthal has an idea that could help the Cardinals out of the Albert Pujols predicament:

Tipsheet

Contractual Matters: Prince Albert Pujols At The Five & Dime

For Albert Pujols, the 2010 season was his 10th year in the majors, meeting the requirement for election to the Hall of Fame. With the end of the season, he also earned full no-trade protection as a "10-and-5 man": a 10-year veteran who has spent the last five seasons with the same team.

Baseball Prospectus

On The Beat: Locking Down King Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols' future was the overriding topic of conversation over the Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up last weekend in St. Louis, trumping all other Redbird-related matters. Whether or not the record-setting first baseman will sign a contract extension before his self-imposed deadline of February 13, the day pitchers and catchers report to Jupiter (the town in Florida, not the planet) was all everyone seemed to care about.

Baseball Prospectus

Gil Meche Retiring

Royals pitcher Gil Meche retired on Tuesday at age 32, walking away from a $12 million salary rather than face shoulder surgery that could have ended his season before it ever started.

Sports Illustrated

Cardinals Should Ask John Mabry About Zack Grienke

With the Cardinals likely to see more of Zack Greinke now that he is in the National League Central Division, St. Louis would be wise to consult with John Mabry about how to hit the ace right-hander.

Retro Simba

Brad Thomspon Gets First Taste Of AL In Relief

Brad Thompson, in his first relief outing for the Royals, came within an error of working out of the jam he inherited from Gil Meche in the fourth inning on Friday night.

Royals Official Site

Royals Would Rather Trade For Outfielder Than Re-Sign Coco Crisp

Moore expresses interest in retaining free agent Coco Crisp, but the Royals appear more likely to swing a trade. Either way, Moore cites the need to add an outfielder and the search for a sound defensive catcher as the club’s top two offseason priorities.

Kansas City Star

Could Cardinals Look At Gil Meche?

That the Royals show no inclination to trade Meche does little to quell the rumors and inquiries. The Phillies, Rangers and Cardinals are all actively seeking a proven starter. That list seems certain to grow in coming days.

Kansas City Star