LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) - The big winner out of baseball's
winter meetings appears to be free agent outfielder Carl Crawford.
A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press
that Crawford has reached a preliminary agreement with the Boston
Red Sox on a $142 million, seven-year contract.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) - The New York Yankees have made an
aggressive offer to free-agent southpaw Cliff Lee, the prize free
agent available in the baseball offseason. The Yankees' offer is
believed to be for six years and $140 million, though the Texas
Rangers, L.A. Angels and Washington Nationals are also said to be
in the bidding war for the 32-year-old Lee.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Miami Heat won their sixth straight
game by outscoring Utah by 14 points in the fourth quarter of their
111-98 win over the Jazz. LeBron James led the way with 33, with
Dwayne (dwayn) Wade chipping in 28.
BOSTON (AP) - The Boston Celtics won their eighth in a row with
a 105-89 win over the Denver Nuggets, who were without superstar
Carmelo Anthony, out with an inflamed knee. Ray Allen scored 28
with Kevin Garnett chipping in 17 points and nine rebounds.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - The University of Florida is expected
to move quickly to fill the vacancy left when 46-year-old Urban
Meyer resigned suddenly yesterday. Florida athletic director Jeremy
Foley says the search is under way and hopes to have a replacement
named in the next two and a-half weeks.
