Morning News Links - Bautista's ahead of schedule
MLB
New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is expected to miss six to eight weeks after suffering a fractured hand in last night's game against the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez was hit on the hand by a Felix Hernandez pitch. [MLB.com]
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired third baseman Hanley Ramirez and relief pitcher Randy Choate from the Miami Marlins for starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and a minor league player. [The Score]
The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a six-year, $144 million contract with starting pitcher Cole Hamels. The 28-year-old receives the second highest contract ever given to a starting pitcher. [CBS Sports]
The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in acquiring Miami Marlins starting pitcher Josh Johnson. [Fox Sports]
Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, who is currently on the disabled list with a wrist injury, is ahead of schedule in his recovery. Bautista could begin swinging a bat by the end of the week. [MLB.com]
The San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers have all had scouts watching the Philadelphia Phillies, likely interested in outfielder Shane Victorino. [CSN Philly]
Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, who left last night's game after being hit in the head by a pitch, passed his first round of concussion tests. [Fort Worth Star-Telegram]
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired pitcher Wandy Rodriguez from the Houston Astros for outfield prospect Robbie Grossman and pitchers Colton Cain and Rudy Owens. The Astros will also send cash in the deal. [The Score]
NHL
Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton has been cleared for contact by the Bruins' medical staff. Horton missed the final 36 regular season and playoff games last season due to a concussion. [CSN New England]
San Jose Sharks centre Michal Handzus says that he played most of last season with a hip injury, which factored into his disappointing season. [CSN Bay Area]
Free agent forward Mike Knuble says that free agency is "eerily quiet," as he currently has no contract offers from any NHL teams. [CSN Washington]
NFL
Tim Tebow's role with the New York Jets keeps evolving. The Jets are discussing using their backup quarterback as a kick returner and on coverage teams. [NY Daily News]
Carolina Panthers centre Ryan Kalil took out a full-page ad in today's Observer, saying that the Panthers would win the Super Bowl this season. [Charlotte Observer]
The New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with free agent tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. [CSN Philly]
Philadelphia Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn says that defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is finished, "I think he's finished. He's got a degenerative back." [CSN Philly]
NBA
Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin says that 'Linsanity' went to his head a little bit last season. "I fought it every day. But I think subconsciously it had its effect," Lin said. [NESN]
The Dallas Mavericks and guard Delonte West are expected to sign a one-year contract. [ESPN]
The New Orleans Hornets are set to acquire Phoenix Suns centre Robin Lopez in a three-team trade that involves the Minnesota Timberwolves. [Arizona Republic]
