<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>MLBTR Chat</title>
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                <description><![CDATA[ MLBTR Chat]]></description>
                <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:51:55 GMT</pubDate>
                <lastBuildDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:01:44 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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                    <title><![CDATA[2:53 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:53:17 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Hey everyone, Happy New Year! Hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. There's lots to catch up on, including the Swisher deal and the status of remaining free agents like Lohse, Soriano, LaRoche and Bourn. I'll get to as many questions as possible in the next hour or so... ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:01 Comment From orlando]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:01:56 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Do you think the Rangers have a chance at acquiring Stanton? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:02 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:02:37 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[If any team has a chance, Texas would. But it sounds as though the Marlins will keep Stanton for now. Remember he's still pre-arbitration eligible, i.e. as cheap as it gets. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:03 Comment From Andrew]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:03:30 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are the Brewers at all considering a run at Lohse, or are they comfortable where they are? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:04 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:04:09 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I don't expect they'll pursue Lohse. Understandably Lohse will want a multiyear deal, but it doesn't sound as though Doug Melvin intends to be that aggressive in considering pitching upgrades at this stage. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:04 Comment From Brandon]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:04:22 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are the Dodgers done making moves? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:04 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:04:38 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I doubt it. I expect they'll trade from their starting pitching depth before the winter's over. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:04 Comment From dave]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:04:43 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[thinking that lohse will end back up in st louis what do you think ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:05 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:05:03 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I doubt it. I think they'd rather have the draft pick and rely on their internal options. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:05 Comment From AA]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:05:08 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Will I look to move Bonifacio to the Braves? If so what could I realistically get back for him? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:05 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:05:31 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I don't think the Blue Jays will be eager to move Bonifacio. He's a useful player for them and not prohibitively expensive. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:05 Comment From mike]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:05:39 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Where will soriano land in your opinion, im thinking detroit ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:06 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:06:09 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Until Soriano signs, the Tigers have to be considered a dark-horse candidate at the very least. That said, I don't expect them to overpay for him. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:06 Comment From Mariners]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:06:27 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Is our off-season over? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:06 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:06:58 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[No, I don't think so. I expect the Mariners to look for ways of adding a veteran starter and acquiring another bat. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:07 Comment From Jonathan]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:07:16 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Does Bourn end up in Texas? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:07 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:07:34 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[To me that seems like a good fit. But it depends on their level of confidence in Gentry/Martin.  ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:07 Comment From Travis]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:07:37 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Any news on Brandon Webb? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:08 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:08:16 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[He's going to throw for teams and see what level of interest he generates. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:08 Comment From Justin]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:08:51 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Where will Jose Valverde end up? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:09 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:09:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I'm not sure. I won't be surprised if he's still a free agent a month from now. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:09 Comment From Ananda]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:09:19 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are the Blue Jays going to make any more moves? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:09 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:09:41 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[They need to figure out whether Darren Oliver is returning. Other than that, they're basically ready for Opening Day in my view. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:09 Comment From kcfan]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:09:53 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[over/under royals wins in '13: 84 ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:10 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:10:15 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I'll take the under. But it's imaginable that they'll win more than 84 games and contend all year long. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:10 Comment From NS]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:10:29 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I haven't heard anything about Jair Jurjens; has there been any rumors/speculation where he might end up? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:12 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:12:03 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[There hasn't been much written about Jurrjens. As with many starters in line for a one-year, minor league or incentive-laden deal, he's going to have to wait until later in the offseason to see which teams want to add low-risk starting pitching. The Royals, Twins and Pirates were linked to Jurrjens last month. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:12 Comment From Steven]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:12:15 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Chances Napoli and the Red Sox resolve their differences? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:12 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:12:50 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I'm not going to put a number on it, but let's just say it doesn't look particularly promising that the sides have not finalized anything a month after initially agreeing to terms. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:13 Comment From Jim]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:13:13 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Swisher, Now Myers will the indians contend? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:14 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:14:13 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It's thinkable, and I like that they've put themselves in a position to do well if things break right. That said, I don't expect them to seriously challenge the Tigers for the division at this stage. They'd need breakout performances and good health in my view. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:14 Comment From Taylor]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:14:17 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are the Mets seriously looking at any outfielders? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:14 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:14:46 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[They must be. I don't believe Andrew Brown will be their major signing of the winter. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:15 Comment From Ananda]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:15:03 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[So if Oliver does not return what will the Blue Jays do? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:15 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:15:22 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[They could rely on Happ and Cecil or turn to free agency. Maybe give the Giants a call about Jose Mijares. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:15 Comment From 2013]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:15:43 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Do you think things pickup again this week or will we see alot of activity next week? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:16 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:16:15 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I think today, tomorrow and Friday will be reasonably quiet. Then next week we'll get going again and stay busy until Spring Training. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:16 Comment From bill]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:16:22 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[will porcello start the 2013 season with the tigers? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:16 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:16:36 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It's imaginable, but I find a trade easier to envision, personally. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:16 Comment From Astro Effect]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:16:50 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[How much will the Atros move to the AL hurt teams such as the Reds and Cards (record wise), and how much will it help the new AL West foes? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:17 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:17:33 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Buster Olney had a good piece on this topic today and he suggested it could affect teams' records by a few wins each. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:17 Comment From harry peter]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:17:39 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[how likely is the upton to tex ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:18 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:18:32 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[If we expected the Upton rumors to go away, we were clearly misguided! Now that the Diamondbacks have signed Cody Ross I can imagine them trading Upton or Kubel. Both would be fits for the Rangers, so I'm not ruling anything out, and it sounds as though the Diamondbacks aren't either. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:18 Comment From Phil]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:18:41 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Congrats on being listed as one of the most influential Canadians in baseball. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:18 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:18:49 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Thanks!  ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:19 Comment From Joe Kaz]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:19:18 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Yankees have shot at Stanton? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:19 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:19:58 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[As I said earlier in the chat, I really don't think the Marlins are moving Stanton. It's fun to consider, but I think the real Stanton rumors will get going next winter when he's a year closer to free agency. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:20 Comment From brothbart]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:20:02 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[When will LaRoche realize there is no 3 year deal out there and resign with the Nats? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:20 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:20:38 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I agree with what you're suggesting here. It seems doubtful that he'll find a thee-year deal, so the Nationals' two-year offer will presumably look pretty appealing at some point. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:20 Comment From Scott]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:20:43 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Will Adam Wainwright sign an extension with Cards? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:20 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:20:56 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I imagine that's a discussion that will take place in the next 12 weeks or so. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:21 Comment From Joe Kaz]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:21:36 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Will Yankees extent Cano or trade him? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:22 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:22:08 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[They're not trading him and I don't think they're going to extend him, either. So it looks as though he'll play out the final year of his contract then let the Yankees and Dodgers bid on him a year from now. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:22 Comment From Theo E]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:22:18 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Will we be finalists for Bourn? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:23 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:23:27 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I don't know, and it's entirely possible that the Cubs don't know either. They have been linked to him so far this winter, and he would be a fit. But he costs a draft pick and for all of their offseason spending so far, the Cubs haven't added players who've cost picks. I doubt they're eager to start doing so now.  ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:23 Comment From coaster]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:23:42 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Is Andre Ethier worth his five-year, $85 million contract? Could the Dodgers expect much in return if Ethier is traded to a team that pays the entire contract? Or do The Blue care more about prospects than money? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:25 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:25:05 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I think Ethier did well to sign that contract at the time he did. It's hard to imagine he would have done better in free agency in my view. So he wouldn't have much surplus value to most teams. However, for teams like the Mariners who have trouble luring free agents bats to their city, Ethier could have significant appeal. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:25 Comment From Bryan]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:25:10 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Is J. Niese a future #1? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:25 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:25:24 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[He has some breakout potential, as Dave Cameron recently explained at <a href="http://ESPN.com" target="_blank" >ESPN.com</a>. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:25 Comment From JIMBO THE CLOWN]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:25:49 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[What could the Nats get in return for Morse? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:27 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:27:10 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[A controllable reliever? A solid starting pitching prospect near the MLB level? A versatile player capable of covering many positions and adding value on offense? High ceiling low level prospects? It would depend on what Rizzo wanted, but I can envision many scenarios. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:27 Comment From Baba]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:27:23 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[do you see the 'Stros moving Lowrie before the season?  any idea who'd be in on him? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:28 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:28:23 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Jed Lowrie rumors have been pretty quiet this offseason, so I won't be surprised if he stays put. Teams like the A's, Rays and Diamondbacks, who could have been suitors, have now addressed their needs. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:28 Comment From emerson]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:28:42 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[morse e una opcion para los filis ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:29 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:29:07 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[To me intra-divisional trades don't seem that likely. The Nationals surely view the Phillies as a threat entering the 2013 season. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:30 Comment From Bret]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:30:09 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[If not the Tigers - who keep saying they have no interest - where are some landing spots for Rafael Soriano? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:31 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:31:16 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Surely Boras will have tried to engage the Dodgers on Soriano. They've shown they're willing to spend big all year, so that's one fit. There's also the chance an injury will re-shape the market for closers in Spring Training. Madson and Soria went down last year, and a similar injury could create a new bidder in 2013. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:31 Comment From RonnieWooWoo]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:31:52 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Marmol for Morse? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:31 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:31:58 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Nationals can do better. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:32 Comment From Josh]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:32:10 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Better 2013 Season: Josh Johnson or Adam Wainwright ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:32 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:32:39 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Fair question. I'll go with Wainwright, but won't be surprised in the least if Johnson (who's an MLBTR reader) has a huge year.  ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:33 Comment From Rick]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:33:12 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Does Felix get Allen Craig, Oscar Taveras & Carlos Martinez? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:34 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:34:00 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I don't see the Mariners trading Felix. If that was a part of their offseason plan, they would presumably have made that intention clear earlier in the winter so that they could engage as many bidders as possible before teams moved on and acquired other starters. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:34 Comment From Randy-Tigers Fan , VA]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:34:03 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Will Tigers sign another FA outfielder? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:34 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:34:18 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Perhaps a right-handed hitting corner outfielder who can complement Dirks. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:35 Comment From Rick]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:35:01 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Do the M's end up with Ethier by spring training? What'll it cost them (if anything)? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:35 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:35:08 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I see Ethier staying in place in LA. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:35 Comment From PL]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:35:59 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Quickly name a pitcher who moved from the NL to the AL and had a huge year. Odds are against Johnson vs the AL East/DH/AL. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:36 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:36:08 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Kuroda made the transition pretty smoothly. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:36 Comment From Bobyt]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:36:14 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[over / under Dodgers 90 wins ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:36 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:36:22 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I'll take the over. They look really good. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:36 Comment From jeff]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:36:36 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Is LaRoche waiting to see how the Napoli situation is resolved in Boston before signing? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:36 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:36:56 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[That could definitely be a factor. It sounds as though the Nationals were urging him to make a decision quickly, though. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:37 Comment From Justin]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:37:25 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Will Alfonso Soriano get moved this winter or at the dead line? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:38 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:38:06 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I can't imagine his trade value will improve, which suggests to me that the Cubs will seriously consider trading him before Spring Training. Still, they'd need to get offense back somehow if they do that, since they had lots of trouble scoring in 2012. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:38 Comment From Harris]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:38:42 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Can you explain how Dickey can be worth a huge package, but only 2 years, $25M?  Doesn't seem to make much sense. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:39 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:39:33 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[You make a really good point. Clearly Toronto and the Mets value Dickey highly. But I think his age really cut into his leverage, as did his intention to sign an extension if at all possible. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:39 Comment From Carson]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:39:54 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Is 6/135 enough for cano? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:39 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:39:58 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I doubt it. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:40 Comment From Justin]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:40:40 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Will Profar get regular playing time 2B or platoon? Any chance he starts in the minors? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:41 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:41:10 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[One way or another I expect Profar to get 350 plate appearances or more at the MLB level. That could mean he starts the year in the minors, but I think they'll find a way to work him in. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:41 Comment From Matt]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:41:26 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Do the Orioles consider themselves contenders? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:42 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:42:13 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I think they should, after last year. But I expect some regression there, since their bullpen will have a hard time replicating its 2012 success. They've been very quiet this winter and I think they still need a bat plus pitching depth. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:42 Comment From John]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:42:29 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In your opinion, will Harper or Trout have sophomore slumps? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:42 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:42:54 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I expect Harper to be a little better than he was in 2012 and I expect Trout to be a little worse (but still insanely good). ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:43 Comment From joed]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:43:03 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[over/under pirates 86 wins ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:43 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:43:09 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I will take the under. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:43 Comment From Spikes]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:43:14 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Who is the worst team in baseball and estimate what their record will be. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:43 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:43:34 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I expect the Astros to have the worst record in baseball with 105 or so losses. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:43 Comment From Josh]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:43:50 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Pick the 1 team to beat in each league: Angels and Nationals??? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:44 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:44:48 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Those two are fair. I would also add the Reds, Cardinals, Giants and Tigers in the mix. Which suggests to me there's no single 'team to beat' at this stage. I'll go with the Giants out of respect for their 2012 title and strong 2013 roster. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:44 Comment From JMood]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:44:58 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Eric Hosmer to Boston? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:45 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:45:06 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[No, I don't see the Royals trading Hosmer. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:45 Comment From Northsider]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:45:20 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are qualifying offers hurting free agents more than they are helping small market teams?  It doesn't seem fair that players like Bourn are losing value because they have a draft pick tied to them. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:48 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:48:02 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Draft pick compensation isn't 'fair' to free agents by definition. If a company such as Apple had to provide compensation to your former company, say, Google, your leverage in negotiating a deal with Apple would be seriously compromised. Any time there are compensatory picks involved, they serve as an unofficial tax on free agency. <br/><br/>In this case, Bourn, LaRoche and others are losing out. Under the previous CBA there were also lower level free agents like Jason Frasor and Juan Cruz who suffered. In my view this system is better, though frustrating in some instances. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:48 Comment From Spikes]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:48:29 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Cano in the 25 million dollars per year club? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:48 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:48:44 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It'd depend on the year he has in 2013, but he certainly has a shot at that threshold. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:49 Comment From Ben Smith FAN]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:49:27 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Will we see another wave of trades this offseason or should we expect teams to stand pat? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:50 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:50:19 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I think there will be lots more trades. Some unresolved situations: Dodgers pitching depth, Arizona's outfield depth, Tigers' pitching depth, Alfonso Soriano, Nationals' potential first base depth. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:50 Comment From Ned Colletti]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:50:53 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Should I really bank on Luis Cruz as my everyday third baseman in 2013, or should I be looking for someone else? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:51 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:51:35 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The thing is, there was never a strong market for third basemen to begin with this offseason. Cruz is no All-Star, but I expect he'll get a shot. If he isn't playing well we know what the Dodgers will be looking for in July. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:52 Comment From Son of Wahoo]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:52:00 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Should the Indians change their name / logo? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:52 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:52:42 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[If I were consulting the Indians, I would say 'yes, change your name and logo and don't waste time doing it.' But it's up to them and, so far, they haven't asked me! ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:53 Comment From Aaron]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:53:18 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Is Brian Wilson going to motown or is Soriano destined there ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:53 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:53:51 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Soriano is far from destined to join the Tigers. Brian Wilson would be another option on an incentive-based one-year deal. Still, the Tigers are insisting they could go ahead with Rondon. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:54 Comment From Ryno]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:54:33 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are the Marlins content with Steve Cishek as their Closer? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:55 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:55:28 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I imagine they are. They tried spending big on relief last year and it didn't work, despite Heath Bell's name value. This time they're working on a tighter budget, so I don't expect them to make a prominent addition unless it costs under $5MM.  ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:55 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:55:35 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Time for a few more... ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:57 Comment From Nitschke]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:57:35 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Does Gary Sheffield have any other clients in MLB besides Grilli?  (Let's hope not) ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:57 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:57:49 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Former MLB pitcher Josh Banks is another client of Sheffield. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:58 Comment From Son of Wahoo]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:58:14 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are the Indians and Marcum still talking? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:58 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:58:47 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It's not clear if the Indians and Marcum are still in touch following the Myers deal. It definitely wouldn't hurt to add another established pitcher. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:59 Comment From Jaysin 2013]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:59:22 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[if you had $100 to bet on a team winning it all, where does it go? ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[3:59 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:59:44 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Back into my wallet. Those things are way to hard to predict eight months ahead of time.  ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[4:00 Ben Nicholson-Smith]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:00:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Thanks for chatting everyone! It was fun. We'll do it again next week. ]]></description></item>
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                    <title><![CDATA[4:01 ]]></title>
                   <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:01:44 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="clearingspace" style="line-height: 3px;">&nbsp;</div><a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/index.php?option=com_altcaster&task=register&referral_code=LiveBlogReferral" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdnsl.coveritlive.com/templates/coveritlive/images/cil_thanks_en.jpg" border="0" /></a><br><div class="clearingspace" style="line-height: 3px;">&nbsp;</div>]]></description></item></channel></rss>