Top Items:
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Soriano mulling over left-field decision — Slugger to announce whether he'll play left on Wednesday — • Buy Nationals Spring Training tickets — • MLB.com's Bill Ladson on Soriano — • Slowes on Soriano, loss of Ayala — • Soriano's bio, career statistics
RELATED ITEMS:
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Soriano's Refusal Could Be 'Landmark Case' — VIERA, Fla., March 21 — There was no game for the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, no lineup card to fill out, no position to which their star player wouldn't report. But even in the quiet at Space Coast Stadium, where the Nationals hold spring training …
Chris Needham / Capitol Punishment:
Defending Soriano — I'm loath to do this, because i really can't stand what the miserable SOB is doing, but I can also sort of see where he's coming from — even if I don't completely agree with it. — Soriano is being asked to move to an unfamiliar position in an unfamiliar league on an unfamiliar team.
Roger Cossack / ESPN:
Can Soriano win this fight? Not likely — Alfonso Soriano has made it clear to the Washington Nationals that he won't play in the outfield, and there is a chance, albeit a small one, that he won't have to. I don't expect it to happen, but it is probable that the Major League Baseball Players Association …
Tony Kornheiser / Washington Post:
Trading for Sizzle, Forgetting the Steak — What kind of magic dust does Jim Bowden have in his pocket? — Despite absurd backfires in acquiring Alfonso Soriano and Brian Lawrence, Bowden continues to get contract extensions from the Nationals. And he continues to get the media to fawn …
Mark Zuckerman / Washington Times:
What's next? — VIERA, Fla. — The Washington Nationals once again will list Alfonso Soriano as their starting left fielder for today's exhibition game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Whether the disgruntled All-Star agrees to take the field is up to him.
Discussion:
The Nationals Enquirer
Associated Press:
Arroyo sad about leaving Red Sox — FORT MYERS, Fla. - Bronson Arroyo clutched his going-away gift, a black autographed bat from Manny Ramirez. A delivery containing a 3-wood golf club arrived as the pitcher stood in the clubhouse he would soon leave. — "Arroyo, here's your last package …
RELATED ITEMS:
John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer:
A proven starter — Arroyo move also solidifies defense — SARASOTA, Fla. - The first trade of the Wayne Krivsky/Bob Castellini era could be viewed as risky. — When Krivsky, the Reds general manager, sent outfielder Wily Mo Peña to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for pitcher Bronson Arroyo …
Discussion:
Most Valuable Network
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Notes: Cubs play it safe with Lee — First baseman likely to return later this week from injury — • Cubs' Wood targets return in late April — • Complete Spring Training coverage — MESA, Ariz. — Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee is not expected to play until later …
Discussion:
Baseball Diamond News
RELATED ITEMS:
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Wood targets return in late April — Cubs ace encouraged by recent throwing sessions — • Cubs notes: Lee will not be rushed — • Complete Spring Training coverage — MESA, Ariz. — Could Kerry Wood be ready by late April? — "He very well could be," …
Discussion:
Goat Riders of the Apocalypse
Len Pasquarelli / ESPN:
Vinatieri agrees in principle to deal with Colts … In a move fraught with irony on any number of fronts, the most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history is about to be replaced by one of the most clutch placement specialists in the game. — Unrestricted free agent Adam Vinatieri …
Discussion:
The Professional …
RELATED ITEMS:
Associated Press:
Pirates will have one of baseball's youngest rotations — BRADENTON, Fla. — Oliver Perez will start the Pittsburgh Pirates' season opener on April 3 rather than 2005 rookie standout Zach Duke. — The unexpected move — Perez has pitched once for Pittsburgh this spring after spending …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
RELATED ITEMS:
John Delcos / thejournalnews.com:
Delgado's elbow improving — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Before hitting Florida's crowded highways yesterday for a brief escape on the Mets' only off-day of spring training, first baseman Carlos Delgado hit the whirlpool and received treatment on his left elbow.
RELATED ITEMS:
Derrick Goold / stltoday.com:
Keystone Quandary — JUPITER, Fla. - Late in Monday's game against Atlanta, the Cardinals infield consisted of four players who, ostensibly, could start at second base at any time this season. — Around the horn: … Given that Spiezio is going to see rare double-switch …
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Smoltz: Finesse for a change — Jupiter, Fla. — Say hello to John Smoltz, change-up specialist. — The Braves' No. 2 starter continued his transformation with five scoreless innings of two-hit ball in an 8-1 rout of the Cardinals on Monday. He had one walk and four strikeouts.
Jbox / Gaslamp Ball:
World Baseball Classic Finals Photos — Entering Petco park through the Park in the Park. Never done this before. As we were walking in one of Dex's classmates punches Dex in the arm. They are glad to see each other and start slapping each other on the back and punching each other in the arm some more.
Susan Slusser / San Francisco Chronicle:
As A's hitting coach, Perry is off on the right foot — Phoenix — Many of the A's don't know it, but their new hitting coach was known for more than his bat during his playing days. Gerald Perry was a real speedster. — In 1987, Perry stole 42 bases with the Braves.
Discussion:
Talking Baseball
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Notes: For Thornton, it's about control — TUCSON, Ariz. — Matt Thornton doesn't hide from the wild streak that has plagued him during the course of his two-year Major League career. — When the newly acquired left-hander was asked on Tuesday morning about his moderately high walk total allowed …
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Mets temporarily shut down Wagner — Finger sidelines closer until weekend; MRI results negative — • Buy Mets Spring Training tickets — • Complete Spring Training coverage — PORT ST. LUCIE — If Billy Wagner had experienced any angst, it wasn't readily apparent in his expression or manner.
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Notes: Decision on Martinez nears — Drew getting his swing fine-tuned vs. Minor Leaguers — JUPITER, Fla. — Dodgers management will likely put off decisions on some of the final cuts until the Freeway Series, but it won't have that luxury in the case of utility infielder Ramon Martinez …
Mark Feinsand / MLB.com:
Wright sidelined by back spasms — Yankees unsure how long right-hander will be out of action — • Mussina roughed up by Tigers in rout — • Notes: Mussina OK after rough outing — • Mailbag: Big year for Big Unit? — • Complete Spring Training coverage
