Top Items:
Associated Press:
Astros' insurance claim on Bagwell denied — HOUSTON — An insurance claim filed by the Houston Astros to try to recoup $15.6 million of injured first baseman Jeff Bagwell's contract has been denied. — The Astros, who in January deemed Bagwell too injured to play, filed the claim …
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Jose De Jesus Ortiz / Houston Chronicle:
Astros denied claim on Bagwell's shoulder — KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Astros have been told they cannot collect on the insurance policy they hold on disabled first baseman Jeff Bagwell's $17 million salary for this year, an attorney for Connecticut General Life Insurance has confirmed.
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Notes: Lee returns to Cubs — First baseman left squad for family emergency — MESA, Ariz. — Derrek Lee rejoined the Chicago Cubs on Monday, eager to get back to work after spending the weekend in California to deal with a family emergency. — As Lee was headed to the Cubs game last Friday …
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T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Rangers cut ties with Durazo, Wasdin — Moves may clear a spot for Rule 5 draft pick Castro — SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Rangers have released first baseman/designated hitter Erubiel Durazo and placed pitcher John Wasdin on waivers, a move that could open a spot on the Opening Day roster for Rule 5 draft pick Fabio Castro.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
White Sox set Opening Day roster — Rookie left-hander Logan makes team after good spring — MESA, Ariz. — Boone Logan came along for the ride to HoHoKam Park on Monday, with pitching coach Don Cooper simply wanting the young left-hander to experience the excitement surrounding a Cubs-White Sox contest.
Discussion:
Exile in Wrigleyville
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Mailbag: How will fans treat Soriano? — Beat writer Bill Ladson answers Nationals fans' questions … Do you think Nationals fans will boo Alfonso Soriano at all this year? Shouldn't fans just make him feel at home at this point? The team really seems to have taken to him.
Discussion:
Oleanders and Morning Glories, Distinguished Senators, THE BELTWAY BOYS and Washington Post
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Associated Press:
Bonds: 'My life is in shambles. It is crazy' — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Seven home runs shy of passing Babe Ruth, this should be a time of unbridled joy and excitement for Barry Bonds. — Not so, he says. — "My life is in shambles. It is crazy," Bonds said Monday in an interview with The Associated Press.
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Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Saenz, Tomko homer in rout of Mets — Eight players drive in runs as Dodgers collect 19 hits — DODGERS 12, METS 3 — Dodgers at the plate: Olmedo Saenz had three hits, including a home run and double, and three RBIs. Starting pitcher Brett Tomko slugged a three-run homer.
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T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Notes: Bullpen a work in progress — SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Rangers bullpen isn't set yet, but the candidates keep dropping away. — Left-hander Ron Mahay, who is signed for $1 million this season, was reassigned to the Minor Leagues on Friday, leaving 14 potential relievers in camp trying to win one of seven jobs.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Chris Snow / Boston Globe:
Beckett, Howard star in daytime drama — CLEARWATER, Fla. — For a moment, after 252-pound Ryan Howard had thrown down his glove and raised his arms, challenging 222-pound Josh Beckett, it looked as though the two might go. Power pitcher vs. power hitter, with bat and ball nowhere in sight.
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Mariners propelled by six-run first — Rangers unable to cope with early offensive barrage — MARINERS 10, RANGERS 9 — Mariners at the plate: Roberto Petagine had a two-run double to cap the Mariners' six-run first inning. He also had a double in the sixth inning that scored Corky Miller from first base.
Discussion:
Lookout Landing
Spencer Fordin / MLB.com:
With Millar's help, Mazzone gets tattoo — O's pitching coach gets red-and-blue pennant on left shoulder — FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Credit Kevin Millar with his first scoop as a participatory journalist. Baltimore's part-time first baseman and outfielder has also been keeping a diary for MLB.com …
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Yankees edged by Braves — A-Rod blasts third spring homer; Giambi collects three hits — BRAVES 5, YANKEES 4 — Braves at the plate: Ryan Langerhans' RBI single capped the four-run sixth-inning the Braves used to claim a comeback victory. Adam LaRoche's three-run homer highlighted the sixth inning.
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Quitting time? Grissom ponders future — MESA, Ariz. — Marquis Grissom played nine innings Monday for the first time this spring and said afterward he's "evaluating myself" more than the Cubs are evaluating him. — Grissom, a non-roster invitee, is hitting .200 and in danger of being one of the final roster cuts.
Mark Hale / New York Post:
PEDRO'S RETURN — March 27, 2006 — PORT ST. LUCIE - Only one thing mattered for the Mets yesterday: Pedro Martinez, for the first time this year, was on the mound against an opposing team. — With just over a week left in spring training, Martinez made his exhibition game debut.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
And the 2006 champs will be ... This probably will be my dumbest column of the year, and I say "probably" only to allow for some future knuckleheaded analysis that may fly off my fingers on a moment's notice. — A column predicting the next World Series champion ensures that the writer will A.) …
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
