Top Items:
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Cirillo homers in Brewers' loss — Lee has pair of hits; Fernandez suffers rough outing — Rockies 8, Brewers 6 — Rockies at the plate: Barry Wesson hit a two-run, pinch-hit single in the eighth inning that stood as the game-winner for Colorado, which won for the sixth time in eight games.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Notes: Opening Day lineup looks set — Final cuts coming; no progress on Turnbow extension — PHOENIX — Rickie Weeks returned to action for the Brewers on Monday after missing two weeks with a strained right oblique, and joined a lineup that looked "strikingly similar," manager Ned Yost said …
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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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.
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
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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.
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Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Nationals blanked by Cardinals — Astacio hit hard in five-inning stint for Washington — CARDINALS 7, NATIONALS 0 — Nationals at the plate: Brandon Watson, Jose Vidro, Brian Schneider and Royce Clayton all singled. Washington did not have an extra-base hit.
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Prior throws for first time in two weeks — Cubs still have no timetable for ace's return — MESA, Ariz. — Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior, sidelined for two weeks with a strained muscle in his right shoulder, was able to play catch on Monday, but neither he nor the medical staff can set …
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Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Reitsma injured in win over Yankees — Braves closer forced to leave contest with tight left hamstring — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Chris Reitsma was forced to leave Monday night's game against the Yankees with what appears to be a slight strain of his left hamstring.
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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Jason Weitzel / Hardball Times:
Five Questions: Philadelphia Phillies — Despite his reputation for being one of the smartest men in baseball, Phillies general manager Pat Gillick didn't come to Philadelphia with a cutting-edge plan. He was going to make himself comfortable with familiar players, and he didn't care how many people he'd alienate along the way.
Discussion:
A CITIZEN'S BLOG
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.
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.
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
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.
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 …
