Top Items:
John Delcos / The Journal News:
Mets' bullpen far from set — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets manager Willie Randolph said naming his bullpen would "go down to the wire." And if he was bluffing, everybody was cooperating. — "Other than Billy," submariner Chad Bradford said, nodding over his shoulder to closer Billy Wagner, "I don't think there's anything settled.
Discussion:
Metsblog.com
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Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
For starters, not Heilman — Takes hill as pen looms — PORT ST. LUCIE - Aaron Heilman went to winter ball in the Dominican Republic to prove he could start, and went 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA. He has continued his strong pitching in the Grapefruit League, allowing two runs in 14 innings.
John Delcos / The Journal News:
Wagner wants to control hype — The hitters don't bother Billy Wagner. Neither do the expectations. — The comparison, however, doesn't thrill him. — "Don't compare me to Mariano," the Mets' new closer said of his Hall of Fame-bound crosstown counterpart. — "Mariano is the best."
Discussion:
Metsblog.com
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs' Grissom retires — Wellenmeyer traded for prospects — MESA, Ariz. — Cubs outfielder Marquis Grissom announced his retirement Tuesday morning, ending a 16-year career. The Cubs also announced a trade with Florida, sending reliever Todd Wellemeyer to the Florida Marlins for two low-level prospects.
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Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Cubs deal Wellemeyer to Marlins — Chicago acquires two pitchers in trade — MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs traded right-handed reliever Todd Wellemeyer to the Florida Marlins on Tuesday for two Minor League pitchers. — The Cubs acquired two pitchers from the Marlins in right-hander Lincoln Holdzkom and lefty Zach McCormack.
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers release Durazo — SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Erubiel Durazo experiment is over. The Rangers released the DH candidate Monday. — The club has also apparently informed right-hander John Wasdin that he will not make the team. — Wasdin was not at the team's complex Monday …
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
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Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Tavarez: one strike, one brawl — Sox reliever punches a D-Ray in latest fracas — Sox pitcher Julian Tavarez is set to hit Tampa Bay's Joey Gathright in the jaw yesterday on a play at the plate in the eighth inning. (AP Photo) — FORT MYERS, Fla. — There have been enough brawls …
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Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Fracas erupts at Red Sox-Rays game — Punch thrown by Tavarez at Gathright incites incident — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Perhaps tempers have become short in these dog days of Spring Training. How else to explain the Red Sox being involved in two emotional incidents in as many days during what is usually a placid time of year?
Discussion:
The Baseball Desert
Greg Bishop / Seattle Times:
Turns out Reed's wrist not broken after all, M's say — PEORIA, Ariz. — Mariners center fielder Jeremy Reed received good news this morning regarding his injured wrist: It isn't broken after all. — The fracture the Mariners saw after they X-rayed it last Friday is actually …
Discussion:
Lookout Landing
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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
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NY Daily News:
Randy beans ma of love child — Yank ace suing ex-gal pal over payments for girl, 16 — BY MICHAELA WHEATLEY in Langley, Wash. and DAVE GOLDINER in New York — Randy Johnson has a secret love child - and the Yankees superstar is playing hardball with the girl's mom, it was revealed yesterday.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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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Tony Jackson / L.A. Daily News:
Dodgertown's days could be numbered — VERO BEACH, Fla. - It was one of those sunsplashed Florida days when spring training postcard photos are shot, and Holman Stadium was packed. Overflowing, in fact, so that the grass-covered berm beyond the outfield had to be opened up to accommodate …
Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Notes: Barfield locks up second base — Padres rookie named starter; Bellhorn to backup role — PEORIA, Ariz. — The obvious has become official. Josh Barfield is the Padres' second baseman. — Manager Bruce Bochy informed the rookie he'd earned the job on Monday, a rare day off for Barfield.
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
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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Thomas Heath / Washington Post:
After Abramoff, Nats Fear It's Out With the Hill Crowd — The Washington Nationals were a big hit on Capitol Hill last year. The return of a professional baseball team to the city after 33 years provided a new venue for lobbyists to entertain members of Congress and their staff at RFK Stadium, just 20 blocks east of the Capitol.
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.
