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Thomas Boswell / Washington Post:
Taking a Different Kind of Dive — NEW YORK As Alfonso Soriano was about to slide into home plate, he suddenly saw the bat at the last instant. By accident, or perhaps as an emblem of his luck since becoming a National, the large black stick lay in exactly the worst place a bat can be …
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New York Times:
Baseball … Wright and Nady Hit. Wagner Saves. Mission Accomplished. — A sellout crowd of 54,371 endured a raw chill and the threat of thunderstorms to watch the Mets defeat the Washington Nationals, 3-2, on opening day. Afterward, fans filed out chanting, "Let's Go Mets." More Photos >
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MLB.com
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Mets come out on top in pivotal play — Lo Duca receives benefit of doubt on difficult call at the plate — NEW YORK — Paul Lo Duca wanted to see a replay, just to make sure he'd actually dropped the ball. His teammates needed no such confirmation. — Lo Duca and the Mets received …
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THE BELTWAY BOYS
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Soriano to get assist in left — Nationals plan to use Byrd as late-inning defensive sub — NEW YORK — Manager Frank Robinson said that Alfonso Soriano could be taken out late in games for defensive purposes, with Marlon Byrd most likely being the person replacing Soriano.
Chris Snow / Boston Globe:
Jump start — Red Sox get off on right foot against Texas — ARLINGTON, Texas — In seven spring games against assorted minor leaguers, Boston College, and the Pittsburgh Pirates, not a single Curt Schilling pitch eclipsed 94 miles per hour, and few even touched that number.
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Mike Scarr / MLB.com:
Lackey signs through 2009 — Pitcher says, 'It is nice for them to show the confidence in me.' — SEATTLE — John Lackey signed a $17.01 million, three-year deal with a club option for 2009 on Monday. — The right-hander avoided arbitration in January when he signed a one-year deal …
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Jim Caple / ESPN:
Many issues to ponder … So what do you think of Barry Bonds now? — Are you rooting for him to launch fastballs on majestic parabolas into McCovey Cove? Are you hoping he leads the Giants to their first world championship since moving to San Francisco?
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John Shea / San Francisco Chronicle:
Laid-back San Diegans don't hold back on Bonds — San Diego — San Diego fans are supposed to be laid-back. Downright soft, in many cases. Constant sunshine does that to people. It zaps the need to be overly intense. Down here, it's more favorable to lighten up than tighten up.
Associated Press:
Pirates GM Littlefield gets contract extension through 2008 — PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Pirates and general manager Dave Littlefield agreed Monday to a one-year contract extension through 2008, the second time in three seasons he got a new deal on opening day. — Pittsburgh has gone through 13 straight losing seasons.
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Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Notes: Nomar out with ribcage strain — First baseman likely to go on disabled list to recuperate — LOS ANGELES — The latest injured Dodger is first baseman Nomar Garciaparra, felled even before the season's first pitch with a strained intercostal (ribcage) muscle.
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Craig Burley / Hardball Times:
The Talent Gap — Their starting catcher, Ramon Hernandez, is an established talent though not immediately an impressive figure. Around the infield, though, this team is good. Jim Thome at first base, Luis Castillo at second base, Alex Gonzalez at short, and Troy Glaus at third?
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The Nats Blog
Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
Under The Knife — Play Ball — Baseball's back. Kind of. I'm writing this as the Sox/Indians game is delayed by rain, so I'm not sure if we'll have an official game, but we do have an official injury. — The coverage early by ESPN2 was dominated by talk of the steroid investigation.
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MLB Trade Rumors
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Notes: Young trio breaks the mold — Sheets to make Minor League start on Thursday — MILWAUKEE — In 1978, rookie Paul Molitor joined a Brewers infield with Robin Yount and Jim Gantner and the team transformed into a powerhouse that won more games over the next five years than any in baseball.
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Brew Crew Ball
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Shelton, Rogers lift Tigers past KC — Veteran starter gets 19th career victory over Royals — KANSAS CITY — Joel Zumaya heard his name called to enter the game and thought, "Holy smoke!" — Funny, the Royals had a similar reaction. — After Chris Shelton homered down both foul lines …
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Roar of the Tigers
Ken Mandel / MLB.com:
Notes: Perez's release hits home — Teammates say they will miss fun-loving, energetic infielder — PHILADELPHIA — Word spread quickly through the Phillies clubhouse as if someone had died. Lower lips quivered and tears welled in the eyes of teammates wanted to say goodbye to Tomas Perez.
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Baseball Toaster
