Top News:
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Robinson pulls Soriano from game — Nationals manager upset about left fielder's lack of hustle — NEW YORK — The Alfonso Soriano saga continued Wednesday night, as Nationals manager Frank Robinson's patience with the left fielder ran out against the Mets.
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nats Go Extras, Exude Drama — Robinson Benches Soriano in Victory: Nationals 9, Mets 5 — NEW YORK, April 5 — They were not only out of it, there was a full-blown controversy, and it involved the man who had created so much tumult in spring training, one Alfonso Soriano, the Washington Nationals' new left fielder.
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Patterson Toils With Tightness In His Forearm — NEW YORK, April 5 — Nationals right-hander John Patterson said his performance Wednesday night "was not the way I wanted to start the season," a logical reaction to his four-inning, four-run performance against the New York Mets in a game the Nationals eventually won, 9-5 in 10 innings.
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
The Bullpen Can't Save Bannister's Great Start — He walked onto his college baseball team, making it because of a devastating curveball that turned hitters' knees into sawdust. But the Mets drafted Brian Bannister — in the seventh round, no less — because they saw a major league pitcher …
Thomas Heath / Washington Post:Plenty of Tickets Still Available for Nats' Home Opener
Discussion:
Capitol Punishment
Mark Zuckerman / Washington Times:Team payroll ranks 20th in majors
Discussion:
The Nationals Interest
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Papelbon slams the door — Francona goes to rookie instead of Foulke in ninth inning — ARLINGTON — Just three games into the season, Red Sox manager Terry Francona was by no means attempting to create a closer controversy Wednesday night at Ameriquest Field. All he was trying to do was win a game.
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Tony Massarotti / Boston Herald:
It's Papelbon, case closed: Tito knows rookie is right man for job — ARLINGTON, Texas - No matter what they say, no matter how much the Red Sox try to soften the edges, the message at Ameriquest Field was as blunt as a 95-mph fastball. Keith Foulke is out. Jonathan Papelbon is in.
Discussion:
Boston Sports Media Watch
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:Torch-passing can't wait — ARLINGTON, Texas — Talk about your short leashes.
Discussion:
Over the Monster
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:Foulke puts team ahead of himself
Discussion:
The Baseball Desert
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Notes: Wood, Prior moving forward — Lee extension expected soon; Jones to be all business in right — CINCINNATI — Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood will face hitters for the second time on Friday, while Mark Prior is accelerating his program as both continue their rehabs.
Discussion:
Goat Riders of the Apocalypse
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Mike Kiley / Chicago Sun Times:
Baker hopes home remedy cures the starters' woes — CINCINNATI — In two games, Cubs manager Dusty Baker already has had to call on dependable left-hander Scott Eyre to pitch 2-2/3 innings. Eyre has done well, allowing one unearned run on one hit and two walks, but Baker knows the pattern can't continue.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Mets unveil model of new stadium — Facility will pay homage to New York and club's history — NEW YORK — The highly anticipated future of Mets baseball has been unveiled, finally and officially, as the Mets showcased their digital dreams for tomorrow. — Highlighted by the exhibition …
Discussion:
Baseball Toaster
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Newsday:
Mets release details of new stadium plans — The Mets' new stadium will feature enhanced fan conveniences, more efficient parking, improved sight lines and a facade reminiscent of Brooklyn's old Ebbets Field. — The team announced the plans for their new ballpark at a press conference today attended …
Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
Under The Knife — Depth — It's clear that something happened in the game of baseball, either in the late sixties or early seventies. It was a subtle change, but as it got around the league after starting in football, players on every team were known to use this substance openly.
Discussion:
Black Betsy
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Notes: Turnbow fuels Brewers' sweep — Reliever's three straight saves pump up his teammates — MILWAUKEE — Every day at Miller Park begins with the national anthem and ends with Metallica. — At least that was true this week, as Metallica's hit song "Fuel" pumped through the sound system …
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Dave Sheinin / Washington Post:
New Orleans Is Ready to Play Ball — Nationals' Farm Team Will Open the Season Tonight Amid the Devastation — NEW ORLEANS, April 5 — Returning to New Orleans these days after any period of time away is an exercise in separating the Still-Here from the Still-Gone from the Gone-Forever.
Discussion:
Nationals Farm Authority
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Ryan Vb / Cardinals Diaspora:
About Last Night... Not content to merely enjoy the win, the Diaspora is compelled to deconstruct the the last nine innings. After all, it's what keeps us baseball bloggers in business. Ah, but we're also responsible for keeping the content fresh and timely - the true challenge of any good blog, but especially a baseball one.
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Fuentes asking "Y" his entry botched — The sun broke through Monday as if ordered by the city's chamber of commerce. The snazzy new scoreboard displayed colors sharper than real life. — The sellout crowd was ready to erupt in the eighth inning. Closer Brian Fuentes jogged …
Dave Studeman / Hardball Times:
Which Bullpens Won the Close Ones? — How do teams consistently win close games? Well, the first answer is that they usually don't. Close games are fickle. There is no better example in baseball history than last year's Nationals, who won 12 consecutive one-run games, then lost 13 of them in a row.
Discussion:
The Detroit Tiger Weblog
