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.
Discussion:
Metsblog.com
RELATED ITEMS:
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.
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
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 …
RELATED ITEMS:
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
MLB.com:
Mets unveil architectural and design plans for new ballpark — Innovative state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for baseball brings fans closer to action; Ballpark ushers in new era of superior sightlines, amenities, and comfort to provide superior fan experience throughout venue
Discussion:
Mets Geek
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Young guns strong-arm Rangers — Beckett settles down, gets first Sox win thanks to Papelbon — ARLINGTON — His adrenaline still heightened after pitch No. 109 baffled Michael Young for an inning-ending strikeout, Josh Beckett pumped his fist with vigor and hopped off the mound.
RELATED ITEMS:
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.
Tony Massarotti / Boston Herald:It's Papelbon, case closed: Tito knows rookie is right man for job
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
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
RELATED ITEMS:
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:Notes: Wood, Prior moving forward
Discussion:
Goat Riders of the Apocalypse
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
RELATED ITEMS:
John Nadel / Associated Press:
Gagne to have surgery Friday — Gagne to have surgery Friday — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dodgers closer Eric Gagne will have surgery Friday to remove a nerve from his pitching elbow, his second arm operation in less than a year. — Team spokesman Josh Rawitch said there was no timetable …
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
TICKET PRICES UP: — PHILADELPHIA — The Cardinals have given new meaning to their Golden Age. — A combination of significantly higher ticket and concession prices along with a static payroll leaves the defending National League Central champions in an enviable financial position …
Discussion:
Redbirds Fun
Bill Center / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Klesko mulls shoulder surgery — Arthroscopy would cost him 2-4 months — By the end of the week, Padres first baseman Ryan Klesko expects either to be heading for Arizona or the operating table. — "We want to go another couple of days to see if we can get it turned around," …
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball
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 …
MLB.com:
Mariners acquire RHP Jose De La Cruz from Tampa Bay in exchange for RHP Marcos Carvajal — Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Bill Bavasi announced today that the Mariners have acquired right-handed pitcher Jose De La Cruz from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays …
Discussion:
Lookout Landing
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:
Brew Crew Ball
