Top News:
Associated Press:
Rockies-Padres Preview — Colorado Rockies manager Clint Hurdle is trying to determine who to bat cleanup. The way his entire lineup has swung the bats this weekend, it hasn't really mattered. — The Rockies hope to maintain their recent offensive surge and try for their first three-game sweep …
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
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Thomas Harding / MLB.com:
Sullivan tags two triples in an inning — Colorado center fielder is first to achieve feat since 1951 — SAN DIEGO — Rockies outfielder Cory Sullivan tripled twice in the fifth inning of Sunday afternoon's game against the Padres, tying a Major League record.
MLB.com:
Notes: Crisp may have broken finger — Center fielder sustains injury during awkward slide — BALTIMORE — As they were winging their way back to Boston following a 5-1 road trip to open the season, the Red Sox were presented with their first hurdle of the 2006 season.
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Mike Scarr / MLB.com:
Yankees power past Colon — Out-of-sorts ace exits in third as Angels miss chance at sweep — ANAHEIM — It may be early for concern, but Bartolo Colon is not himself. — Two starts into the season, Colon has yet to show the form that garnered Cy Young Award honors a year ago and he's looked less than ordinary in the process.
Discussion:
6-4-2
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Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Bullpen session slated for Prior — Rothschild to get look Tuesday at Wrigley — Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild will get an up-close look at Mark Prior when the right-hander throws on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. — Prior will be in town because of an ongoing lawsuit over a 2004 autograph session in Naperville.
Discussion:
Goat Riders of the Apocalypse
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Tigers on deck as Sox end skid — KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Detroit Tigers' quick start presents a familiar look to White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko. — "The worst thing you can do is call them a fluke," Konerko said Sunday before the Sox headed to Comerica Park to start a three-game series against the 5-1 Tigers.
Discussion:
Exile in Wrigleyville
Tom G / Balls, Sticks, & Stuff:
MasterPhil — On Sunday, Phil Mickelson won the Masters tournament. — At the conclusion of every Masters tournament, the previous year's champion presents the current champion with the green jacket of Augusta National Golf Club's membership. This year, Tiger Woods, the 2005 winner, did the honors.
Daedalus / Church of Baseball:
Week One Wrapup — So we've reached the end of the first week of the 2006 baseball season. I've decided to write a regular Sunday column wrapping up each week of the season, focusing mostly on the teams I follow, but I'm including a section called "Around the horn" looking at baseball in general.
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Grand finale: Cubs rock Cards to sweep — Barrett bashes go-ahead slam late; Jones adds three-run shot — CHICAGO — Imagine having a tornado drop a large tree into your living room, then having to face St. Louis closer Jason Isringhausen with the game on the line.
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Ronald Blum / Associated Press:
Baseball to tell Mets and Nationals to 'just play ball' — Baseball to tell Mets and Nationals to 'just play ball' — NEW YORK (AP) — After a series in New York that included seven hit batters, Major League Baseball is telling the Mets and Washington Nationals to be on their best behavior …
Discussion:
The Musings and Prophecies …
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Penny, Dodgers earn twin bill split — Righty tosses seven strong innings, drives in go-ahead run — PHILADELPHIA — A year ago, Brad Penny was on the disabled list, his arm still weak from injury and his career prospects uncertain. — On Sunday, he looked like a staff ace.
Discussion:
6-4-2
Tony Kuttner / MLB.com:
Chipper, Giles injured in Braves' loss — Jones sprains ankle, hurts knee; second baseman strains quad — SAN FRANCISCO — Atlanta lost half its infield to injuries in Sunday's 6-5 defeat at the hands of San Francisco, with third baseman Chipper Jones' knee and ankle much more worrisome …
Steve Henson / Los Angeles Times:
Gagne's Surgery Is Quick and Easy — PHILADELPHIA — Eric Gagne's elbow surgery Friday was "a very simple little thing," according to Dr. Frank Jobe, and the All-Star closer could be back by late May. — Jobe and Dr. Ralph Gambardella removed a sensory nerve that caused pain when Gagne threw …
Discussion:
L.A. Daily News
Associated Press:
Orioles add reliever Morris, cut Chavez — BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles expanded their thin pitching staff to 12 players Sunday, purchasing the contract of reliever Cory Morris and designating catcher Raul Chavez for assignment. — The Orioles started the season with the theory …
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Notes: Tracy happy with Pirates — Ex-Dodgers manager to face former team in home opener — PHILADELPHIA — Jim Tracy was on the speaker phone on Sunday morning from Cincinnati, his Pirates still winless but his spirit unbroken. — It's been six months since his five-year stint as Dodgers manager ended.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Soriano making outfield strides — Nationals slugger working to change throwing technique — HOUSTON — Nationals slugger Alfonso Soriano has made significant strides in left field since Spring Training. Thanks to the coaching he has received from first-base coach Davey Lopes and Jose Cardenal …
Discussion:
Distinguished Senators


