Top News:
Howard Ulman / Associated Press:
AL MVP runner-up Ortiz gets extension — BOSTON —Red Sox slugger David Ortiz agreed Monday to a four-year contract extension through 2010, just five months after finishing runner-up for the AL MVP award. — The designated hitter was in the last year of a $12.5 million, two-year extension he signed in May 2004.
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Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Stern is at front, center — BALTIMORE - The calendar of Red Sox reserve outfielder Adam Stern hasn't been too booked up recently. — That's why he was pleasantly surprised to see his name atop the Red Sox lineup card when he arrived at the ballpark yesterday morning, giving him his first start this season.
Gary Jacobs / Sox on Deck:
Notebook: Mohr called up — PAWTUCKET - Dustan Mohr signed with the Red Sox in anticipation of a job in the big leagues. His assignment to Pawtucket took him by surprise, but after tonight's 5-0 loss to the Rochester Red Wings, Mohr got the news he had been waiting for …
Discussion:
Fire Brand of the …
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Sox set to kick off 95th Fenway season — Toronto (3-3) at Boston (5-1), 2:05 p.m. ET, Tuesday — The unofficial New England holiday known as the home opener is set for Tuesday afternoon, when the 5-1 Red Sox begin their 95th season at Fenway Park with a matchup against the much-improved Toronto Blue Jays.
Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Towers ready for Beckett matchup — Toronto (3-3) at Boston (5-1), 2:05 p.m. ET — TORONTO — The changes that Toronto made in the offseason have many fans and analysts believing the Blue Jays can contend for the division crown this year. If that's the case, Toronto will have to go through …
Jim Carley / MLB.com:
Ward's homer not enough as Nats fall — Stanton takes loss in relief as Washington drops series — HOUSTON — The panic button is packed away securely. No one even knows where it is. — In other words, after losing, 5-4, in 12 innings to the Astros, it's too early to worry …
Discussion:
Capitol Punishment
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Jim Carley / MLB.com:
Notes: Nats warned, ready for opener — Robinson serves suspension; Guzman decision coming — HOUSTON — Manager Frank Robinson will talk to his team before the Nationals begin their series against the Mets on Tuesday, but he won't be issuing any strong warnings.
Discussion:
Distinguished Senators
Associated Press:
Derrek Lee agrees to new five-year, $65M deal — CHICAGO — NL batting champion Derrek Lee and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a $65 million, five-year contract, a deal expected to be announced Tuesday. — "It's fairly likely something will be worked out," agent Casey Close said Monday.
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Chat with Randolph opened eyes — Mets outfielder Floyd has found motivation to gut out injuries — NEW YORK — As Cliff Floyd prepared to leave the Mets clubhouse Saturday afternoon, Willie Randolph pulled him aside. Manager and left fielder discussed the circumstances of the rain-interrupted weekend …
Discussion:
Mike's Mets
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Joe McDonald / nysportsday.com:
The Wright Star at the Wright Time — FLUSHING, NY - One more year, one more step to stardom for David Wright. And if the first week of the season was any indication, the young Mets' idol is just about achieving it. — "So many people are excited about what he is doing," …
Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
Under The Knife — A Friend is Gone Today — My Sidekick is dying. After two years, it's almost like a family member, but a mobile phone tied to the two-foot power cord due to a dead battery is hardly mobile at all. So my calls tonight were made standing at my bookcase here in the office …
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Mike Scarr / MLB.com:
Notes: Escobar puts his finger on pain — Right-hander files nail, will make next start Wednesday — ANAHEIM — Kelvim Escobar's therapy turned out to be a quick manicure. — Escobar had the nail on the middle finger of his right hand filed down and he will make his scheduled start …
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Conor / San Diego Serenade:
1986 World Series Game 6 Re-Enacted in RBI Baseball — So last week had the first day since I've been keeping the blog that I missed an entry. I felt bad about this lack of discipline, and no doubt you were upset as well. I wanted to post the little project that I was working on that diverted my attention from posting about music.
Discussion:
www.transplantedmetsfan.com
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Braves place Chipper on 15-day DL — Third baseman suffered right knee, ankle sprains Sunday — ATLANTA — Chipper Jones has been placed on the disabled list for the third consecutive season. But he and the Braves are hopeful that the sprains he suffered to both his right knee and right ankle won't prove to be a lingering problem.
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