Top News:
Associated Press:
New Blue Jay Thomson rips Lo Duca's catching — TORONTO — John Thomson was surprisingly candid Wednesday about one of the reasons he chose the Toronto Blue Jays over the Mets: He didn't want to pitch to New York catcher Paul Lo Duca. — Thomson agreed to a $500,000 …
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Robinson offered spring job — Team doesn't extend full-time position to former manager — WASHINGTON — The Nationals announced during a press luncheon on Wednesday that Frank Robinson will not be offered a full-time job with the organization. Washington, however …
Discussion:
The Nationals Enquirer
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Around the Horn: Corner Infielders — Johnson, Zimmerman solid with the glove, bat for Nationals … WASHINGTON — The Nationals have two solid corner infielders in third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and first baseman Nick Johnson. — In his first full season, Zimmerman, 22 …
ESPN:
Mulder to return to Cardinals — After weeks of speculation, Mark Mulder has finally decided where he will pitch next season. — ESPN's Peter Gammons reported Wednesday that Mulder will return to the St. Louis Cardinals. The guaranteed deal is for two years and $13 million …
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos, Bucco Wire, Bucs Dugout, Cardinals Diaspora, The FYC, Baseball Musings, Let's Go Tribe and Wrigleyville23
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R.B. Fallstrom / Associated Press:
Mulder stays with Cardinals, accepting $13 million, 2-year deal — ST. LOUIS (AP) — Mark Mulder is staying with the St. Louis Cardinals, agreeing Wednesday to $13 million, two-year contract that could be worth up to $45,075,000 over three seasons. — The 29-year-old left-hander …
ESPN:
Sources: Schoeneweis close to 3-year deal with Mets — The New York Mets are on the verge of signing free-agent pitcher Scott Schoeneweis to a three-year deal, major league sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. — Schoeneweis has experience as a starter and a reliever …
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Associated Press:
Mets, Schoeneweis reach agreement — NEW YORK (AP) - Left-handed reliever Scott Schoeneweis and the New York Mets reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday on a $10.8 million, three-year contract. — The deal is pending a physical, according to three people familiar with the negotiations.
Sports Illustrated:
Worrell retires from Giants — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -Relief pitcher Tim Worrell retired Wednesday after a 14-year career that ended with the San Francisco Giants. — Worrell pitched for nine teams as a dependable, durable reliever and an occasional starter.
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Michael O'Keeffe / Sports Illustrated:
Friendly disagreement — Bonds' entourage major sticking point in negotiations — NEW YORK — Barry Bonds' buddies have become the biggest obstacle between the embattled slugger and the one-year, $20 million contract the San Francisco Giants offered him more a month ago.
Associated Press:
Paper: Bonds blamed failed amphetamines test on teammate — CBS SportsLine.com wire reports — NEW YORK — Barry Bonds failed a test for amphetamines last season and originally blamed it on a teammate, the Daily News reported Thursday. — When first informed of the positive test …
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T.J. Quinn / Sports Illustrated:
Speed trap — Bonds failed amphetamine test, blamed teammate — Barry Bonds, already under investigation for lying under oath about his steroid use, failed a test under Major League Baseball's amphetamine policy last season and then initially blamed it on a teammate, the Daily News has learned.
Adam Rubin / NY Mets Blog:
Mini-Camp News: Pedro 'Doing Better and Better' — Pedro Martinez stopped by mini-camp to be examined by trainer Ray Ramirez. Martinez, who had rotator cuff surgery in October, expects to be back after the All-Star break. — "I'm doing better and better," Martinez said.
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USA Today:
Preaching patience is name of game — They made a play for free agent sluggers Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano. — They told the Red Sox they were interested in outfielder Manny Ramirez. — They inquired of the Rockies about the availability of first baseman Todd Helton and with the White Sox about third baseman Joe Crede.
Sports Illustrated:
Tainted title — Marises believe MLB should return HR crown to Roger — Mark McGwire was already on the mind of Rich Maris, one of the kids of Roger Maris, when I phoned him on Tuesday. But that's only because earlier that day McGwire's annual $6,200 check had arrived to Roger's widow …
Discussion:
The Griddle
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Cubs may still have some moves to make — After spending nearly $300 million this off-season, the Cubs still aren't finished. — The team is trying to add two outfielders, and a trade of right fielder Jacque Jones remains a possibility. — Jones, signed for $9 million over the next two seasons …
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Anderson joins Brewers' broadcast team — New play-by-play announcer replaces popular Sutton — MILWAUKEE — The Brewers made it official Wednesday and named Brian Anderson of The Golf Channel to their television broadcast team. — Anderson will serve as the play-by-play announcer …
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
Anthony Rieber / Newsday:
A Pedro sighting — Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez is upbeat about his shoulder recovery as he visits Mets' minicamp. — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — On a day when the sun and clouds were fighting to a draw and the breeze was a little too chilly for Florida, the Mets held a mini-camp Wednesday …
Discussion:
Faith and Fear in Flushing
