Top News:
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.
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Report: Bonds failed amphetamine test — 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, Bonds attributed it to a substance he had taken …
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.
Kevin Czerwinski / MLB.com:
Duo hopes to crack Mets' rotation — As spring nears, Maine, Williams not taking anything for granted — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — John Maine and Dave Williams both insist their presence at the Mets' annual minicamp has everything to do with getting some early work in and nothing to do with trying …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
RELATED:
Michael Morrissey / New York Post:
PEDRO WON'T TAKE CHANCE — REHAB ON 'EXACT TIMETABLE' — The Mets began their annual minicamp yesterday in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Pedro Martinez came to work. The bad news is, Martinez won't pick up a ball until March and doesn't want to rush simply to return before the All-Star break.
Baseball America:
Going Deep: Manny Acta and Fredi Gonzalez — The National League East is feeding upon itself. The Marlins canned Joe Girardi as manager and hired Braves coach Fredi Gonazlez. The Nationals said goodbye to Frank Robinson and grabbed top managing prospect Manny Acta from the Mets.
RELATED:
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nats Will Not Offer Robinson a Paid Job — Washington Nationals President Stan Kasten said yesterday that Frank Robinson, the Hall of Fame player who served as manager during the club's first two seasons in Washington, will not be offered a paid position in the front office.
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:
Capitol Punishment, D.C. Sports Bog, Nationals Farm Authority and The Nationals Enquirer
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
RELATED:
Eric Pfahler / TCPalm.com:New York mets mini-camp: 'Hungr' Wright eager for next step
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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 …
Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Cardinals sign Mulder to two-year deal — Club also locks in Franklin, inks Ankiel, Cabrera to Minors pacts — ST. LOUIS — Familiarity bred content for Mark Mulder. The left-hander, recuperating from late-summer shoulder surgery, agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with St. Louis on Wednesday.
Discussion:
Oleanders and Morning Glories
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Ian Begley / NY Daily News:
Back to the Boogie Down — Former South Bronx star Sanchez hopes to make mark with Bombers — Humberto Sanchez made his annual appearance at South Bronx High School late last month to provide some of the Phoenix baseball players with perspective and instruction from a professional pitcher.
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Tigers finalize spring invite list — Veteran outfielder Perez to join Jurrjens, Dlugach in Lakeland — DETROIT — Prospects Jair Jurrjens and Brent Dlugach have joined Cameron Maybin among the Tigers farmhands who received invitations to Spring Training.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
