Top News:
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Lo Duca responds to Mitchell Report — Nationals catcher apologizes for ‘mistakes in judgment’ — VIERA, Fla. — Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca reported to camp on Saturday and broke his silence about being named in the Mitchell Report, apologizing for “mistakes in judgment.”
RELATED:
Dave Sheinin / Nationals Journal:
Lo Duca and Acta — Your new starting catcher has arrived in Viera, safe and sound, and he just finished meeting with the media, including one reporter each from New York and Los Angeles. Lo Duca took some questions about the Mitchell Report, but dodged some of the most pointed of those.
Mark Feinsand / New York Daily News Blogs:
Mussina takes Hughes, Kennedy under his wing — It's Day 2 of Camp Girardi, and the pitchers appear resigned to the fact that they're going to have to do more running this spring than they have in the past. — Other than that, it's business as usual. Phil Hughes will throw …
Discussion:
Scott Proctor's Arm
RELATED:
Kobrien / On the Yankees beat:
Odds and ends from Tampa — Here are some odds and ends from Tampa: — *The Yankees had a 30-minute meeting with Kei Igawa after workouts today, just to make sure they are on the same page. It was designed to be a positive thing, in hopes they can salvage the contract.
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
If Andy Pettitte falters, Yankees could regret passing on Johan Sanatana — TAMPA - Andy Pettitte's teammates believe he will have little trouble handling the distractions that are sure to follow him this season. Hank Steinbrenner hopes they're right, or his regret over not dealing …
Sarah Talalay / Sun-Sentinel:
Marlins ballpark agreement reached — The Marlins, Miami-Dade County, the city of Miami and Major League Baseball reached agreement late Friday to finance a $515 million ballpark at the site of the Orange Bowl, according to a source. — The agreement was not released …
Discussion:
Palm Beach Post, The Biz of Baseball, MLB Fleece Factor, MLB Rumors, ShysterBall, The Griddle and Al's Ramblings
Randolph E. Schmid / Associated Press:
Baseball Fielders Ranked by Fielding — BOSTON (AP) — Hit 'em where they ain't is ancient advice to baseball batters. Now statistics explain why it works. — Based on his time with the Texas Rangers, Alex Rodriguez is one of the game's best shortstops, according to researchers led …
RELATED:
Popular Science:
Statheads Speak: Derek Jeter, You Stink! — Despite the three gold gloves, multiple forms of statistical analysis show that “the Captain” is the worst-fielding shortstop in the Majors — A-Rod and Jeter: — Once upon a time, the only fielding statistic listed on the back of baseball cards …
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
News: Mets and Perez talking only 2008 — According to a text message from SNY's Kevin Burkhardt, Mets GM Omar Minaya told reporters that he is no longer trying to negotiate a long-term contract extension with Oliver Perez. — Instead, the Mets and Perez's agent, Scott Boras …
RELATED:
Bart Hubbuch / New York Post:A BIG LEAD — REYES REPORTS 3 DAYS EARLY — Jose Reyes …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Richard Sandomir / New York Times:
At Berra Museum, the Display of Clemens's Jersey Is Over — The Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center last week removed a Roger Clemens jersey from an exhibit about the Yankee renaissance that started in the mid-1990s. — “We're trying to project the positive virtues of baseball,” …
RELATED:
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Giambi reportedly in great shape — Spent some time with Ian Kennedy this morning and he was telling me about his house in Henderson, Nev., right outside of Las Vegas. — Jason Giambi lives in Las Vegas, so I asked IPK whether he had hung out with the Big G this winter. — Turns out he didn't.
Associated Press:
Schmidt looks impressive in first bullpen outing — VERO BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jason Schmidt, a question mark entering spring training, looked impressive in his first bullpen outing Saturday and was all smiles afterward. — “Knock on wood, I hate to even say anything.
RELATED:
Will Harris / ESPN:
St. Louis Cardinals fantasy team preview … Only six National League teams finished 2007 with a worse record than the Cardinals' 78-84 mark, and this season there could be even fewer. St. Louis had serious issues in the rotation and bullpen last season, neither of which have been addressed.
Bart Hubbuch / Mets Blog:
Beltran makes headlines — PORT ST. LUCIE — Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran made plenty of news in just a few minutes this afternoon. — Beltran not only revealed that surgery on both knees last October should cause him to miss at least the first few games of spring training …
Henry Schulman / San Francisco Chronicle:
In Lowry, Giants are looking out for No. 3 — (02-16) 04:00 PST Scottsdale, Ariz. — There is more to the story of why the Giants named Barry Zito their Opening Day starter, and it has to do with who will be slotted third in the rotation - the team leader in wins last year.
