Top News:
David Lefort / Boston Globe:
Opening spring pitching assignments; today's video — It was a busy day in Fort Myers, with Terry Francona, David Ortiz, and Mike Lowell holding press conferences, Coco Crisp talking about wanting to be an everyday player, and Manny Ramirez arriving on time, as he had said he would.
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Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe: Central casting — Ellsbury seems to be leading man, so what role will Crisp play?
Sports Illustrated:
Damon nearly walked away in '07 — When Johnny Damon walked out of spring training early last year, he thought he was walking away from the game, SI.com has learned. The Yankees explained Damon's absence early last spring as “personal reasons,” and there was a lot of wrong speculation …
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BryanHoch Hoch / Bombers Beat:The times, they're a changing — Derek Jeter was asked today if he missed Joe Torre.
Discussion:
Scott Proctor's Arm
Bart Hubbuch / Mets Blog:
Minaya: Garcia just visiting — PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets say they aren't interested in free-agent pitcher Freddy Garcia after the ex-Phillies starter made a surprise visit to their camp today along with his agents. — Mets GM Omar Minaya told The Post that Garcia just showed up to talk …
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Sports Illustrated:
Mets meet with free agent Garcia — Free-agent pitcher eyes return from shoulder surgery — Free-agent pitcher Freddy Garcia visited with the Mets on Wednesday, according to sources. — The Mets haven't said anything about possible progress in contract talks, but they have long …
ESPN.com:
A-Rod expects drug questions — TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez expects to be questioned repeatedly about drug use as he approaches Barry Bonds' career home-run record. — “Right now, the game is in a very not-trusting situation with our public, with our fans,” A-Rod said Wednesday …
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Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
A-Rod spins the story a little too much — Ah, the wonderful world of Alex Rodriguez. — During his meeting with reporters today, the subject of PEDs came up and Rodriguez said he was tested nine or 10 times last season. — While that sounds good, that many tests would indicate a problem.
Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates reach agreement with pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim — BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates this morning reached agreement on a contract with free-agent pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim. — It is believed to be a major-league deal, though no other terms are known. The San Francisco Giants …
Discussion:
Associated Press, Pittsburgh Lumber Co., Bugs & Cranks, MLB Rumors and MLB Fleece Factor
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Associated Press:
RHP Chacon and Astros agree to $2M deal — KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Pitcher Shawn Chacon and the Houston Astros agreed Wednesday to a $2 million, one-year contract. — The 30-year-old right-hander split time as a starter and reliever with Pittsburgh in 2007, going 5-4 with a 3.94 ERA and one save in 64 appearances.
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Scott Powers / Tourism Central:
Clemens out from ESPN The Weekend at Walt Disney World — Alluding to the steroids allegations controversy surrounding him as a likely distraction, superstar Major League Baseball pitcher Roger Clemens has bowed out of Walt Disney World's ESPN The Weekend festivities next week.
Todd Zolecki / philly.com:
Howard upbeat after arbitration hearing ends — Ryan Howard's salary arbitration hearing with the Phillies ended today and the slugging first baseman was upbeat when he emerged from the Renaissance Vinoy hotel in St. Petersburg. — “It was cool, it was a different experience being in there,” Howard said.
RELATED:
Jim Salisbury / philly.com:A window on how arbitration works
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated, Beerleaguer, MLB.com, The Good Phight, The Zo Zone, Phillies Nation, MLB Rumors, Baseball Musings and delawareonline
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Fogg on verge of deal with Reds — The representatives of right-handed pitcher Josh Fogg went into the offseason with expectations of a multi-year contract. — When spring training opened last week, however, Fogg was at home in Florida, and reality began to set in.
Discussion:
Dayton Daily News, MLB Rumors, Baseball Musings, Blue Collar Baseball and MLB Fleece Factor
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Nelson likes chances after strong 2007 — Winter development program a success; Branyan inks deal — PHOENIX — For the first time in years, the 2007 version of Brad Nelson looked a bit like the guy who topped the Brewers' prospect chart back in 2002. — He purposely put back on the weight …
Discussion:
BrewersNation
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Teixeira's status is a big deal — Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Will he be a Brave beyond this season? That's all anyone wants to know about slugging first baseman Mark Teixeira. But it looks as if he's going to keep us guessing. — Tex rolled into training camp Tuesday and said he's …
Dayn Perry / Fox Sports:
The best at putting the pieces together — Dayn Perry is a frequent contributor to FOXSports.com and author of the new book, “Winners: How Good Baseball Teams Become Great Ones” (Available now at Amazon.com). — Most often, it seems, fans and media following baseball focus on what the managers are doing.
Discussion:
Pinstripes PA
David Lennon / Newsday:
Reyes vows to tone down act this season — Jose Reyes, second from right, told Newsday he may tone down celebrations like this one and focus more on baseball this year. (Newsday / Kathy Kmonicek) — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - In addition to the Mets' championship dreams, a part of Jose Reyes died on that final weekend at Shea Stadium.
Bart Hubbuch / Mets Blog:
Part of Burgos' $270K bling gone — PORT ST. LUCIE - Mets reliever Ambiorix Burgos had $270,000 in jewelry stolen from his hotel room here Tuesday after leaving it in a shaving bag, Port St. Lucie police said. — Most of the bling was recovered last night, according to a police spokesman …
