Top News:
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.
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Notes: Counsell knows his role — Cameron rests hamstring; Yost mulling Fielder-Braun lineup — PHOENIX — On one hand, Brewers veteran Craig Counsell wants to play. But if he does play extensively in 2008, it means something has gone terribly wrong for the team.
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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 …
Ken Mandel / MLB.com:
Rollins says not so fast to Mets — Beltran's claim one of several topics on shortstop's mind — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Jimmy Rollins' state of the Phillies address has graduated into an annual tradition. — Such was the case on Wednesday, when the reigning National League MVP discussed …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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Associated Press:
Rollins sees Phils winning 100 games — Reigning MVP arrives, replies to Beltran's prediction — CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Jimmy Rollins showed off a new pair of personalized red, white and blue Nike sneakers and answered a few questions before he got his first chance to reply to Carlos Beltran's boast.
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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Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Astros sign versatile free agent Chacon — Righty starter/reliever inked to one-year, $2 million deal — KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Houston Astros signed right-hander Shawn Chacon to a one-year deal worth $2 million plus incentives, general manager Ed Wade announced on Wednesday.
Discussion:
The Transaction Guy
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Associated Press:
Crisp might ask for trade if he doesn't win CF job — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Coco Crisp, who lost his center-field job to rookie Jacoby Ellsbury in the postseason, said Wednesday he'd probably talk to the Boston Red Sox about trading him if it appears he won't get his starting job back.
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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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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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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.
Discussion:
Who Made You Mirabelli?
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards talk to reps for Weaver, Colon — JUPITER, Fla. — The Cardinals' January signing of free agent righthander Matt Clement to an incentive-laden, one-year contract was intended to address an innings shortage that torpedoed last season's starting rotation.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
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, Baseball Musings, MLB Rumors, MLB Fleece Factor and Blue Collar Baseball
Spring Training / Associated Press:
Padres whetting their appetites for exhibition trip to China — PEORIA, Ariz. (AP)—Passports and visas are just as necessary as bats and balls this spring training for the San Diego Padres—not to mention an appreciation for Chinese food. — The Padres are starting to piece together …
Adam Rubin / New York Daily News Blogs:
How not to request autographs — John Maine has a tip for people seeking autographs via the mail. Well, at least I have a tip, after observing Maine sign autographs by his locker after his workout today. — No. 1: Players see through the form-letter stuff.
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Valentín Wants Chance to Make a Difference — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The way Jerry Manuel remembers it, José Valentín had been a member of the Chicago White Sox for a little more than a month when, during a spring training meeting in February 2000, he got up from his chair and shared a few thoughts.
Discussion:
Mets Fever
