Top News:
Sports Illustrated:
Howard v. Phillies (cont.) — Wang is no Michael Jordan — Wang was shooting for the moon with his $4.6-million arbitration request, and his representatives also badly overshot when they tried to compare Wang to Michael Jordan — yes, that M.J.! — in his hearing. That's why it's no surprise he lost at $4 million.
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Mike Petraglia / MLB.com:
In shape and on time, Manny reports — Slugger ready for big '08, says future won't be distraction — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Saying he wants to finish his career in a Red Sox uniform, Manny Ramirez underwent his physical on Thursday and declared himself ready to begin preparing for the upcoming season.
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Reds sign veteran starter Fogg — Right-hander agrees to one-year deal worth $1 million — SARASOTA, Fla. — For the Reds' younger rotation candidates, their chances of landing a starting spot just got harder. — Free agent right-hander Josh Fogg signed a one-year, $1 million contract.
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Associated Press:
Fogg signs with Reds — SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Right-hander Josh Fogg agreed to a one-year contract Thursday with the Cincinnati Reds, who are trying to fill out their rotation. — The 31-year-old pitcher will get a chance to win a spot in a rotation that is in flux after right-handers Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo.
John Fay / Reds Insider:
Fogg official — Josh Fogg is officially in the fold. The Reds signed him to a one-year deal Thursday afternoon. Bobby Livingston was placed on the 60-day disabled list to open up a roster spot. — Talks had been going on for some time. — “This is the place I want to be,” Fogg said.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Mike Rose / On the Mets beat:
Duque's last dance? — Interesting chat with Orlando Hernandez a few minutes ago. Turns out he didn't have bunion surgery as the Mets said. The bunion on his right foot is still there and its causing him problems this spring. — El Duque had surgery to fix a dislocated second toe …
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Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
A-Rod: Jeter will win MVP — Alex Rodriguez predicted about 30 minutes ago that Derek Jeter would win the MVP and that Bobby Abreu would have a monster year. — “I think Jeter is going to have an MVP season. That's my prediction for the year,” Rodriguez said. “And Bobby's going to have a monster year.”
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Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:A-Rod exaggeration causes stir
Discussion:
SPORTSbyBROOKS, NJ.com, The Globe and Mail, New York Post, New York Times and It is about the money, stupid
Danny Knobler / MLive.com:
Sheffield on Boras: ‘Bad person’ — LAKELAND, Fla. — Gary Sheffield livened up the Tigers' spring training camp this morning, ripping into Scott Boras, his former agent. — Sheffield and Boras have been in dispute for five years, since Sheffield fired Boras in 2003.
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Associated Press:
Sheffield calls ex-agent Boras a ‘bad person’ — LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) - Gary Sheffield put himself in the spotlight again, and the Detroit Tigers slugger enjoyed every second of it. — “My family has been trying to get me to walk away for a while now because they don't like the negative stuff that comes my way.
Discussion:
MLB Fleece Factor
Todd Zolecki / philly.com:
Phillies' Ryan Howard wins arbitration — CLEARWATER, Fla. - Ryan Howard has won his salary arbitration hearing against the Phillies, a baseball source told The Inquirer this morning. — He will make $10 million this season. — The Phillies had offered $7 million.
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Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Source: D-backs, Trot Nixon agree … The Arizona Diamondbacks have reached an agreement on a minor league contract with veteran outfielder Trot Nixon, according to a baseball source. — Nixon, 33, gives the Diamondbacks some insurance from the left side of the plate as corner infielder Chad Tracy continues …
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Anthony Witrado / JSOnline:
Diet fit for a Prince — Fielder takes meat off his menu as he opts for vegetarian lifestyle — Phoenix - As Prince Fielder matures, he's not afraid to try new things. — At the plate and on his plate. — Fielder is known as a large, imposing figure on the field.
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
J. Byrnes, Hall get 8-year extensions — TUCSON - Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes and President Derrick Hall are being rewarded with contract extensions, each receiving an eight-year deal that will run through 2015. — The contracts are expected to be announced today, the first day of full-squad workouts in Tucson.
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
The white Cadillac has arrived — Manny just pulled in moments ago. He was wearing flip-flops, cargo pants (the fashionistas may dispute that description; I'm not exactly cutting edge on such things), a T-shirt that said Rock Unsteady brand LRG, and was carrying his own equipment bag.
Mets Blog:
Milledge has no regrets — Give Lastings Milledge credit for honesty. — The Washington Nationals outfielder did not let out one phony “I'm sorry” or a fake “I've changed” while speaking today about his occasionally rocky time with the Mets. — “If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it the same way that I did it.
Discussion:
Hot Foot
