Top News:
David Lennon / Newsday:
Bunt attempt by Wolverines irks Mets' Wagner — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Forget the Phillies. Billy Wagner nearly started a beanball war with the University of Michigan after one overzealous Wolverine tried to bunt on him in the fourth inning. With a runner on second and one out, centerfielder Kevin Cislo pushed his bunt foul.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
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Bart Hubbuch / Mets Blog:
Mets open with a tie — Quick hits from Port St. Lucie after the Mets' 4-4 exhibition tie with the University of Michigan at Tradition Field: — 1. The Mets were on the verge of an embarrassing loss until Michel Abreu launched a two-run homer run to right-center with two out in the bottom of the ninth.
Discussion:
Mets Merized Online
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Yanks Aim for Giambi to Return to First — TAMPA, Fla. — The winter meetings will be in Las Vegas in December. That is where Jason Giambi lives. So what are the chances Giambi hits the town with a general manager and winds up with a rich new contract? — Giambi, still a proud night crawler …
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
DeRosa won't alter Cubs' plans — Cubs in brief — MESA, Ariz. — Don't expect Mark DeRosa's medical issues to have any bearing on the Cubs' pursuit of Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts or any other player. — “What's happened to DeRosa will have no effect on how we go about our business …
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ESPN.com:
Rays' Kazmir to have MRI after feeling discomfort — Tampa Bay Rays ace Scott Kazmir left the team's intrasquad game Tuesday without throwing a pitch after feeling discomfort in his elbow, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark is reporting. — Kazmir told told the Rays he felt discomfort in his elbow …
Discussion:
Kranepool Society
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Bryan Burwell / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
La Russa on McGwire, others in Mitchell Report — JUPITER, FLA. — When he is out here between the chalk lines, Tony La Russa seems to practically glide across the wide expanse of the Cardinals spring training complex, talking baseball with whoever wanders through the Roger Dean Stadium gates.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Hill dominates in batting practice — Righty throws well, but experiences right forearm soreness — VIERA, Fla. — Nationals right-hander Shawn Hill threw his second batting practice on Tuesday, and he was dominating despite experiencing right forearm soreness, the same injury that bothered him last spring.
Associated Press:
Cardinals pitchers will bat eighth — JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Tuesday his pitchers would bat eighth in spring training games in which the designated hitter is not used. — La Russa then plans to continue the practice once the regular season starts.
Alan Schwarz / New York Times:
New Twist Keeps Dickey's Career Afloat — PEORIA, Ariz. — By all rights, R. A. Dickey should be working a day job somewhere, cursing twisted fate. Or he should be coaching at some Tennessee high school, telling kids what he once was and lamenting what might have been.
Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Angels' Quinlan is facing an unsure spring — Utility player is hoping to secure one of the limited roster spots. — TEMPE, Ariz. — The only thing Robb Quinlan is guaranteed of this season is the $1.05 million he will receive in the second year of the two-year, $1.85-million deal he signed before the 2007 season.
Discussion:
Halos Heaven
Justice B. Hill / MLB.com:
Notes: Braun progressing in left field — Former third baseman adjusting to fly balls, throws to infield — PHOENIX — Manager Ned Yost's eyes are fixed on Ryan Braun, penciled in as the Brewers' left fielder this season. — For Braun, left field will be new turf after he spent 2007 as the team's third baseman.
Ed Price / NJ.com:
Mussina responds to Theo Epstein — Theo Epstein, general manager of the Boston Red Sox, called Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina a “bad apple” for complaining about the team's trip to Japan in 2004. — The Red Sox open this season against the Oakland A's in Japan.
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Mets open Grapefruit slate vs. Tigers — Pelfrey to take mound; Beltran, Castillo likely out — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Mets' diet of Michigan-based teams continues Wednesday. One day after they played a 4-4 tie against the University of Michigan, they are to play a presumably more formidable opponent, the Tigers.
Discussion:
Loge 13
Joe Christensen / Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Perkins continues on track — FORT MYERS, FLA. - Lefthander Glen Perkins missed 3 1/2 months because of a shoulder injury last season, and when he returned to make seven scoreless appearances for the Twins in September, it was a big boost mentally. — So far, he seems to be carrying that momentum into spring training.
