Top News:
Ed Price / NJ.com:
Report: Murcer's biopsy negative — According to the YES Network's Michael Kay, tests undergone on Bobby Murcer's brain showed a form of necrosis, or scar tissue from radiation treatments and not another cancerous tumor. The Yankees broadcaster underwent a brain biopsy at a Houston hospital on Monday.
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Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Great news for Bobby Murcer — The biopsy he underwent on Monday revealed only scar tissue and no signs that his cancer had returned. — In a statement released by the Yankees, Murcer said he is checking out of the hospital today and will rest at home for a few weeks.
Bart Hubbuch / New York Post:
MAINE STREAM — PITCHER IS OK WITH MEAGER RAI$E — JUPITER, Fla. - John Maine couldn't agree on his salary with the Mets this year, so they decided it for him yesterday. — A 15-win season last season resulted in a mere $59,000 raise to $450,000 in 2008 for the young right-hander …
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David Lennon / On the Mets beat:
Alou (groin) sent back to New York; Vargas hurting too — Moises Alou is headed to New York today after complaining of discomfort in the right groin area. The Mets decided to send him for more tests, including an MRI, after Alou didn't feel right following Monday's game against the Braves.
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Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Groin injury has Alou back in New York — Outfielder to undergo MRI, all of starting outfield sidelined — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The number of able bodies in the Mets' projected starting lineup has been reduced to two. Left fielder Moises Alou, already considered an injury risk …
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
PSL: Alou has Strained Groin, Sore Hip — The Mets just announced that Moises Alou has a strained groin and has been sent to New York for as MRI. — ...it's just all so hard to believe...Omar Minaya talked to reporters a few moments, details of which will likely appear on our favorite beat writer's blogs …
Discussion:
FanHouse
Christopher Harris / ESPN:
30 Questions: What can we expect from the starting rotation? … Thirty teams, 30 burning fantasy questions. Throughout the preseason, we put one of these questions to an ESPN.com analyst for an in-depth look at the most interesting, perplexing or dumbfounding fantasy facet of each major league team.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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Michael O'Keeffe / NY Daily News:
Congressman Anthony Weiner asks FBI to end Roger Clemens investigation — America has bigger problems than Roger Clemens and steroids, Rep. Anthony Weiner said Wednesday. — The New York Democrat called on the FBI to end its investigation into whether the Rocket lied to Congress.
Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
Closer thinks team is saving too much — Jonathan Papelbon figures to make more than $550,000 and much less than $900,000 when his contract is finalized. At this point, a long-term deal seems out of the question. (J. Meric/Getty Images) — FORT MYERS, Fla. - With virtually no leverage …
Discussion:
Providence Journal, The Joy of Sox, The Bottom Line, Peter's Red Sox Forever and Boston Herald
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Associated Press:
Francona faces Torre without Red Sox-Yankees rivalry — FORT MYERS, Fla. - After four years as Boston's manager, Terry Francona can finally put his arm around Joe Torre behind the batting cage. — If Francona tried that when both led enemy squads in the intense Red Sox [team stats] …
Kat O'Brien / Newsday:
Four combine for five perfect innings — DUNEDIN, Fla. - Phil Hughes got pulled from a perfect game again yesterday. — OK, so this one - a spring training game in which he didn't continue after a rain delay in the second inning - had little or nothing in common with the no-hitter …
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Jonah Keri / ESPN:
Kendrick sticking with his aggressive approach — Editor's note: This is the second in Jonah Keri's series of Q&As with players and executives from the Cactus League. His first Q&A was with Arizona GM Josh Byrnes — Howie Kendrick is a batting champion waiting to happen.
Kevin Goldstein / Baseball Prospectus:
Organizational Rankings, Part 2 — Last Year's Ranking: 1 — Why They're Unchanged: Evan Longoria's full-season debut went even better than expected, and they added No. 1 overall pick David Price to the system. — Strengths: Yes. There are just tons of prospects everywhere …
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Brian Roberts deal not imminent, Cubs GM says — MESA, Ariz. - The Cubs still hope to acquire second baseman Brian Roberts and an outfielder before the end of spring training, but general manager Jim Hendry shot down Internet and radio rumors that a trade is imminent.
