Top News:
David Lennon / On the Mets beat:
Alou out 4-6 weeks — The Mets just announced that Moises Alou will have surgery tomorrow to repair a hernia and will miss the next four to six weeks. Alou was sent back to New York earlier today for further tests after complaining of discomfort in the groin area and the Mets got word of the results this evening.
Discussion:
The 'Ropolitans
RELATED:
ESPN:
Mets' Alou to have hernia surgery — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets left fielder Moises Alou will have surgery for a hernia and miss the start of the season. — The oft-injured Alou left spring training camp Wednesday and was sent back to New York for tests on his sore right groin.
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.
Discussion:
Hot Foot
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
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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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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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] …
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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 Bottom Line, The Joy of Sox, Peter's Red Sox Forever and Boston Herald
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.
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 …
Andrew Baggarly / Mercury News:
Giants' infield of future features Villalona — Augusta lineup also features shortstop, 2B — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Motorists on Hayden Road should look alive when they drive past the Giants' minor league complex. — Angel Villalona can reach them. — The stocky infielder is the star …
