Top News:
Dan Barbarisi / Providence Journal:
Papelbon calls Manny a ‘cancer’ — Francona says trade speaks for itself — JUPITER, Fla. — In the latest issue of Esquire Magazine, Jonathan Papelbon calls ex-teammate Manny Ramirez a “cancer,” and says the team clearly had to get rid of him. — Papelbon didn't travel with the team …
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Chris Jones / Esquire:
Jonathan Papelbon Grinds His Teeth — You would, too, if you had his strength and intensity and unguarded rage. But now that he has a big contract to go with that rage, will the Boston Red Sox closer still be able to summon it? — This morning, Jonathan Papelbon reported to a college campus …
Discussion:
Los Angeles Times, ...gettingpaidtowatch, sox1fan.com, Boston Globe, 6-4-2 and The Mighty Quinn Media Machine
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Jonathan Papelbon pops off on Manny Ramirez — + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email — FORT MYERS - Jonathan Papelbon [stats] minced few words about the dark, final days of Manny Ramirez [stats]' tenure with the Red Sox [team stats] in an interview in the April issue of Esquire magazine.
Jerry Crasnick / MLB:
Los Angeles Dodgers are curious about Pedro Martinez — GLENDALE, Ariz. — The New York Mets don't have any interest in bringing back Pedro Martinez. But another one of Martinez's former employers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, could emerge as a candidate to rescue him from unemployment.
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Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Salaries for the 0-3 Yankees — When a player has 0-3 years of service time, there is no bargaining for a contract. You are guaranteed only the minimum — which is $400,000 this year. — The Yankees, like most teams, have a salary scale for 0-3 players based on service time rather than performance.
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Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Joba among 20 to sign one-year deals — Yanks reach agreement with all of their non-arbitration players — TAMPA, Fla. — Joba Chamberlain was among a group of 20 Yankees players who inked contracts for the 2009 season, signing a split deal that would pay him $432,575 if he spends the entire season in the Major Leagues.
Todd Zolecki / MLB.com:
Phils weighing several bench options — Club may opt to keep three lefties or add righties to reserve mix — PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Phillies manager Charlie Manuel swears he hasn't started to think about how his bench might look Opening Day. — He said there is plenty of time for that.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Chicagosports / Hardball:
Zambrano gets Cubs Opening Day start; Marmol back — MESA, Ariz.- Manager Lou Piniella named Carlos Zambrano as his Opening Day starter on Thursday, giving Big Z his fifth straight opening assignment. — How did Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild decide on Zambrano over Ryan Dempster?
Discussion:
GoatRiders of the Apocalypse
Kat O'Brien / Newsday:
Rivera faces hitters, says he “feels great” — LAKELAND, Fla. - Mariano Rivera faced hitters for the first time yesterday since his October surgery on the AC joint of his right shoulder. — Rivera said, “Everything feels great,” and he is closing in on his first game action.
Ross / New Stadium Insider:
Who Said There Was More Leg Room At The New Yankee Stadium? — We recently posted photos illustrating the much-improved leg room for the seats in the Grandstand at the New Yankee Stadium. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about these multi-year commitment, $500 per ticket seats down the first base line:
Karen Crouse / New York Times:
Mark McGwire Surfaces and Talks About Helping Hitters — The voice on the other end of line, as enthused as a rookie's after the first day of spring training, belonged to Mark McGwire. He was calling from California on Thursday to talk about his rebirth as a hitting instructor.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Marc Topkin / The Heater:
Perez out at least three months — Update 10:32 An obviously disappointed OF Fernando Perez, out at least three months with a dislocated left wrist, tried to take the setback in stride, but said he learned a valuable lesson in the process. — Perez said he knew instantly …
Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com:
Volstad leaves after taking line drive — Marlins right-hander doesn't expect to miss his next start — JUPITER, Fla. — Marlins starter Chris Volstad was rolling along through this third Spring Training start against the Cardinals on Wednesday. — Then the fifth inning started.
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FishStripes
Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com:
Amezaga out four to six weeks — Tests on Marlins utility man reveal sprained left knee — JUPITER, Fla. — Of all the players on the Marlins, Alfredo Amezaga was probably the last guy the organization wanted to see suffer an injury. — “He's like three guys,” manager Fredi Gonzalez …
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Bottom9 Baseball
