Top News:
Joe Lapointe / New York Times:
Yankees' Gardner Is Small and Speedy, With Big Shoes to Fill — TAMPA, Fla. — Among the perks for a center fielder in the new Yankee Stadium will be his proximity to Monument Park, which is directly behind the fence. — During pitching changes, he will be able to glance over his shoulder to study the bronze plaques.
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Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Spring Games 17 and 18: Yankees vs. Astros; Yankees at Pirates — * SEE THE UPDATE AT 10:08 A.M. FOR TICKET INFORMATION * — SPLIT-SQUAD YANKEES vs. ASTROS — Pitching: A.J.Burnett followed by Dan Giese, Brian Bruney, Edwar Ramirez, Christian Garcia. — ASTROS — Matsui DH — Michaels CF
Bob Ruffolo / The Voice of Yankees Universe:
Exclusive New Yankee Stadium Photos: March 14th, 2009 — I had the pleasure of being inside the New Yankee Stadium today. All reports are certainly true, it's an absolute palace. — This is a Voice of Yankees Universe exclusive. Feel free to share this post or any of these images.
Discussion:
Confessions of a She-Fan
Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
Pedroia injured at WBC — Dustin Pedroia suffered a strained left oblique muscle, though word is the strain was mild, according to a baseball source. Pedroia is expected back in Fort Myers, Fla., tonight — he is coming from Miami, where he is with Team USA for the WBC — where Red Sox team doctors will examine the second baseman.
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Tom Verduccci / Sports Illustrated:
Pedroia scratched … Team USA second baseman Dustin Pedroia left the team Saturday to be examined by Red Sox doctors in Fort Myers due to a strained muscle near his rib cage. — The Red Sox second baseman said he hoped to return to the American squad if doctors allow …
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Shoulder Shuts Down Mets' Redding — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — In 72 hours, Tim Redding has gone from fifth-starter candidate to long-relief favorite to not even making the Mets' opening day roster. — General Manager Omar Minaya announced Saturday morning that Redding had been shut …
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Adam Rubin / Surfing the Mets:
Redding to start season on DL — Omar Minaya said Tim Redding will start the season on the disabled list with shoulder fatigue. — Redding has a guaranteed contract for $2.25 million, and was headed for the long-relief role. The 31-year-old righthander is experiencing achiness and weakness …
Bart Hubbuch / Mets Blog:Redding has been shut down — PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets …
Discussion:
Mets Fever
Bob Raissman / NY Daily News:
Raissman: Kaat returns to booth but gets YES rejection — The MLB Network is looking to open the new Yankee Stadium in style, unleashing a formidable trio of voices who have never shared the same broadcast booth. — When the Bombers crack the regular-season seal on the new joint …
Discussion:
River Avenue Blues
Associated Press:
WBC: Puerto Rico thumps USA 11-1 — MIAMI (AP) — Carlos Beltran and Felipe Lopez both hit home runs as Puerto Rico dealt the United States an embarrassing 11-1 loss that was stopped early because of the mercy rule in the second round of the World Baseball Classic.
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Associated Press:
A's Duchscherer suffers setback in elbow rehab — PHOENIX (AP) — Oakland Athletics starter Justin Duchscherer will miss the start of the season because of a setback in his rehabilitation from an elbow injury. — Duchscherer had to stop playing long toss on Saturday morning because of persistent pain in his right elbow.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Phil Rogers / Chicago Tribune:
Gift Ngoepe could be South Africa's bequest to baseball — Remember the name even if you can't pronounce it — Gift Ngoepe. — Remember the name, even if you can't pronounce it. — Ngoepe (pronounced en-WEE-pay) has a chance to become a true baseball trailblazer — the first African to climb to the big leagues.
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Bud Selig says he's concerned about the economy — Commissioner acknowledges he wonders how the downturn will affect baseball and says his office has advised teams to prepare. — Reporting from Mesa, Ariz. — With opening day approaching and the economic crisis deepening …
