Top News:
Adam Kilgore / Nationals Journal:
Elijah Dukes released (updated) — The Nationals this morning granted outfielder Elijah Dukes, a player brimming with potential yet haunted by a controversial past he had seemingly moved beyond, his unconditional release. — “Everyone in Elijah's camp is surprised,” said Dukes's attorney, Grady Irvin.
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Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER:
Elijah Dukes released — Elijah Dukes had just three hits in 20 at-bats this spring before his release today. — KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Nationals have unconditionally released outfielder Elijah Dukes, the team announced this morning. — [UPDATE AT 11:05 A.M.] Manager Jim Riggleman …
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Nationals Release Elijah Dukes — The Nationals released outfielder Elijah Dukes, according to a team press release. According to a tweet from MASN's Ben Goessling, the move had nothing to do with off-the-field issues. This is very surprising news, as Dukes projected as the team's starting right fielder …
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Rangers manager failed 2009 test for cocaine … Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine during the 2009 season, SI.com has learned. — Washington, 57, has been subject to increased drug testing since his failed test, which was administered by Major League Baseball last July …
Chicago Sun Times:
Bradley cloud may have a Silva lining — MESA, Ariz. — Maybe if the Seattle Mariners could have done a little more for Carlos Silva's mom the last two years, they would have gotten more for their money. — Instead, that Silva-for-Milton Bradley deal might start looking even better …
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Gordon Edes / ESPN:
Source: Full prognosis still not known … PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Boston Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland underwent brain surgery Tuesday and the initial reports are that it “went well,” according to a source in the organization. — A complete prognosis will not be known for a few days …
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Alex Speier / Full Count:
Sox: Westmoreland surgery ‘successful’
Discussion:
The House That Dewey Built
Tom Singer / MLB.com:
How St. Patrick's became baseball's holiday — Cincy GM Dick Wagner turned the Reds green in '78 — Throughout Florida and Arizona, baseball goes green today, and it has nothing to do with recycling or carbon footprints. Green caps, green bases, maybe an occasional green bat donut — and sure and begorrah to all.
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Francoeur armed with unique skill — Outfielder racking up assists while scaring off baserunners — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A baseball bounces through the right side of the Mets' infield, the runner on second base begins his sprint and a routine exhibition game no longer is so inconsequential.
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Crew allowing time for rotation decisions — Club shuffles spring starts among pitching candidates — SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Brewers are making arrangements to give themselves as much time as possible to render decisions about the back end of their starting rotation.
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
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Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals are deep enough, DeWitt says — February 26, 2010 — Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. (left) talks with general manager John Mozeliak during Cardinals spring training at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. (Chris Lee/P-D) — JUPITER, Fla. — Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr …
Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
Lowrie has mono — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Time for everyone to keep their cups to themselves. That mystery illness that has afflicted Jed Lowrie? That would be mononucleosis. — “He can play as tolerated,” Terry Francona said. “There's a reason he was feeling rundown last week.
Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com:
Persistent Carrasco earning his Buc — Once acquired for dollar, Pirates reliever in big league plans — BRADENTON, Fla. — It was one of the odder requests that general manager Neal Huntington had ever received while conducting negotiations with a player.
NY Daily News:
New York Yankees keep eye on Minnesota's contract talks with catcher Joe Mauer — TAMPA - Like everyone else in baseball, the Yankee high command is watching with keen interest how the Joe Mauer negotiations with the Minnesota Twins play out this spring. — Unlike most other teams …
Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
New York Mets' Kiko Calero positions himself to be Francisco Rodriguez's setup man — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Back before the 2003 season, Kiko Calero was thinking his chance with the Cardinals might be his last in baseball. He had pitched well in the Royals' system, but it had taken …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Chad Jennings / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Rivera making his debut tonight — Mariano Rivera will make his first spring training appearance tonight. On the list in the Yankees clubhouse, Rivera's named was second — ahead of Phil Hughes — so it might be Rivera who pitches immediately after starter A.J. Burnett.
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