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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All Nats All the Time:
Nats release Dukes; may have interest in Dye — The Nationals have released right fielder Elijah Dukes and right-hander Logan Kensing on Wednesday morning. — The Nationals trimmed their roster to 44 players. — Of the two players, Dukes is the significant one because he was slated …
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HardballTalk
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 …
Discussion:
ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, USA Today, HardballTalk, Lookout Landing, Chicago Breaking Sports, Walkoff Walk, Kranepool Society, Deadspin, Fanhouse MLB Blog, The Big Lead and 6-4-2
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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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.
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.
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
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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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.
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 …
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Rockies' Street suffers setback — TUCSON — Rockies closer Huston Street suffered a setback with his injured right shoulder on Tuesday, creating a strong possibility that he will open the season on the disabled list. — Street said that he will undergo an MRI today to try …
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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