Top News:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Perez's Time as a Met Seems Short — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Mets may have finally reached their breaking point with the embattled left-hander Oliver Perez. A day after releasing second baseman Luis Castillo, the Mets watched in resignation Saturday as Perez struggled again.
Discussion:
NorthJersey.com, MetsBlog.com, New Jersey Online, New York Post and Mets Fever
RELATED:
Andy Martino / NY Daily News:
New York Mets expected to release Oliver Perez after cutting ties with Luis Castillo: sources — PORT ST. LUCIE - On Friday, the Mets appeased an angry public by releasing Luis Castillo - and sources say that Oliver Perez, another unpopular player with a generous contract, will likely soon follow him out of town.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, New Jersey Online and ESPN
Adam Rubin / ESPN:
Mets' patience with Perez running out — Even Ollie's most ardent supporter is dissatisfied after lefty gives up two homers — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — One day after the New York Mets released second baseman Luis Castillo, left-hander Oliver Perez moved significantly closer to the same fate.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Bob Klapisch / NorthJersey.com:
Luis Castillo was the Mets' best option at second base
Discussion:
Wall Street Journal, MetsBlog.com and ESPN
Andy Martino / NY Daily News:
Mets release veteran second baseman Luis Castillo after injury-plagued run in New York
Discussion:
The Yankee Analysts
Steve Popper / NorthJersey.com:
Mets release second baseman Luis Castillo
Discussion:
Crashburn Alley
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Pudge returns as starting catcher for now — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — After missing a handful of games because of calf problems, Nationals catcher Ivan Rodriguez was back in the lineup against the Mets on Saturday. — Rodriguez is going to miss at least two games next week because of personal reasons.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Morse snaps out of hitting slump — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Nationals outfielder Mike Morse snapped an 0-for-16 slump Saturday by hitting a double to right field in the seventh inning of a 7-4 loss to the Mets. He would later score on a three-run homer by Jeff Frazier.
Corey Brock / MLB.com:
Garza, Looper labor as Cubs fall to Friars — PEORIA, Ariz. — Aaron Harang tossed 5 1/3 shutout innings Saturday and Chase Headley added a grand slam as the Padres defeated the Cubs, 14-4, at the Peoria Sports Complex. — Harang allowed two hits in pitching into the sixth inning for the first time this spring.
Discussion:
6-4-2
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Associated Press:
Headley hits grand slam for Padres — San Diego Padres starting pitcher Aaron Harang pitches against the Chicago Cubs in the second inning of a spring training baseball game in Peoria, Ariz., Saturday, March 19, 2011. Harang pitches five and a third innings and allowed no runs and only two hits.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Evan Grant / Rangers Blog:
Nolan Ryan: Neftali Feliz looked “starterish” — SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Rangers maintain no decision has been made on how to proceed with RHP Neftali Feliz, who will either be the team's closer or move into the rotation. — On Saturday, however, after watching Feliz handle himself …
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer … and Yahoo! Sports
Fox Sports:
A-Rod could be primed for a big year — Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez was the American League MVP in 2003, '05 and '07. Don't be surprised if he emerges as a leading competitor for the award in '11. — “I can't say enough about his swing, his body, the shape he's in,” Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long said.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Doug Padilla / ESPN:
Spring training 2011: Ozzie Guillen: Jake Peavy on track to start season with White Sox — PHOENIX — Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen sees no reason why Jake Peavy wouldn't be able to start the season on the 25-man roster. — There was a question as to whether or not Peavy …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Tight biceps sends Cueto to early exit — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto was again forced to exit a start early because of stiffness in his right biceps muscle. — Cueto was slated to work three to four innings and throw 50-60 pitches vs. the Rockies on Saturday, but lasted just one inning.
Discussion:
Mark My Word and Yahoo! Sports
Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com:
Hart's comeback attempt hits roadblock — Rehabbing after shoulder surgery, righty to start '11 on 60-day DL — BRADENTON, Fla. — Kevin Hart was well aware of the odds. But that didn't stop him, until recently, from expecting to be the exception. — Hart, who underwent right shoulder surgery …
