Francona releases Red Sox lineup  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email  —  HOUSTON — The source of much conversation and expectation, the Red Sox [team stats] Opening Day lineup was unveiled this morning by manager Terry Francona.  Only two real discussion points …

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Brewers got off to a powerful start, and the defending NL Central champions had the big finish.  —  One game in, the Reds are at it again.  —  Ramon Hernandez hit a two-out, three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning Thursday, rallying Cincinnati to a 7-6 victory …

Dye ‘at peace’ with decision to retire  —  In each of the past two offseasons, Jermaine Dye expressed frustration that no team would offer him a contract that he deemed suitable.  —  But Dye, upon informing FOXSports.com of his retirement Thursday, said he was “at peace” with his decision to end his career at age 37.

Rays sign Wade Davis to extension  —  The Tampa Bay Rays signed starting pitcher Wade Davis to a four-year extension Thursday.  —  The contract, which contains three club option years (2015-17), guarantees Davis $12.6 million.  If the Rays exercise the three option years, the 25-year-old Davis will make approximately $35.1 million.

Maybin home run saves Padres; Pujols 0-for-5  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cameron Maybin tied it with a two-out homer in the ninth inning and grounded a single that led to the go-ahead run in the 11th Thursday as the San Diego Padres opened with a 5-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ankiel, Riggleman note Cox's absence  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals manager Jim Riggleman and outfielder Rick Ankiel said that it will be weird not seeing former Braves manager Bobby Cox in the opposing dugout.  —  Cox retired after the 2010 season.  He guided the Braves to five pennants and one World Series title.

Hunter, Mathis Homer as Weaver, Angels Beat KC 4-2  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Torii Hunter and Jeff Mathis homered, helping Jered Weaver and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 Thursday in a chilly season opener.  —  Weaver allowed two harmless singles to Melky Cabrera …

D'Backs Sign Josh Wilson  —  The Diamondbacks signed infielder Josh Wilson to a minor league deal, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic (Twitter links).  Wilson, who was released by the Mariners earlier in the week, will report to Triple-A Reno.

Hamels learned value of between-starts preparation  —  It came in the stifling St. Louis heat, everything Cole Hamels had worked for.  —  Players and coaches still talk about that game on July 22, 2010, and not just because it was the turning point for the Phillies, a chaotic day that ended …

Pirates Sign Tim Wood  —  The Pirates signed recently-released right-hander Tim Wood, MLBTR has learned.  It didn't take long for Wood to find a job after the Nationals released him and two others.  —  Wood logged 27 2/3 innings for the Marlins last year, posting a 5.53 ERA with more walks (15) than strikeouts (10).

Derek Jeter, equipped with new contract from Yankees & swing from Kevin Long, out to defy history  —  Sometime this summer, the collective gaze of the baseball world will descend on Derek Jeter as he becomes the first Yankee in history to record 3,000 hits.  —  Those same eyes are likely …