Top News:
Troy Renck / On the Rox:
Rockies' Joe Torres apologizes following MLB suspension — SCOTTSDALE — After becoming the latest Rockies' player to be suspended, minor-league pitcher Joe Torres offered an explanation and apology following his positive test for amphetamines. — Torres reached out to The Denver Post today, providing the following statement.
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MLB.com:
Angels agree to terms on Minor League contract with veteran pitcher Jason Isringhausen — TEMPE, AZ - The Angels today agreed to terms on a minor league contract with RHP Jason Isringhausen (iz-ring-how-zin). — Today's announcement was made by General Manager Jerry Dipoto.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports and 6-4-2
Andy Martino / NY Daily News:
Ruben Tejada remains in Panama despite Terry Collins' desire to have Jose Reyes' replacement in NY Mets camp — Tejada is delayed in Panama while trying to obtain visa — Terry Collins understands the process Ruben Tejada (l.) is going through to obtain his visa, but the manager wants the shortstop in camp.
Discussion:
New Jersey Online and MetsBlog.com
Mark Saxon / ESPN:
Albert Pujols objects to Angels' ads — TEMPE, Ariz. — To the surprise of no one, the Los Angeles Angels have built their marketing efforts around newly acquired slugger Albert Pujols. — But one segment of that campaign has run afoul of the player's wishes.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, NESN.com, BBTF's Baseball Primer … and Deadspin
Kuiperfan / Joe Posnanski:
The First Argument Of Spring — This is a story about spring, baseball and the first wonderful and crazy argument of the new year. Baseball, I think, is the best argument game we have going. Sure, in other sports you can argue Tiger vs. Jack or Sampras vs. Federer or Montana vs. Unitas or whatever.
Discussion:
THE BOOK
Scott Lauber / Boston Herald:
Ortiz makes his grand entrance — FORT MYERS — David Ortiz [stats] knows how to make an entrance. — Big Papi arrived in camp today, offering hugs for many of his teammates and engaging the media for 30 minutes outside the clubhouse. He touched on a wide range of topics …
Discussion:
Boston Globe
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Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
David Ortiz talks about beer drinking, leadership and his new contract
David Ortiz talks about beer drinking, leadership and his new contract
Discussion:
the joy of sox and WEEI
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Tight back delays Kershaw's first bullpen — GLENDALE, Ariz. — Dodgers Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw missed his first bullpen session of Spring Training on Wednesday as a precautionary measure due to mild back tightness. — Kershaw, who signed a two-year, $19 million contract earlier this month …
Discussion:
True Blue LA and HardballTalk
Bob Brookover / Philly.com:
Howard impressive in BP — CLEARWATER, Fla. — You will read more about Ryan Howard later Wednesday after he talks to the media extensively for the first time since collapsing along the first-base line after grounding out to end the Phillies' 2011 season. — Howard, of course …
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
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Todd Zolecki / MLB.com:
Contreras fine following bullpen session
Contreras fine following bullpen session
Discussion:
The Good Phight and HardballTalk
Gregor Chisholm / MLB.com:
Blue Jays sign right-hander VandenHurk — DUNEDIN, Fla. — The Blue Jays signed right-hander Rick VandenHurk to a non-guaranteed split Major League contract on Wednesday. — VandenHurk, 26, appeared in four games for the Orioles last season, including two starts.
Discussion:
Batter's Box Interactive …
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Associated Press:
Jay Bruce reports 16 pounds slimmer — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Cincinnati Reds fans will see less of Jay Bruce this season. — The outfielder has reported to camp weighing 16 pounds less than at the end of last season. It's a noticeable change for the All-Star, who thinks the slimmer body …
Zack Meisel / MLB.com:
Piniella joins YES Network team — Duties as special contributor include analyst work for Yanks — The YES Network has added Lou Piniella to its Yankees on-air team. — Piniella will serve as a special contributor for Yankees coverage, working as an analyst on some games …
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Yahoo! Sports
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers made run at veteran Renteria — PHOENIX — Veteran infielder Edgar Renteria is considering retirement after spurning a pair of Minor League offers, his agent told FoxSports.com on Wednesday. Brewers GM Doug Melvin said one of those offers came from Milwaukee.
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings and Brew Beat
Bill Chastain / MLB.com:
Rays unveil promotions for home games — PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The Rays on Wednesday announced their promotional schedule for the 2012 regular season. — The Rays' season-opening series against the Yankees will include two giveaways. On April 6, all fans in attendance for the 3:10 p.m. ET game …
Phil Mackey / 1500 ESPN SportsWire:
SportsWire Twins Notebook: After ‘downward spiral,’ Sean Burroughs is one to watch — FORT MYERS, Fla. — There are some within the Minnesota Twins organization who believe Sean Burroughs could give incumbent third baseman Danny Valencia some real competition this spring.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Valentine keeping close tabs on Iglesias — FORT MYERS, Fla. — One of the most interesting Red Sox players to watch this spring will be Jose Iglesias, the highly touted shortstop prospect. Now that Marco Scutaro and Jed Lowrie are both gone, Iglesias might be able to play his way into the mix at some point this season.
Discussion:
Boston Globe