Top News:
Mike Kerwick / NorthJersey.com:
Mets' sluggers can see the writing on the wall — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - A group of fans tried to stop Daniel Murphy on his way out to Field No. 7. Earlier in the morning, he had signed every bat, glove and piece of paper handed his way. — But now he had an appointment.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com and Bats
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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
Fox Sports:
Marlins' salary plan may anger union — The minimum salary in the new collective-bargaining agreement increased from $414,000 to $480,000, giving even the lowest-paid players a handsome wage. — Baseball's economic system, however, allows clubs to otherwise determine the salaries of players …
Discussion:
Miami Marlins and HardballTalk
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Rockies' Dexter Fowler gains power in offseason but not at expense of speed — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Don't look. Just listen. The ball sounds louder coming off Dexter Fowler's bat. It goes farther too. — The Rockies center fielder — and arguably the most important player to their lineup …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
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.
RELATED:
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
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
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:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Viva El Birdos, HardballTalk, NESN.com, BBTF's Baseball Primer … and Deadspin
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
Tim Brown / Yahoo! Sports:
Kemp calls his shot: 50 homers, 50 steals in 2012 — GLENDALE, Ariz. - Fifty-fifty, is what Matt Kemp said. — Fifty-fifty. — Like Broadway Joe calling Super Bowl III. — Like Newt Gingrich calling for a moon colony. — You know, somewhere between unlikely and if the moon were a planet, that's the planet he'd be from.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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 …
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
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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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 Soxaholix, the joy of sox and WEEI