Top News:
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Reds, Joey Votto Nearing Extension — 4:49pm: Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com hears that it's a ten-year deal and suggests that would mean ten years including the two already in place (Twitter link). — 12:14pm: Votto confirmed to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer that an extension is close.
RELATED:
Jfay / Cincinnati Reds:
Votto, Reds close to extension — Joey Votto and the Reds are close to a long-term contract extension. Votto confirmed a report by mlbtraderumors.com — “I can't comment till it's done,” he said. “You'll have to ask Walt (Jocketty). It's a gray area. I'll be much more forthcoming later.”
Discussion:
Red Hot Mama
Gerry Spratt / San Francisco Giants:
Details of Matt Cain's new contract — UPDATE FROM HENRY SCHULMAN, REPORTING FROM INTERSTATE 5: As we reported, this is a five-year, $112.5 million extension with club option for 2018 that vests automatically for $21 million if Cain hits an innings target in 2017.
Discussion:
El Lefty Malo, Los Angeles Times and Only Baseball Matters
RELATED:
Janie Mccauley / Associated Press:
Cain agrees to $127.5M, 6-year deal with Giants
Cain agrees to $127.5M, 6-year deal with Giants
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Josh Beckett getting exam but is expected to make his first start — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Josh Beckett has a thumb injury that is being checked out today in San Antonio, Texas. But manager Bobby Valentine said he “totally” expects Beckett to start against the Detroit Tigers on Friday.
Discussion:
Over the Monster, Surviving Grady, Yahoo! Sports and the joy of sox
RELATED:
Carroll Rogers / Atlanta Braves:
Braves reliever Martinez arrested for DUI - updated — Braves reliever Cristhian Martinez was arrested early Monday morning in Gwinnett County on charges of DUI, after allegedly weaving in and out of a lane and traveling at a low speed on I-85, confirmed Gwinnett County police spokesman Corporal Jake Smith.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports and SI Tracking Blog
Associated Press:
Hudson has first outing of spring for Braves — KISSIMMEE, Fla.—Tim Hudson made his first appearance of the spring, allowing an infield single over two innings for the Atlanta Braves in an 8-2 loss to the New York Mets. — Ruben Tejada hit a three-run homer and Bobby Parnell allowed two hits over three innings for New York.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports and Amazin' Avenue
Associated Press:
Reds LH Chapman moved back to bullpen — GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Left-hander Aroldis Chapman is headed back to the Cincinnati Reds' injury-depleted bullpen after spending spring training getting ready to be a starter. — Chapman, entering his third season with Cincinnati …
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish and baseballmusings.com
Marc Topkin / The Heater Feed:
Upton targeting return by mid-April — CF B.J. Upton said he is making good progress in his recovery from back soreness and is targeting a rerturn during the April 10-19 roadtrip to Detroit, Boston and Toronto. — “That's what we're shooting for,” Upton said this morning.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, HardballTalk and SI Tracking Blog
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Miss America to throw out ceremonial first pitch — GLENDALE, Ariz. — The reigning Miss America will throw a ceremonial first pitch before the Brewers' Opening Day game, part of festivities announced by the club on Monday. — Milwaukee's season opener is Friday against the Cardinals at Miller Park.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball and Brew Beat
Mike Puma / New York Post:
Bay may start to lose grip on regular LF job — Mets on Twitter — PORT ST. LUCIE — Jason Bay won't lose his starting job this week or likely even this month, but it doesn't mean the Mets left fielder is untouchable. — Though the idea has not yet reached the discussion stage among team executives …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, HardballTalk, Kranepool Society, FanGraphs Baseball and MLB Rumors
ESPN:
Power Rankings: Yankees in top spot to start year — ESPN.com — A new season awaits. Could a new champion be crowned once it's all said and done? We shall see. — The New York Yankees sit atop of our first MLB Power Rankings of the season. — The Texas Rangers …
Discussion:
Batter's Box Interactive …
John Romano / Tampa Bay Times:
The powerful piece of paper that is the Tampa Bay Rays lease — The threat begins on page 32 of the document. It doesn't sound scary at all. — And, yet, it is the reason politicians, business leaders and maybe even the commissioner of baseball are careful what they say about a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com