Top News:
Associated Press:
BoSox's Bailey needs surgery, likely out until July … WASHINGTON (AP) — As planned, the Boston Red Sox will have a new closer to open the season. It just won't be Andrew Bailey. — The Red Sox announced Tuesday that Bailey will have surgery on his right thumb, likely ruling him out for most of the season.
Discussion:
Boston Globe
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Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Surgery for Bailey on Wednesday — This release from the Red Sox: … Jarrod Saltamacchia had that surgery near the end of the 2010 season. The surgery typically takes 3-4 months of recovery time. Given that Bailey is a pitcher, it could be longer given that he would need time to rebuild his arm strength and regain his command.
Aaron Gleeman / HardballTalk:
Nationals demote left-hander John Lannan and his $5 million salary to the minor leagues — UPDATE: It's official, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson. Lannan has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse and Detwiler will open the year as the Nationals' fifth starter.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports and Federal Baseball
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Adam Kilgore / Washington Post:
Nationals will option John Lannan, Ross Detwiler likely the Nationals fifth starter — The Nationals plan to option John Lannan to Class AAA Syracuse, a person with ties to the organization said, which presumably makes Ross Detwiler the Nationals' No. 5 starter entering this season.
Discussion:
Baseball Nation and Nats Enquirer
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Theo preaches patience in first year at helm — MESA, Ariz. — Theo Epstein has signed autographs, posed for pictures and received more than a few reminders about how long it's been since the Cubs won a World Series, and he's prepared for the inevitable “noise” from impatient fans.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
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Dave Studeman / Hardball Times:
When are game seven wins inevitable?
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball and THE BOOK
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Reds Claim Alfredo Simon — The Reds have claimed Alfredo Simon off of waivers from the Orioles, Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun tweets. The Orioles had placed the 30-year-old right-hander on waivers over the weekend. — Simon posted a 4.90 ERA with 6.5 K/9, 3.1 BB/9 and a 43% ground ball rate …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, MLB Daily Dish and Red Reporter
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Kinsler may be next to land big extension — Rangers infielder negotiating six-year deal as opener nears — ARLINGTON — With less than three days to go before the start of the season, the Rangers are still trying to negotiate a possible six-year contract extension with infielder Ian Kinsler.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
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Todd Wills / MLB.com:
Gonzalez, Snyder, Gentry make Texas' bench
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball and Yahoo! Sports
Dustin Parkes / Drunk Jays Fans:
Jays Demote Cecil; Call Up Carreno To Start — The National Post's John Lott tweeted moments ago that the Toronto Blue Jays have demoted Brett Cecil all the way down to Double A, and have called up Joel Carreno. Lott believes that Carreno will start the third game of the season in Cleveland …
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter, Bless You Boys and baseballmusings.com
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Gene Duffey / MLB.com:
Schafer testing left hand, wants to play opener — HOUSTON — Center fielder Jordan Schafer returned to the Astros' starting lineup for Tuesday night's exhibition game against the Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park. — Schafer had been sidelined for two weeks after injuring his left hand making a diving catch in the outfield.
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
Anthony Chiang / MLB.com:
Swisher continues to round into form in loss — Outfielder homers, doubles as Yanks fall late to Mets — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Ike Davis hit a solo homer in the bottom of the ninth to give the Mets a 7-6 win over the Yankees at Digital Domain Park in the clubs' first Florida meeting since 1996.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Associated Press:
Marquis rejoins Twins after daughter's accident — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Right-hander Jason Marquis has returned to the Minnesota Twins after a two-week leave to tend to his seriously injured young daughter. — Marquis threw a simulated game for the Twins on Tuesday, still wearing a hospital wristband.
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Tigers place Inge on 15-day DL with groin strain — LAKELAND, Fla. — After all the speculation this spring about Brandon Inge's future with the Tigers, the longest-tenured Tiger will open the season on the disabled list. The Tigers placed Inge on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain on Tuesday.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and Yahoo! Sports
