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, Washington Post 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 and ESPN
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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:
MLB Daily Dish, Yahoo! Sports 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 and Foul Territory
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Todd Wills / MLB.com:
Gonzalez, Snyder, Gentry make Texas' bench
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball and Yahoo! Sports
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
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
Chad Jennings / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Pregame notes: Roster must be set tomorrow afternoon — I'll try to make this quick because the schedule is kind of goofy today and the game starts in less than an hour... The Yankees have until 5 p.m. tomorrow to set their roster. Joe Girardi is still not willing to commit officially …
Discussion:
Bronx Baseball Daily and River Avenue Blues
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.
Marc Topkin / The Heater Feed:
Another woe: Farnsworth has elbow soreness — UPDATE, 3:36: Though nothing official from the Rays, players in the clubhouse said they have heard Farnsworth will be on the DL to open the season. Both Fernando Rodney and Joel Peralta said they are ready and willing if asked to take over closing duties.
Discussion:
DRaysBay
