Top News:
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:
Washington Post, Federal Baseball and Yahoo! Sports
RELATED:
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
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.
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Cain Delivers for Giants to Cap Unbeaten Spring — OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Matt Cain's job stability is now in excellent shape for years to come. On Tuesday night, he pitched with a clear mind. — Cain struck out six in five innings to cap an unbeaten spring, delivering in a 3-2 victory …
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Jane Lee / MLB.com:
Cain sharp in last exhibition start — OAKLAND — The Giants sealed an exhibition series victory over the cross-Bay rival A's on Tuesday with their second straight win against the green and gold, a 3-2 decision at the Oakland Coliseum. — Baseball's richest right-hander, Matt Cain …
Discussion:
Hardball Times
Richard Justice / MLB.com:
Marlins Park a work of art in every facet — MIAMI — It's an incredibly cozy place to watch a baseball game. Yes, Marlins Park is visually striking, with its glass and steel and lean contemporary design. It's a delight to the senses, with splashes of color, displays of artwork and bounties of regional food and drink.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
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:
ESPN and MLB Rumors
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Dave Studeman / Hardball Times:
When are game seven wins inevitable?
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
Steve Gilbert / MLB.com:
Hart collects pair of hits in spring debut — PHOENIX — A four-run eighth inning propelled the D-backs past the Brewers, 5-3, on Tuesday night in front of 14,270 at Chase Field. — The Brewers carried a 3-1 lead into the eighth as both teams began to put in their Minor League players.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit and Brew Crew Ball
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
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:
Foul Territory and MLB Rumors
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