Top News:
Bill Chastain / MLB.com:
Maddon, Scott have mixed opinions of Fenway — DETROIT — Friday afternoon's game against the Red Sox will be Boston's home opener, kicking off the 100th season of Major League baseball at Fenway Park. — “That's cool, it's very cool,” manager Joe Maddon said.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, baseballmusings.com, Getting Blanked and NESN.com
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ESPN:
Rays' Scott piles on Boston: Fenway's a ‘dump’ — Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Luke Scott told MLB.com he thinks Fenway is “a dump” as the Boston Red Sox prepare to kick off their 100th season in the ballpark. — “As a baseball player, going there to work, it's a dump,” said Scott …
Discussion:
MLB
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Beckett, Red Sox hope to win back trust of fans
Beckett, Red Sox hope to win back trust of fans
Discussion:
Boston Globe, Over the Monster, baseballmusings.com, Red Sox Monster and Surviving Grady
Richard Griffin / Toronto Star:
Jays lucky to have coach Brian Butterfield, and he feels the same way — When the Blue Jays' support staff and coaches were introduced before the home opener Monday at the Rogers Centre, polite, rhythmic applause rolled through the stadium, predictable as morning surf washing up on a rocky beach.
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Mark Polishuk / MLB Rumors:
Make Or Break Year: Adam Lind — There were more than a few Blue Jays fans disappointed that Adam Lind was still the club's first baseman on Opening Day, given the (mostly unfounded) belief in Toronto that the team would make a push to sign Prince Fielder last winter.
Discussion:
Toronto Sun, Camden Chat, Drunk Jays Fans, Bluebird Banter and Batter's Box Interactive …
Associated Press:
Dodgers' planned sale before judge — WILMINGTON, Del.—A federal bankruptcy court judge in Delaware is deciding whether to approve a reorganization plan by the Los Angeles Dodgers that would put the team on track to exit bankruptcy by April 30. — The team said earlier this week …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
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Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers complete sweep of Pirates — LOS ANGELES — How the Los Angeles Dodgers will fare against the National League's top teams remains a mystery. — But one week into the regular season, this much is already clear: They can dominate teams short on talent, experience and money.
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
Andy Martino / NY Daily News:
David Wright's future with NY Mets hinges on third basemen's health, as current deal expires after club option for 2013 — Pinkie injury serves as reminder of third baseman's past woes — David Wright's health will help determine if Mets want to give hime long-term extension.
Discussion:
Wall Street Journal, NorthJersey.com, HardballTalk, MetsBlog.com, MLB Rumors, New York Times and CBS New York
New York Times:
Wide Use of Painkiller Before Games Raises Concerns — When Mets pitcher R. A. Dickey partly tore the plantar fascia in his right foot last May, he did what any competitive athlete would do: he weighed the risks and rewards of continuing to play with the injury.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Jayson Stark / MLB:
Stark: Don't bet on Dodgers spending big — Don't expect new owners to start throwing big money at top free agents — This is for all the amateur psychics out there who think they can predict the future of the soon-to-be back-from-the-dead Los Angeles Dodgers.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Associated Press:
Kennedy Pitches Diamondbacks to 3-1 Win Over SD — SAN DIEGO (AP) — Ian Kennedy struck out nine in six innings to remain perfect for his career against San Diego, and Jason Kubel doubled in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning to send the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 3-1 victory over the Padres on Thursday night.
Discussion:
Purple Row, baseballmusings.com, Gaslamp Ball and Yahoo! Sports
Michael Vega / Boston Globe:
Carl Crawford ‘frustrated’ with elbow injury — Carl Crawford made an appearance in the Red Sox clubhouse this morning and said the MRI he had on his left elbow earlier this week showed a strain. — Crawford, who started the season April 4 on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to March 26) …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Coop Scoop:
Brandon Inge update from Thursday — Brandon Inge completed his three-day rehab assignment with the Mud Hens Thursday night in Toledo's 8-1 win over Louisville at Fifth Third Field. Here's a look at how Inge played ... Defensively, Inge was outstanding at second base.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and Beck's Blog
David Pinto / baseballmusings.com:
Gio Improves — Gio Gonzalez saved his best for his home debut in Washington as he shuts out the Reds for seven innings. It was an impressive outing as Gonzalez allowed just two hits while walking none and striking out seven. This is the third start in a row in which the Nationals starter did not allow a run.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball and Red Reporter
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