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
RELATED:
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, baseballmusings.com, Red Sox Monster, Over the Monster and Surviving Grady
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:
NorthJersey.com, MLB Rumors, Wall Street Journal, MetsBlog.com, HardballTalk, New York Times and CBS New York
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, Gaslamp Ball, baseballmusings.com 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
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:
Bluebird Banter, Camden Chat and Batter's Box Interactive …
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
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
Erik Malinowski / Deadspin:
Baseball's Unwritten Rules, Uncovered After 26 Years — A few weeks ago, I found myself in Austin and happened upon one of these flea market-type warehouses. It's like a ginormous, impersonal yard sale: People come with their stuff, set it up in their little station, put a price tag on everything, and hope it eventually sells.
Discussion:
FanGraphs Baseball and HardballTalk
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
RELATED:
Paul Hagen / MLB.com:
Burrell grateful for chance to retire with Phillies — Even on the last day of his playing career, wearing a San Francisco Giants uniform in a game against the Colorado Rockies, Pat Burrell found himself thinking about the Phillies. — He had already decided this would be it.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
RELATED:
Fox Sports:
Great trade swindle: 10-year anniversary — The 10-year anniversary of one of baseball's all-time swindles is June 27. And if you want to know just how much of a haul the Cleveland Indians received from the Montreal Expos for right-hander Bartolo Colon, follow the money.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Amazin' Avenue and Baseball Nation
Associated Press:
Garza Shines, Greinke Routed as Cubs Beat Brewers — CHICAGO (AP) — Matt Garza pitched three-hit ball for 8 2-3 innings, and the Chicago Cubs sent Zack Greinke to his worst beating in 1½ years in an 8-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday that prevented a four-game sweep.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue, Associated Press and baseballmusings.com
Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Indians close to adding Damon to lineup — Cleveland seeking help for sagging early-season offense — CLEVELAND — The Indians have warned against rushing to judge their offense only five games into the season, but that does not mean they aren't in the hunt for possible upgrades to the laboring lineup currently in place.
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Damon says he's close to signing with Indians
Damon says he's close to signing with Indians
Discussion:
MLB and SI Tracking Blog
Associated Press:
Twins Power Their Way Back to Beat Angels 10-9 — MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Justin Morneau hit a two-run, go-ahead homer in the eighth inning and the Minnesota Twins rallied from six runs down to beat the Los Angeles Angels 10-9 on Thursday. — Joe Mauer went deep, too, hitting …
Discussion:
Twinkie Town and Associated Press
Associated Press:
Boesch Leads Tigers to 7-2 Win Over Rays — DETROIT (AP) — Brennan Boesch drove in four runs on his 27th birthday, leading the Detroit Tigers to their fifth win in six games to start the season, 7-2 over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. — Drew Smyly gave up a run in four-plus innings in his major league debut.
Discussion:
DRaysBay and Associated Press