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Andrew Stoeten / Drunk Jays Fans:
Guest Post: Blue Jays Comic Book Giveaway Days: What Might Have Been — Enjoying spring training? I can't help but feel like Alex Anthopoulos has rewarded my penance for watching 19 years of mediocre baseball. He heard my prayers! And by prayers I mean the sound of my remote hitting the wall.
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Bluebird Banter
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Farrell addresses an issue with Aceves — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Alfredo Aceves took the mound on Field 4 on Sunday afternoon to throw live batting practice to teammate Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The drill is designed to simulate game conditions for the pitcher and hitter.
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New York Times
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Dan Shaughnessy / The Boston Globe:
Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez still complaining about Boston
Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez still complaining about Boston
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Boston Globe and Dan Shaughnessy Watch
Ken Davidoff / New York Post:
Wilpon should make good on debt-free claim by pursuing closer Valverde — PORT ST. LUCIE — Since Fred Wilpon just announced to the world he's debt-free and ready to spend, well ... here's a free agent for the taking who could help immediately: — The door remains “slightly ajar” …
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Metsblog, HardballTalk, MLB Daily Dish, Amazin' Avenue, CBSSports.com and MLB Rumors
Bill Chastain / MLB.com:
Peralta won't play in Classic — PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Joel Peralta confirmed on Sunday morning that he would not be participating for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, and noted he was disappointed about that fact. — “The main thing is, this is probably the only chance …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Dan Shaughnessy / The Boston Globe:
Downsized expectations for Red Sox' Mike Napoli — FORT MYERS, Fla. — He was a catcher, now he is a first baseman. He had a three-year, $39 million contract, now he has a one-year, $5 million contract. He was a 31-year-old athlete with more fortune and glory ahead of him.
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Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Kotchman embraces chance with newest team — Signed by Miami to provide depth at first, veteran is on sixth different squad since '09 — JUPITER, Fla. — Moving from team to team can have its advantages. — Casey Kotchman, the newest member of the Marlins, certainly is experiencing some.
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Fish Stripes
Brian T. Smith / Ultimate Astros:
Ex-Astro Roger Clemens responds to Mike Piazza's unfulfilled desire for karate revenge — KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Former Astros pitcher Roger Clemens on Sunday morning discussed Mike Piazza's comments in a recent autobiography about wanting to get revenge on the seven-time Cy Young-winner.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, The Crawfish Boxes, New York Post and ESPN
Steve Gilbert / MLB.com:
Trade rumors behind him, Kubel's focus on field — After late-season struggles, D-backs outfielder determined to produce all year — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Based on the hot stove chatter, the fact that Jason Kubel was in D-backs camp when it opened this past week was a bit of a surprise.
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MLB Rumors
Associated Press:
MLB set for arbitration shutout — NEW YORK — Baseball is set to finish its first arbitration shutout. — Cincinnati Reds pitcher Homer Bailey and San Diego Padres left-hander Clayton Richard agreed to one-year contracts Saturday, making it all but certain there will be no salary arbitration hearings …
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MLB Rumors
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Drew Davison / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers notes: Last season's collapse a distant memory — SURPRISE, Ariz. — Last season's collapse is a distant memory in the Texas Rangers' clubhouse. — So distant that manager Ron Washington spent little time addressing it during his annual speech before the first full-squad workout Saturday morning.
Discussion:
MLB.com, Lone Star Ball, HardballTalk, ESPN, MLB Injury News and Texas Rangers Blog
Marc Carig / Newsday:
Sophomore jump for Jordany Valdespin? He has a lot of competition — Photo credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa | Mets left fielder Jordany Valdespin fields a ground ball during spring training baseball in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (Feb. 16, 2013) — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. …
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Metsblog