Top News:
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.
Discussion:
Over the Monster and New York Times
RELATED:
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Alfredo being Alfredo — FORT MYERS, Fla. - The problem with not moving Alfredo Aceves this offseason is that the more incidents that pile up on his resume the harder it gets to move him and get something decent for a very good pitcher. — The Red Sox brought so many character guys into camp …
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Boston Globe
Dan Shaughnessy / The Boston Globe:
Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez still complaining about Boston
Discussion:
Boston Globe and Dan Shaughnessy Watch
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.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
Michael Baron / Metsblog:
Rubin: John Buck could get moved when the Mets promote Travis d'Arnaud — Adam Rubin of ESPN New York says it's possible the Mets could deal John Buck when the Mets decide to promote Travis d'Arnaud during the season. — “The summer David Wright succeeded Ty Wigginton at third base for the Mets …
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue and ESPN
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
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” …
Discussion:
Metsblog, HardballTalk, MLB Daily Dish, Amazin' Avenue, CBSSports.com and MLB Rumors
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.
RELATED:
Fox Sports:
Showalter balks at new pickoff rule — Every baseball fan has seen the move . . . and heard the groans when it doesn't work. — With runners on first and third, a right-handed pitcher fakes a pickoff to third base, spins and throws to first. The move itself almost never results in an out.
Discussion:
South Side Sox
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, New York Post, The Crawfish Boxes 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.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
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.
Discussion:
Fish Stripes
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
