Top News:
Fox Sports:
Sources: Andrus, Rangers nearing deal — The Texas Rangers suffered a disappointing loss on Opening Night, but they appear to be on the verge of a coup with far greater implications. — A contract extension for shortstop Elvis Andrus. — The Rangers are close to signing Andrus to a new eight-year deal …
Discussion:
CBSSports.com Sports News …, HardballTalk, FanGraphs Baseball and Lone Star Ball
Ian Duncan / Baltimore Sun:
Bob Turley, former Orioles pitcher, dies — Pitched Orioles first home game in Baltimore — Bob Turley, a hard-throwing right-hander who won the Orioles' first home game, died of liver cancer early Saturday morning, according to his son Terry Turley. He was 82.
Discussion:
MiamiHerald.com, Pinstriped Bible, CBSSports.com, baseballmusings.com, River Avenue Blues and HardballTalk
Edward Creech / MLB Rumors:
Red Sox Designate Mauro Gomez For Assignment — The Red Sox have announced they have designated infielder Mauro Gomez for assignment. The move was made to create room on the 40-man roster for Jackie Bradley, Jr. The Red Sox now have ten days to trade, release, or outright Gomez to the minors.
Discussion:
Boston Herald, the joy of sox, Over the Monster, baseballmusings.com and Dan Shaughnessy Watch
Nick Cafardo / The Boston Globe:
Terry Francona relishes fresh start with Indians — Refreshed, energized, and with something to prove, Terry Francona embarks on his third managerial mission, this one as challenging as he's ever had. — It's not often that a two-time World Series-winning manager has to step back and restart …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and HardballTalk
Bernie Miklasz / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Bernie: Designated hitter will debut in NL — Because you live in a National League town, I'm guessing that you despise the American League's use of the designated hitter. — This affront to baseball tradition has been going on for 40 seasons now. Starting in 1973, and activated …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Fernandez called up on whirlwind day of transactions — Hard-throwing righty summoned because of injuries to Marlins' starting rotation — WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jose Fernandez is on Miami's Opening Day roster after all. — An unexpected series of events led to the Marlins reversing course on Fernandez …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Associated Press:
Astros Strong in AL Debut, Top Texas in MLB Opener — HOUSTON (AP) — Rick Ankiel and the Houston Astros made an impressive debut in the American League, trouncing the Texas Rangers 8-2 Sunday night in the major league opener and giving Bo Porter a win in his first game as manager.
Discussion:
ESPN and The Crawfish Boxes
Andy Martino / NY Daily News:
A Booth Review: The Daily News chats with SNY broadcasters Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling — Cohen, Hernandez and Darling know that honesty is the only way to earn credibility in New York. — The trio of Ron Darling, Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez has cultivated a blunt style.
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
MLB salaries: Yankees, A-Rod reign as cash changes hands — HOUSTON - The New York Yankees insist they're in cost-cutting mode, but for the 15th consecutive year they will have Major League Baseball's top opening-day payroll at a record $228.8 million, according to USA TODAY Sports' annual salary survey.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Thomas Harding / MLB.com:
Colvin sent to Minors as Rockies set roster — After struggling this spring, Tyler Colvin was assigned to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Friday. — SALT LAKE CITY — The versatility of Jordan Pacheco, Eric Young Jr. and Jonathan Herrera, plus a rough spring offensively …
Discussion:
Lookout Landing, Purple Row, HardballTalk, CBSSports.com and Denver Post
David Lennon / Newsday:
It might make sense to promote Wheeler — and sign him to a long-term deal — The shocking revelation of another shoulder surgery looming for Johan Santana, along with the fragile nature of Shaun Marcum, put the idea of promoting Zack Wheeler back in the spotlight for the Mets this past week.
Discussion:
MLB.com, Newsday, Amazin' Avenue and Metsblog
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers officially set roster for Opening Day — MILWAUKEE — Outfielder Khris Davis and right-hander Alfredo Figaro made the final cut when the Brewers set their Opening Day roster on Saturday. — Davis won the final bench spot over catcher/first baseman Blake Lalli …