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 …, Lone Star Ball and FanGraphs Baseball
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Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com Sports News …:
Andrus, Texas agree on eight-year, $120 million extension through 2022 — HOUSTON — The Rangers and Elvis Andrus have a deal on a $120 million, eight-year extension that will bring Andrus' commitment to $131 million over 10 years. — The sides hammered out the agreement during the past couple days.
Discussion:
MLB.com, MLB Rumors 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, Boston Globe, Over the Monster, the joy of sox, Dan Shaughnessy Watch and baseballmusings.com
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Jim Hawkins / MLB.com:
De Vries' final start cut short by forearm tightness
De Vries' final start cut short by forearm tightness
Discussion:
Over the Monster, Boston Globe and HardballTalk
Adam Berry / MLB.com:
Scott on DL with strained calf, could be out five weeks — ST. PETERSBURG — Luke Scott was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, backdated to March 24, after receiving a cortisone shot in his strained right calf. — Scott aggravated his calf Friday after his first at-bat in a Triple …
Discussion:
DRaysBay
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:
Fish Stripes, CBSSports.com and HardballTalk
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
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, MLB Daily Dish, Camden Chat and The Crawfish Boxes
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
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
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Nolasco a reliable presence atop Marlins' staff — Turnover leaves club with easy call for Opening Day starter against Nationals — MIAMI — Seniority made the decision a rather easy one. Then again, so did Ricky Nolasco's years of service and previous success.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
Adam Berry / MLB.com:
Leyland: Verlander's deal great for club, pitcher, fans — ST. PETERSBURG — A day after the Tigers and ace Justin Verlander agreed to a record-breaking contract extension, Detroit manager Jim Leyland chimed in on the idea of having Verlander in a Tigers uniform for, potentially, his entire career.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys