Top News:
ESPN:
Don Mattingly not critical of brass — When Dodgers manager Don Mattingly abruptly criticized the lack of fight and competitiveness on his team's “All-Star” roster Wednesday morning, he wasn't aiming that critique at the front office, despite widespread assumptions to the contrary, sources say.
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HardballTalk
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Fox Sports:
Dodgers prez sides with Mattingly — When Don Mattingly said Wednesday that the Dodgers could not expect to win simply by putting together a collection of All-Stars, many interpreted the manager's remarks as criticism of the team's front office and ownership. — Dodgers president Stan Kasten did not see it that way.
Discussion:
CBSSports.com Sports News …, HardballTalk and True Blue LA
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Don Mattingly, wanting Dodgers to be tougher, benches Andre Ethier
Discussion:
NY Daily News, Los Angeles Times, Purple Row, ESPN and FanGraphs Baseball
Ryan Divish / Mariners Insider:
Change is coming: Mariners to send down Jesus Montero to Tacoma, bring up Jesus Sucre — On the heels of a six-game losing streak and a 2-7 road trip, the Seattle Mariners will make an expected and needed roster move sometime today. — Catcher Jesus Montero will be sent to Triple-A Tacoma …
William Boor / MLB.com:
On comeback trail, Madson dealing with setback — ANAHEIM — Just as it has done so many times before, Ryan Madson's comeback attempt has taken another unexpected twist. — “Hopefully it's just a little glitch,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “I don't think it's anything major, but he needs to get over this.
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HardballTalk
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Alex Speier / Full Count:
Ben Cherington on D&C: In-season contract talks with Jacoby Ellsbury unlikely — Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury is is hitting .249/.318/.340. (AP) — Red Sox GM Ben Cherington, in an appearance on the Dennis & Callahan show, said that the Red Sox have talked at various points …
Discussion:
Over the Monster, HardballTalk and MLB Rumors
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Rob Bradford / Full Count:
Source: Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox haven't talked contract extension
Discussion:
Boston Globe, MLB Rumors and NESN.com
AJ Cassavell / MLB.com:
Pineda goes five innings in extended spring game — Right-hander underwent surgery last May to repair a torn labrum — Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda was acquired in a trade with the Mariners on Jan. 23, 2012. (AP) — Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda tossed five innings …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Fox Sports:
Setbacks can't keep Neal Cotts down — Joe Bick rattles off the date — Feb. 10, 2012. It was the day Bick, an agent, broke difficult news to his client, left-hander Neal Cotts. — “Neal, it's heartbreaking for me to tell you this, but I think we've run out of chances,” Bick recalls saying.
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus and Lone Star Ball
Teddy Cahill / MLB.com:
Mets showing confidence in Plawecki — Catching prospect ‘ready to move’ to next challenge in club's eyes — Even though catcher Kevin Plawecki struggled offensively last summer after the Mets selected him in the supplemental round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft …
Discussion:
Metsblog and Amazin' Avenue
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Choo's stock rising with play for Reds in contract year — Veteran outfielder, pending free agent, likely to attract plenty of attention — CINCINNATI — A revelation who has already exceeded high expectations, center fielder Shin-Soo Choo has been everything and more than the win-now Reds …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and Red Reporter
Mike Puma / New York Post:
Wheeler expected to make 2-3 more starts in minors, then join Mets: source — The Mets have clearly reached the countdown stage to Zack Wheeler's major league debut. — A high-ranking team official told The Post on Thursday that barring a setback, the club's top pitching prospect is expected …
Discussion:
Metsblog and CBSSports.com
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Indians Designate David Huff For Assignment — The Indians designated lefty David Huff for assignment to open a spot for another southpaw, Scott Barnes, tweeted the team. — Huff, 28, was designated for assignment when the team could not find a spot for him as the season began …
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe and MLB Daily Dish
Associated Press:
McCutchen paces Pirates to fourth straight win — Recap — Box Score — Play-By-Play — Photos — Conversation — Andrew McCutchen, Pirates beat Cubs for 4th straight win — PITTSBURGH — Andrew McCutchen had three hits and two RBIs to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates past …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout and ESPN
MLB.com:
Stanton takes BP on field, feels no discomfort — MIAMI — Progress is being made on Giancarlo Stanton's road to recovery. — The Marlins slugger on Wednesday afternoon took batting practice on the field. He estimated about 50 swings, and felt no discomfort.
Discussion:
Fish Stripes
Fox Sports:
Francona at peace in Boston return — His new team is in first place. His old team is in second place. Terry Francona doesn't want to be a story Thursday when they meet in Boston. He knows that is unrealistic. — As he returns to Fenway Park for the first time as manager of the Cleveland Indians …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and NESN.com
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