Top News:
Associated Press:
Terry Francona set for Fenway return — CLEVELAND — Indians manager Terry Francona is bracing for a lump in his throat and maybe a tear or two. — He's going back to Boston. — For the first time as an opposing manager, Francona will walk into famed Fenway Park to face the Red Sox …
Discussion:
Over the Monster
RELATED:
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
Rob Bradford / Full Count:
Source: Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox haven't talked contract extension
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and NESN.com
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.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
RELATED:
Kevin Baxter / Los Angeles Times:
Rehab start goes well for Angels' Jered Weaver — Right-hander gives up one run and six hits over 5 2/3 innings in an extended spring-training game in Arizona. He could return to Angels' rotation next week. — Jered Weaver on Wednesday moved a big step closer to returning from the disabled list …
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 …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, HardballTalk, Lookout Landing and MLB Daily Dish
Fox Sports:
Don Mattingly vents about Dodgers — Don Mattingly expresses his frustrations with the Dodgers and having his ‘hands tied.’ — Shocker: The Los Angeles Dodgers are disintegrating into a dysfunctional mess. — Manager Don Mattingly benched right fielder Andre Ethier …
Discussion:
Los Angeles Times and True Blue LA
RELATED:
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Don Mattingly, wanting Dodgers to be tougher, benches Andre Ethier
Discussion:
FanGraphs Baseball and ESPN
Jorge L. Ortiz / USA Today:
Soriano disses Harper as Nationals' woes continue — SAN FRANCISCO - Misplaced pitches. Punishing walls. Unyielding lockers. All sorts of factors are conspiring against the Washington Nationals, who are finding new ways to turn big preseason expectations into sheer mediocrity.
Discussion:
Nationals Journal, The Strike Zone, Federal Baseball and HardballTalk
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Nationals outlast Giants in 10 innings, avoid sweep
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, MLB and baseballmusings.com
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Jeremy Affeldt On Homophobia: I Was Wrong
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Old Time Family Baseball
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
Click2Houston.com:
Local 2 Investigates: Ball park food on bathroom floor — Snow cone vendor uses toilet, takes food with him … HOUSTON - — The Houston Astros are winning, the hot dogs are selling, and all is right with the world at Minute Maid Park. But not inside a men's restroom.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Big Lead Sports and Business Insider
Evan Burgos / Capital New York:
The making of a T-shirt mogul and leader of Mets fans — Darren Meenan's obsession with the Mets began with a security guard at the Shea Stadium press entrance: his grandfather, Bill. — Sometimes his grandfather would walk Meenan and his mother up the ramp from the press entrance to the seats behind home plate.
Discussion:
Metsblog
Associated Press:
Bautista Powers Blue Jays Past Rays 4-3 — TORONTO — Jose Bautista homered twice and drove in the winning run with a 10th-inning single, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. — Bautista went 4 for 4 with a walk and four RBIs.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com Sports News …:
Cardinals' Jaime Garcia will have shoulder surgery, out until 2014 — St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, sources close to the situation told CBSSports.com — Dr. James Andrews recommended the surgery, confirming the original diagnosis of a small tear in his labrum.
Discussion:
MiamiHerald.com, Viva El Birdos, MLB Daily Dish and baseballmusings.com
