Top News:
ESPN:
Calf injury could keep El Duque from Game 1 start — NEW YORK — Already missing Pedro Martinez, the New York Mets suddenly might have to replace pitcher Orlando Hernandez in Game 1 of the playoffs because of a calf injury, too. — El Duque felt discomfort in his right calf while he was jogging …
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Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Hernandez questionable for Game 1 — El Duque injures right calf during workout at Shea Stadium — NEW YORK — There's seemingly a strong chance that Orlando Hernandez won't be able to start Wednesday's Game 1 of the Division Series. The Mets veteran right-hander was forced …
Associated Press:
Hernandez hurt, may not go for Mets — NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Mets are running out of healthy pitchers at the worst possible time. — Already missing Pedro Martinez, the NL East champions suddenly might have to replace scheduled starter Orlando Hernandez in Game 1 of the playoffs because of a calf injury, too.
Discussion:
The Catbird …
Gayle Ronan Sims / Philly.com:
Phillies' organist, Paul Richardson, dies — Paul Richardson, 74, whose 36 years of organ music was as much a part of Philadelphia baseball as the Phanatic's antics or Harry Kalas' voice, died of prostate cancer Monday at home in Wilmington. — Starting in 1970, Mr. Richardson wowed …
Discussion:
A CITIZEN'S BLOG
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NY Daily News:
Detroit's slip showing — Bumble is key to stumble — When you've arrived at this do-or-die juncture of the baseball season, as Jim Leyland did with his Detroit Tigers last night, only to face a Murderers' Row type of lineup that has not been seen since the 1920s, you have little choice …
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Associated Press:
Follow the Jeter — Yanks captain goes 5-for-5 with homer to burn Tigers — NEW YORK (AP) — In the New York Yankees' modern-day Murderers' Row, one player always stands out: Derek Jeter. — The Yankees captain tied the postseason record for hits, going 5-for-5 with two doubles …
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Beimel's status in jeopardy — Left-handed reliever injured in freak accident in hotel room — NEW YORK — Reliever Joe Beimel suffered a bloody gash to his pitching hand in a freak hotel accident Tuesday morning, leaving him in stitches and the Dodgers bullpen roster spots in limbo …
Discussion:
Metsblog.com
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nationals release six — Injuries common thread among players let go — WASHINGTON — The Nationals released pitchers Pedro Astacio, Zach Day, Ryan Drese, Brian Lawrence, Joey Eischen and Felix Rodriguez on Tuesday. All six were hampered by injuries during the 2006 season.
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nationals Could Try to Hire Girardi — Joe Girardi, fired yesterday as the manager of the Florida Marlins despite a season in which he became a leading candidate for the National League's manager of the year award, could become a prime target of the Washington Nationals, sources close to the situation said yesterday.
Lee Jenkins / New York Times:
Moving From Red Sox Nation to the Dodgers' Galaxy — Derek Lowe walked into an interview room at Shea Stadium yesterday, placed his glove over a folding chair, tested the microphone and formally introduced himself. — Then he issued what should have been an obvious disclaimer.
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
No one talking after Rangers meeting — Management remains mum on the future of Showalter — The sound of silence was deafening again Tuesday as the Rangers' top management troika met at the estate of owner Tom Hicks to discuss the future of manager Buck Showalter.
Ken Mandel / MLB.com:
Three coaches won't return to Phils — Bombard, Dancy and Varsho relieved of duties — PHILADELPHIA — Charlie Manuel will return to manage the Phillies in 2007, but he'll be searching for three new coaches. — "[Manuel will] be back for 2007," general manager Pat Gillick said when reached by phone on Tuesday night.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Analysis: Creativity, confidence keys heading into 2007 — By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — On the penultimate day of spring training, in the visitors' clubhouse at Fort Myers, Fla., shortstop Jack Wilson put forth the most accurate prediction of the year regarding the Pirates …
Discussion:
Bucco Blog
MLB.com:
Indians exercise 2007 club options on RHP Jake Westbrook and OF/INF Casey Blake — Westbrook won 15 games for second consecutive season; Blake raised average 41 points in 2006 after hitting .282 w/19 HR and 68 RBI — CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has exercised …
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Braves announce coaching changes — After experiencing their first losing season since 1990, the Braves will now undergo the biggest coaching staff overhaul in manager Bobby Cox's tenure. — After third-base coach Fredi Gonzalez was officially announced as the new Marlins manager on Tuesday afternoon …
