Top News:
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
'Healed' Guzman Sits Out — Though his injured shoulder is healthy, Washington Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman didn't throw during the club's first full-squad workouts Tuesday and will be held out until later in the week. — Guzman had an MRI exam on his surgically repaired right shoulder Monday …
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Kevin Goldstein / Baseball Prospectus:
Top 100 Prospects — In his first year at Baseball Prospectus, Kevin Goldstein combined his eye for talent, his broad network of sources and his unique blend of skills analysis and performance analysis to bring minor-league coverage to BP. Now, he synthesizes that information into a complete ranking …
Todd Zolecki / Mercury News:
Jimmy Rollins reiterates: Phillies will win NL East — CLEARWATER, Fla. - He said it. He meant it. — So Jimmy Rollins repeated his proclamation, saying Tuesday that the Phillies - a team that hasn't made the postseason since 1993 - is the team to beat in the National League East.
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Marty Noble / MLB.com:
October in mind, Wagner adds pitch — Split-finger fastball designed to give Mets closer endurance — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — He was involved in the bunt coverage drills and made an impression with his seemingly effortless but powerful throws to bases. Then, Ambiorix Burgos moved …
Discussion:
Hot Foot
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Source: Young has offer from Rangers — Shortstop, team won't discuss negotiations for long-term deal — egrant@dallasnews.com — SURPRISE, Ariz. - The sound of silence is deafening. — According to a major league source, the Rangers have offered shortstop Michael Young a contract extension …
Discussion:
Baseball Time in Arlington
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George King / New York Post:
SURLY SHEFF — GARY: TORRE TOOK FIRE OUT OF ME — The blaze in his belly has carried Gary Sheffield from the streets of Tampa to the doorsteps of Cooperstown. Now, as he moved toward the first base line last October to be introduced with the reserves prior to Game 3 of the ALDS vs …
Associated Press:
O's Benson tries to avoid shoulder surgery, opts for rehab — CBS SportsLine.com wire reports — FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kris Benson is making a final, desperate attempt to avoid surgery on his injured right shoulder with aggressive rehabilitation.
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David Lennon / Newsday:
A fountain of youth on tap — Aided by light beer, Alou hopes to remain healthy and produce — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Moises Alou doesn't credit any miracle diet or magic elixir for his ability to remain one of the game's most accomplished hitters at the age of 40.
Discussion:
The FanHouse
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C. Trent Rosecrans / Cincinnati Post:
Yankees refugee Crosby likes camaraderie on Reds — SARASOTA, Fla. - When Bubba Crosby walked into the Reds clubhouse at the City of Sarasota Sports Complex for the first time, he saw something he wasn't really used to, guys hugging each other and talking about dinner plans.
Joe Sheehan / Baseball Prospectus:
Prospectus Today — Invitations to the Dance — It's fair to say that in my quest to find interesting things to write about, I focus a bit to much on the obscure relative to the obvious. Certainly, me and a lot of guys who look like me put way too much emphasis on the secondary channels …
Discussion:
Always Amazin'
Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Wood moving to third base — Position change could help the organization's top power prospect get to the majors faster. — TEMPE, Ariz. — Speculation turned to reality Wednesday when the Angels began working shortstop Brandon Wood, the organization's best position-playing and power prospect …
John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Ichiro may leave — M's star admits thinking about free agency — PEORIA, Ariz. — Mariners icon Ichiro Suzuki admitted for the first time Tuesday that he might leave Seattle after the 2007 season. — Stopping far short of saying he wanted out, Ichiro said the idea of becoming a free agent …
Paul Newberry / Associated Press:
Blue-collar pitcher: James back to mound after installing windows — KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Need a reliable starting pitcher? Chuck James is your man. — Looking for someone to install a set of double-pane windows or put in a new door? He can handle that, too.