Top News:
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
Johnson`borderline' to start the season — · Unless Josh Johnson starts feeling better immediately and for the rest of spring training, the Marlins will open the season without him in the rotation. — Saturday, Johnson felt enough soreness in the inside of his forearm to bag a scheduled throwing session.
Discussion:
FishStripes
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Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
Slow starters may get minor-league at-bats — MESA, Ariz. — Some of the Cubs' key players could be going to the minors by the end of spring training if new manager Lou Piniella has his way. — Piniella plans to talk to his regulars to find out how many at-bats they feel they need …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
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Bruce Miles / Daily Herald:
Marquis remains confident — MESA, Ariz. — Jason Marquis says he no longer cringes when he looks at his earned-run average from last year. — "Not at all, not anymore," he said Sunday. — That ERA is not a pretty sight. Although he won 14 games for the St. Louis Cardinals, Marquis lost 16 and had a feverish ERA of 6.02.
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Future Mets outfielders show promise — Prospect Martinez displays extraordinary power at young age — Hot topic: He is listed at 6 feet and 180 pounds. The height may be a bit generous. When Fernando Martinez swings, though, he looks significantly taller.
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Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Mets show fast friends — Rooks zip into outfield picture — PORT ST. LUCIE - Jose Reyes, the NL's fastest runner, is the runnerup in his own clubhouse. — "We run together," says Mets prospect Carlos Gomez, Reyes' winter workout partner. "He wins sometimes. Ten times, I win seven."
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
NY Daily News:
Mets promote Pelfrey ability — PORT ST. LUCIE - You go from one side of the state to the other, from the Yankees to the Mets, and after watching Phil Hughes wow onlookers in Tampa, it felt important to see Mike Pelfrey as soon as possible. — It's the year of the phenoms, after all.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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David Lennon / Newsday:
Pelfrey must wait his turn — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — It was a little strange to see Mike Pelfrey's name missing from the list of the week's probable pitchers when the Mets released it Saturday. — Pelfrey is considered to be in serious contention for a starter's job …
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Tiant isn't expecting call — Veterans vote due tomorrow — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Luis Tiant is not optimistic about his chances when the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee announces the results of its voting tomorrow. — Tiant is among those on a ballot of 27 former major league players nominated …
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Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Mets Try to Avoid Rushing Pitching Talent — Of the nine Mets pitchers in the mix for three starting spots, Philip Humber and Mike Pelfrey clearly have the most potential. They are tall, polished right-handers from strong college programs and are projected to be frontline starters.
NY Daily News:
Let the games begin, at least in intrasquad — PORT ST. LUCIE - Jorge Sosa, Jason Vargas, Pedro Feliciano, Ambiorix Burgos, Joe Smith and Willie Collazo are among the pitchers scheduled to take the mound today in the first of two intrasquad games as the Mets ratchet up their preparation for Wednesday's Grapefruit League opener.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Todd Zolecki / Philly.com:
Phils learn of life sans cheesesteaks — A dietitian puts better fare in the clubhouse. — CLEARWATER, Fla. - To help the Phillies reach their first postseason since 1993, Pat Gillick hopes to leave no stone unturned. — And fewer doughnuts eaten. — In the off-season …
David Lennon / Newsday:
Peterson's pitch: Show & talk — Coach helps hurlers grow with unorthodox communication method — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — As the Mets prepare to begin their auditions for the rotation and bullpen, a few of them might want to stop off at Blockbuster so they can get a better idea of what pitching coach Rick Peterson is talking about.
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Rays veterans want to see those game faces … ST. PETERSBURG - Manager Joe Maddon was not the only one bothered by the lack of professionalism in the Devil Rays clubhouse last season. — Several veteran Rays said Sunday the problem was widespread, most evident in terms of poor pregame preparation …
Sam Mellinger / Kansas City Star:
Sky's the limit for Royals' Gordon — The hot third-base prospect has that intangible and he's drawing comparisons to George Brett and praise from the Hall of Famer. — SURPRISE, Ariz. | Alex Gordon is waving his personalized black Easton behind his head, knees bent, stance slightly open.
Discussion:
Royals Authority
NY Daily News:
Arms race puts Bernie out in cold — TAMPA - For what it's worth to Bernie Williams, it wasn't only his advanced age, diminished skills and the desire on the Yankees' part to make Jason Giambi a full-time DH that squeezed him off the roster and into likely retirement.