Top News:
Curt Schilling / 38 Pitches:
Paps to the Pen — No it wasn't a rash decision brought about by uncertainty. I can promise you there were many meetings involving many people that occurred before this took place. — Paps wanted to close because that's where he felt he helped the team best, but he had no issues or problems being a starter either.
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ESPN:
Red Sox will send Papelbon back to bullpen — The Boston Red Sox didn't have to search long for Mike Timlin's replacement as closer. — Two days after announcing that the 41-year-old Timlin will start the season on the disabled list, multiple team sources told ESPN's Erin Andrews …
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Papelbon to return as closer — Red Sox fill vacancy with last year's standout reliever — CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Red Sox announced a resolution to their much-discussed closer dilemma with a retro decision following Thursday's exhibition game against the Phillies: Jonathan Papelbon …
Discussion:
Projo SoxBlog, The Bronx Block, The Baseball Desert, Cursed To First, Pinstripe Alley and Empyreal Environs
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Going back to 'pen a gamble for Papelbon — Here's the question: If the Red Sox had acquired a quality closer, would Jonathan Papelbon have been losing sleep at night, itching to return to his former role? — Doubtful. — Papelbon, 26, says otherwise. Maybe his return to closing will work out for the best.
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Notes: Young gets back in the game — All-star shortstop sees first action since plunking — TEMPE, Ariz. — Michael Young struck out but also threw out Vladimir Guerrero trying to score from first base on Garret Anderson's double. — That was it before a rainstorm delayed the Rangers' game …
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Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers' fifth starter still uncertain — Rotation's final piece remains a mystery; Young's return is brief — egrant@dallasnews.com — MESA, Ariz. - Fifth Starter Mystery Theater rolls on with another twist in the still unsolved case. — Kameron Loe was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday …
Associated Press:
All-Star McCann signs six-year deal with Braves — KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Atlanta Braves made a long-term commitment to Brian McCann, agreeing Thursday to a $26.8 million, six-year contract with the All-Star catcher. — The deal with McCann, who has less than two years of major league service, includes a club option for 2013.
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Joe Sheehan / Baseball Prospectus:
Prospectus Today — Nice Deal — Steal. — That was my first and only reaction to the announcement that the Braves had signed catcher Brian McCann to a six-year deal worth $26.8 million. The deal keeps the team out of arbitration with McCann and ties him to the Braves through at least …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Sports Illustrated:
Schilling unfiltered — Ace pulls no punches in joining baseball blogosphere — More than any other sport, baseball has always produced great writing, but the immediacy of blogs are ideally suited to baseball's long season. "This ain't football," Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver once said, "We do this every day."
John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Mariners Notebook: Sherrill reaches breaking point — TUCSON, Ariz. — By this time next week, the Mariners will have packed and left Arizona. — But there are still roster decisions to make. — The most difficult of those decisions might be put off until noon March 31 …
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Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
La Russa arrested for DUI — Jupiter police: Cards manager was cooperative — JUPITER, Fla. — Cardinals manager Tony La Russa was arrested early Thursday morning for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, a misdemeanor in the state of Florida.
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Dan Fox / Baseball Prospectus:
Double Steals And More — "I've never really bunted early. I'm going to run, hit-and-run, steal, double steal, but I don't like idea of bunting early in game. Late in game with a 3-2 lead, 4-2 lead, you get the first couple of runners on, you're looking to tack on, I like the bunt then."
Discussion:
D-Town Baseball
Baseball America:
APR Spurs Proposal That Would Have Wide-Ranging Effects — Division I coaches were promised at January's American Baseball Coaches Association convention that big changes were on the way as a result of baseball's poor score in the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate. Two months later, it's clear that was more than just grandiose talk.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Podsednik enjoys flashback to '05 — Leadoff man playing with confidence again after rough '06 season — TUCSON, Ariz. — While non-roster invitee Adam Russell has opened some eyes around White Sox spring camp, another late bloomer has created comparable excitement.
Kristie Rieken / Associated Press:
Biggio angry over cancer kids pin flap — KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Craig Biggio was angry at the commissioner's office Thursday night after he was told to stop wearing a pin on his cap that bears the logo of a foundation that helps children with cancer. — The Houston Astros star …
