Top News:
Doug Tucker / Associated Press:
Boston 4, Kansas City 1 — KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — After striking out three times, Ryan Shealy sounded amazed. — "I didn't know he threw that hard," he said. — Dice-K was more than OK in his major league debut. — With millions of early rising viewers keeping track on Japanese television …
Discussion:
Blogging Baseball
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Dave Skretta / Associated Press:
Matsuzaka shines in highly anticipated debut — KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Daisuke Matsuzaka looked about as carefree after his highly anticipated major league debut as he did before taking the mound. In between, he validated the heavy price tag and huge expectations.
CBS SportsLine.com:
MLB investigating K-Rod for doctoring the ball — Major League Baseball confirmed Thursday that it is investigating if Los Angeles Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez doctored the baseball during two appearances against the Rangers this week, the Dallas Morning News is reporting.
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Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Get a grip, says K-Rod — Angels closer: Resin — and nothing else — on his bill — ANAHEIM — The Angels had a two-word response to Internet posted allegations of doctoring baseballs by closer Francisco Rodriguez in two games this week against the Texas Rangers. — "It's resin," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.
Associated Press:
Rosario expected to bolster Phillies' bullpen — PHILADELPHIA — Hoping to bolster a beleaguered bullpen, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired hard-throwing right-hander Francisco Rosario from Toronto for cash on Thursday. — Rosario was 1-2 with a 6.65 ERA in 17 games with the Blue Jays last year.
Discussion:
Associated Press
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Rany Jazayerli / Baseball Prospectus:
Doctoring The Numbers — Charlie Haeger — It's no secret that I'm a fan of the knuckleball and the men who throw it. Among the many clues I have left in my wake, the most obvious is the time I ignored the objections of a few...okay, all of my colleagues, and attached Charlie Zink …
Deadspin:
This Hurts Us More Than It Hurts You, Colin — As some of you might be unfortunate enough to know, the man pictured here is Colin Cowherd, who has a show on ESPN Radio. Like many sports radio hosts across this great land, he relies greatly on blogs to find himself some free, juicy content.
Discussion:
The FanHouse - NFL, With Leather, The Wayne Fontes Experience, Pacifist Viking and Kissing Suzy Kolber
Associated Press:
Padres-Giants Preview — Barry Bonds has impressive numbers against virtually every team he has faced during his illustrious career. His performance against the San Diego Padres , though, may be his best. — Bonds and the Giants hope to avoid their first -3 start in 23 years Thursday night …
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
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ESPN:
Decision 2007: Where will Rocket go? — Well, it's getting to be that time of year again: — Rocket-watching time. — If it's April, that must mean that any day now, Roger Clemens is going to have to wave a sad farewell to the pro-am golf circuit — and start gearing up his workout program for YouKnowWhat.
Discussion:
Purple Row
Pat Borzi / New York Times:
For a Reds Prospect, Dreaming the Big League Dream, Again — SARASOTA, Fla. — Two batters were due up ahead of him, but Carson Kainer had a batting helmet on and a bat in his hands. That is how eagerly Kainer awaited his first intrasquad game at-bat as a Cincinnati Reds minor leaguer …
David Lennon / Newsday:
Insider: Reyes the marketing odd man out — The most accessible athlete in New York these days has to be David Wright. Not even Derek Jeter has appeared on more magazine covers, video game boxes or ESPN promos lately than the Mets' photogenic third baseman.
Ryan McConnell / Minor League Baseball:
Young talent overflowing in Class A Advanced — Top prospects Maybin, Miller, Fowler and Inman on display in '07 — With Opening Day for the three Class A Advanced leagues almost upon us, it's time to preview 10 names you'll need to know for 2007. There's a new crop of players aspiring …
Rick Gano / Associated Press:
Chi White Sox 4, Cleveland 3 — CHICAGO (AP) — With A.J. Pierzynski at the plate, anything can happen and often does. — The White Sox catcher was hit by a pitch from Roberto Hernandez with the bases loaded in the ninth inning Thursday, sending Chicago to a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians.
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe