Top News:
Mike Plugh / Matsuzaka Watch:
Countdown to Armaggedon — The way people are talking about the Matsuzaka debut, it's as if we're about to witness the prophecy of the Archangel Gabriel's "end of days", or at least the coming of the Nazgul to the American Midwest. Spring Training has been very exciting and a lot of people …
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Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Lowell licks his wounds: 3-error game irks veteran — KANSAS CITY, Mo. - When a kid scrapes his knee, discovers there is no tooth fairy or just is having a tough day, nothing helps more than an ice cream treat. — Red Sox 2007 Roster — Take an interactive look at the 2007 Red Sox roster.
Discussion:
The Feeding the Monster Blog
Ian Browne / MLB.com:At last, Matsuzaka to make debut — Boston (1-1) at Kansas City (1-1), 2:10 p.m. ET
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.
Discussion:
L.A. Seitz of Chicago
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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MLB.com:
Phillies acquire Rosario from Blue Jays — Righthander Francisco Rosario was acquired by the Phillies from Toronto in exchange for cash considerations, Assistant General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today. — Rosario, 26, went 1-2 with a 6.65 ERA in 17 games (one start) for Toronto last season, his first in the major leagues.
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.
Pat Borzi / New York Times:
On Field and at the Plate, Beltrán Has a Hot Start — It took five and a third innings for the Mets to finally break through against their former closer, Braden Looper. And as has been the case this whole opening series, Carlos Beltrán was right in the middle of it.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Notes: Loney would welcome trade — First baseman not happy about getting sent to Triple-A — MILWAUKEE — The season opener for James Loney is Thursday night in Salt Lake City, not exactly where and when he was hoping for. — When told Saturday night he was being sent back to the Triple …
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
Hernandez may end up placed on disabled list … MINNEAPOLIS // Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo acknowledged yesterday that it remains a possibility that injured catcher Ramon Hernandez could go on the disabled list. — The initial hope was that Hernandez, who has missed the first three games …
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Notes: Slightly changed role for Heilman — Setup man has entered mid-inning in first two Mets wins — ST. LOUIS — Even now, with merely two of 162 games played, a change in the protocol of the late innings of Mets games already is noticeable. Manager Willie Randolph declines to identify …
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Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
Piniella downplays 'Z' outburst — CINCINNATI — Cubs manager Lou Piniella already has decided he rather would have his emotional ace, Carlos Zambrano, pitch in a less emotional game than Opening Day to start next season. — But aside from that, Piniella said he's withholding judgment …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Church, Young adjusting — Early defensive miscues prove costly to Nationals — WASHINGTON — During the offseason and Spring Training, manager Manny Acta vowed the Nationals would play solid defense in 2007. But it was pointed out to him Wednesday morning that Ryan Church …
