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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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
RELATED:
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
