Top News:
Charles Odum / Associated Press:
Atlanta 3, NY Mets 2 — ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves are alone in first place for the first time in a year. — That's not a surprise to New York Mets manager Willie Randolph. — Kyle Davies pitched 6 2-3 strong innings and the Braves scored two runs in the eighth on three doubles …
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Associated Press:
Hampton will fly to New York to meet with doctor — ATLANTA — Mike Hampton's struggle to return to the Atlanta Braves' rotation had another setback on Sunday when he felt pain in his left elbow and had to stop throwing in the bullpen. — Hampton plans to fly to New York on Monday …
Tom Saladino / Associated Press:
Atlanta 5, NY Mets 3 — ATLANTA (AP) — The biggest moment for John Smoltz in his matchup with former teammate and golfing buddy, Tom Glavine, came in the fourth inning. — The Atlanta Braves were leading 2-1, but the New York Mets had the bases loaded with two outs and Glavine at the plate.
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Schilling looks to rebound — Boston (2-3) at Texas (2-3), 8:05 p.m. ET — There have been precious few occasions when Curt Schilling has let himself down more than during his Opening Day against the Royals. Schilling prides himself on winning big games and eating innings.
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
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Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Schill's back on schedule — ARLINGTON, Texas - Curt Schilling [stats] had, as manager Terry Francona noted wryly yesterday, "poor timing" with his subpar Opening Day start. — In the real world, it was just one bad start. — Finding an explanation for the outing …
Discussion:
Yanksfan vs Soxfan
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Tavarez and Sox unravel in loss — ARLINGTON, Texas — This will require further investigation, but the suspicion here is that the "snake oil" Julian Tavarez rubs on his right arm before he pitches has multiple uses. There are occasions, like after last night's 8-4 loss to the Texas Rangers …
RELATED:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates Notebook: Sanchez returns to team — CINCINNATI — Perhaps while sitting around Indianapolis for two cold days with no games to play and only some indoor batting practice to take, Freddy Sanchez remembered his career batting numbers against Cincinnati left-hander Eric Milton.
Discussion:
The Parrot
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
They're missing in action — African-Americans losing numbers game — Walking through the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City . . . "It hits you, doesn't it?" said Red Sox consultant Tommy Harper. "What a contrast from then and now. So many black players …
David Picker / New York Times:
In One Swing, Rodriguez Is an Instant Hit — Alex Rodriguez slapped his hands as he rounded first base yesterday afternoon and then nearly plowed into the third-base coach Larry Bowa as he rounded third. Before touching home plate, he heaved his batting helmet toward the sky, a smile on his face every step of the way.
The Baseball Zealot:
No Saturday Afternoon Delight for MLB.TV fans — It came to a surprise to me that as a MLB.TV subscriber, I will not be able to view MLB games on Saturday afternoons (up until 7pm) throughout the regular season. This is because of Fox network's deal with MLB. — According to MLB.TV Mosaic Blog,
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Carpenter on track for Tuesday — HOUSTON — Barring complications, Chris Carpenter will remain in the Cardinals' rotation after completing a "routine" side session Saturday afternoon at Minute Maid Park. — The 2005 National League Cy Young Award winner, who experienced elbow stiffness …
Associated Press:
Rockies-Padres Preview — San Diego's relievers are giving the team's hitters plenty of time to find their stroke at the plate. — Buoyed by a strong bullpen, the Padres hope to earn a series victory Sunday when they wrap up their three-game set with the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park.
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
Benjamin Hoffman / New York Times:
300 Strikeouts? Not When Starters Don't Finish — While it may not have the resonance of a 50-home-run season, or the aura of a no-hitter, the benchmark for a power pitcher is a 300-strikeout season. Accomplished only 33 times since 1901, it is a feat that does not happen by chance.
CBS SportsLine.com:
Season Preview Scott Miller's Take — This is the year of manager Clint Hurdle on the griddle, and don't expect it to end happily. Hurdle is entering the final year of his contract, and the Rockies still don't have enough to contend in the NL West — not unless two key rookies …
Discussion:
Bad Altitude