Top News:
Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
I Want Candy — Kid in a candy store, baby. I can't remember being this excited about a game in a long time, let alone being this excited about a game and having it turn out better than expected. Did you see the glint in Ichiro Suzuki's eye, or was that just the million flash bulbs?
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Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
On this night, not good enough — There's a good chance the commuter trains were a little less crowded in Tokyo today. It was morning rush hour (8:11 a.m.) in the Japanese capital when Ichiro stepped to the plate to face Daisuke Matsuzaka at 7:11 p.m. at Fenway Park last night.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats lose for sixth straight time — Williams tosses five effective innings, but bats silenced — ATLANTA — Prior to Wednesday's game against the Braves, manager Manny Acta was a patient man, even though the Nationals had struggled over the previous eight games.
Discussion:
Oleanders and Morning Glories
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Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
James sizzles for second straight win — Chipper, Andruw each homer, combine to drive in five runs — ATLANTA — When told that the Braves were off to their best start since his rookie year, Chipper Jones responded by explaining that he didn't remember the beginning of that 1995 season or even what happened yesterday.
David Picker / New York Times:
Mets Have No Defense for Pérez's Seven Ball Fours — Oliver Pérez's last outing at Shea Stadium in 2006 went a lot better than his first one in 2007. — Pérez started Game 7 of last year's National League Championship Series and left the mound to a standing ovation …
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Ben Shpigel / New York Times:Mets' Milledge May Go to Minors to Get More At-Bats
Discussion:
Blastings! Thrilledge, Mets Fever, Ben Maller's Sports … and The Eddie Kranepool Society
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Notes: Julio's security unclear — Right-handed closer could move into setup role — MIAMI — On Wednesday, a day after Jorge Julio was unable to seal his second save opportunity of the season, manager Fredi Gonzalez was noncommittal when asked if the 28-year-old right-hander would remain the Marlins closer.
Discussion:
FishStripes
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Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:
Gonzalez plans to do 'what's best' for Julio — MIAMI GARDENS — Struggling closer Jorge Julio said he's willing to pitch in any situation the Marlins put him in, even if it's not the closing role. — "I just want the team to win ballgames,'' he said Wednesday, one day after blowing …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
More Rangers to honor Robinson — Hairston, Lofton, Pettis also expected to get OK to wear No. 42 — egrant@dallasnews.com — ARLINGTON - Even a program won't help you tell some of the Rangers apart Sunday. — Four of them will be wearing No. 42. — The club has petitioned Major …
Discussion:
The Cheater's Guide …
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Prior leaves game with sore shoulder — Mark Prior's first extended spring outing ended badly on Thursday when the injury-plagued right-hander was forced to leave his start early. — Prior experienced discomfort in his right shoulder, according to a statement by the Cubs.
Brian Costello / New York Post:
MILLEDGE SET FOR MOVE TO TRIPLE-A — Lastings Milledge knows what is probably coming. He knows that he'll likely get called in after tonight's game with the Phillies and be told he's heading to Triple-A New Orleans. — With pitcher Mike Pelfrey joining the Mets to start tomorrow against Washington …
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Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
Tigers trot out grand ending … It certainly was not the spot Sam Perlozzo wanted for Kurt Birkins, but with all his other options in the bullpen exhausted at that point, the Orioles' manager had no choice. — So, in a scoreless game in the 12th inning last night, Perlozzo summoned Birkins …
RELATED:
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:Heads, shoulder give out
Discussion:
Rays Index, Bless You Boys, Washington Post, Oriole Post, Camden Chat and River Ave. Blues
Zachary Dowdy / Newsday:
Falling body sends fan to DL — Ellen Massey always counted being struck by a baseball or a bat at Shea Stadium among the hazards of being a Mets fan, but she never thought a 300-pound man would come crashing down the stands — and onto her. — That's what the Manhattan resident, 58, said happened on Monday, Opening Day at Shea.
Jim Bowden / Examiner:
It's all in who you hire — WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Building a good team does not start with the players. Rather, it's building a good front office that can make the difference. That's why my first three hires as Nationals GM were Bob Boone, Jose Rijo and Barry Larkin …
Matt Eddy / Baseball America Prospects Blog:
Minor League Transactions — A look at minor league transactions covering March 31 to April 6. We're experimenting with an expanded version of transactions that includes players who were optioned, called up to the majors, placed on the minor league disabled list and outrighted off the 40-man roster.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Shoulder woes force Nats' King to DL — Rivera recalled from Triple-A Columbus to take reliever's spot — ATLANTA — The Nationals placed reliever Ray King on the 15-day disabled list because of left shoulder tendinitis and recalled right-hander Saul Rivera from Triple-A Columbus.
