Top News:
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Breaking news: Joba to the bullpen — Joe Girardi said just a few minutes ago that RHP Joba Chamberlain would open the season in the bullpen. — He left open the possibility that Chamberlain will move into the rotation later this season. “His future will be as a starter,” Girardi said.
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Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Joba knows his role — Yankees inform righty that he'll start season in bullpen — TAMPA, Fla. — The argument of whether Joba Chamberlain can best serve the Yankees out of their starting rotation or bullpen isn't settled — not by a long shot. But for the purposes of Opening Day, the right-hander finally has his answer.
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Hughes ‘close’ despite struggles — Righty fine-tuning pitches in final weeks of Spring Training — BRADENTON, Fla. — Phil Hughes has never hung around a big league camp this long, but those who know his career path would recognize this as the point when the spring results always get a little wobbly.
Discussion:
Sliding Into Home
Jackie MacMullan / Boston Globe:
It was a time for team unity — FORT MYERS, Fla. - One of the most bizarre days in spring training history begins yesterday at 8:45 a.m., when a somber Terry Francona plops himself down in the dugout at City of Palms Park and reveals he has just informed his coaches and staff that …
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David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Blanco (finally) knocking at door — Kissimmee, Fla. — Every once in a while comes a player like Gregor Blanco, who has plenty of physical tools, puts up good numbers annually in competitive Latin American winter leagues, but has something that's keeping him stuck in the minor league system …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:Marlins catcher Treanor likely to start on opening day
Discussion:
FishStripes
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Papelbon hopes long flight proves to be a flop … FORT MYERS - The Red Sox [team stats] are all in. — The approximately 19-hour trip to Japan that the Red Sox embarked upon last night was going to feature an array of time-killing devices but the No. 1 diversionary tactic is going to be poker, the Texas Hold 'Em variety.
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Spring Training / Yahoo! Sports:
Bigbie exiled after breaking code — YOKOSUKA, Japan - The Year of the Rat in the Japanese zodiac started Feb. 7, about a week after Larry Bigbie arrived. — He came here with some fanfare, more than he had seen in his six years playing in the major leagues.
Discussion:
It is about the money, stupid
Chicagosports / Hardball:
Waiver move news to Uribe — TUCSON, Ariz. — The White Sox placed infielder Juan Uribe on waivers Wednesday, according to a major-league scout. — But Uribe, who didn't play against Colorado, and agent Martin Arburua were unaware of such a move. The Sox made no announcement …
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Bart Hubbuch / New York Post:
MISSING IN ACTION — INJURIES SLOW NEW METS SCHNEIDER, CHURCH — Brian Schneider and Ryan Church already can hear the grumbling. — The two former Nationals acquired in the Lastings Milledge trade have yet to play their first game in New York, but they get the feeling Mets fans wonder …
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Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
New deal is set for Wainwright — FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. • The Cardinals' opening day starter and present-day ace Adam Wainwright is expected to sign a long-term contract today with the club that assures his place in its future. — The Cardinals plan to finalize and announce …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:
Castillo, Cantu both may stay with Marlins — JUPITER — One morning last month in the early days of camp, Jose Castillo looked over at Jorge Cantu in the Marlins clubhouse and said, “Can you believe we're competing for job?” — With 11 days left in camp, the competition may be over, with the winner being both veteran infielders.
David Gassko / Hardball Times:
Batted balls and park effects — A few years ago, Dave Studeman and I exchanged a few dozen e-mails and a few hundred thoughts discussing park factors for batted balls. The result was an entertaining article by Dave in The Hardball Times Annual 2006 that pointed out some of his more interesting findings …
Discussion:
Friar Forecast
Associated Press:
Dodgers' Garciaparra has broken bone in hand, may miss opening day — CBSSports.com wire reports — PHOENIX — Nomar Garciaparra has a broken bone in his right hand, and the Los Angeles Dodgers' third baseman might not be ready for opening day. — Garciaparra had an MRI on Wednesday in Los Angeles that revealed a microfracture.
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Coaches and staff will be compensated — FORT MYERS, Fla. - Here's what we know about the deal to compensate players. — A major league source said moments ago that all staff associated with the trip will be compensated. Not sure whether it's $40,000 or even more because the receipts from the trip will be split at the end.
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