Top News:
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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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.
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.
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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.
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
USA Today:
Nationals hope Milledge and Dukes can overcome past — Lastings Milledge was making every effort to sound humble about a monstrous home run he hit in an exhibition against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, when Washington Nationals teammate Ray King interrupted the postgame interview to grant him a special dispensation.
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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 …
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
Marlins' Willingham out to improve against lefties — One of the National League's best and one of its worst hitters against left-handed pitching in 2007 are Marlins. — Beginning Opening Day, Hanley Ramirez and Josh Willingham, respectively, hope to prolong and reverse the trends.
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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.
Associated Press:
Valentine says timing of MLB Japan trip ‘ludicrous’ — Bobby Valentine has nothing against the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics opening Major League Baseball's 2008 season in Japan. It's just the timing of it he can't understand. — The former Texas Rangers and New York Mets manager …
Discussion:
Bronx Liaison
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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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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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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 …
