Top News:
Barry Svrluga / Nationals Journal:
John Patterson Released [With Update] — Dave Sheinin reports from Viera that the Nationals have released right-hander John Patterson. — Patterson, the Nationals' Opening Day starter in 2007, was limited to 15 starts in 2006 and '07 because of a series of nerve problems in his right arm and elbow.
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Patterson released by Nationals — Right-hander cut from team due to ‘lack of performance’ — VIERA, Fla. — Right-hander John Patterson was released by the Nationals on Thursday based on the pitcher's lack of performance. The team would rather give a younger pitcher …
ESPN.com:
Nats release 2007 starter Patterson — VIERA, Fla. — The Washington Nationals' Opening Day starter in 2007 is no longer a part of the rotation — or the team, for that matter. — The Nationals released right-hander John Patterson, who was 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA this spring, on Thursday.
Dave Sheinin / Nationals Journal:
Management's side — GM Jim Bowden and manager Manny Acta both characterized the release of veteran John Patterson as a strictly baseball-related move, which came down to a simple equation: Whom would you rather have taking the mound every five days, Patterson or (choose one) Matt Chico/John Lannan?
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Minor League Report: Cody Ransom — Infielder building momentum toward securing roster spot — DUNEDIN, Fla. — He was Billy Crystal's locker neighbor for a day, enduring a persistent media crush and even yielding his uniform number to help the actor feel like more of a big leaguer.
RELATED:
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Joba dominates in 'pen debut — Right-hander strikes out side on 11 pitches against Jays — DUNEDIN, Fla. — Finally, after a spring of trying to budget himself for the long haul, Joba Chamberlain was allowed to just let it all go. — There were no rules to constrain him, no second time around the order to save himself for.
Discussion:
Sliding Into Home
Spring Training / Associated Press:
Rays' Upton hit by pitch, leaves game — WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP)—Even though B.J. Upton left with an injury and Tampa Bay gave up a ninth-inning lead, Rays manager Joe Maddon was upbeat following a 4-4, 10-inning tie against the Cleveland Indians on Thursday.
Discussion:
Rays of Light
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Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Sox touch down safely … Good morning, America! The Red Sox [team stats] have landed! — The Red Sox' charter flight to Japan for their seven-day visit - which will feature two exhibition games and the first two games of their 2008 World Series title defense - touched down safely in Tokyo at 12:16 a.m. Friday morning.
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Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer:
Cleveland Indians' David Dellucci has sore left forearm — Port St. Lucie, Fla. — David Dellucci's surgically repaired left hamstring hasn't given him any problems in spring straining. A sore left forearm has. — Dellucci used Tuesday's off day and Wednesday to rest the forearm.
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Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Indians make another round of cuts — Two roster decisions remain for manager Wedge, Tribe — WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Inching closer to the completion of their Opening Day roster, the Indians made their next batch of cuts Thursday morning. — Outfielder Brad Snyder was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo …
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Time running out on Lofton's '08 hopes — Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since Aug. 2005. He appears weekly on the FSN Baseball Report and MLB on FOX. — add this — Kenny Lofton is frustrated. Four times since 2002, a contender has wanted him badly enough to trade for him.
Discussion:
The Heater
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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:
The Transaction Guy, Cardinals Diaspora, Associated Press, C70 At The Bat, MLB Rumors and Baseball Musings
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Joe Cowley / Chicago Sun Times:
Cabrera extension isn't a lock just yet — TUCSON, Ariz. — General manager Ken Williams' plan entering spring training was to lock new shortstop Orlando Cabrera into a multiyear deal that would keep him in a White Sox uniform past the 2008 season. — But as of Wednesday, no deal was in place …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Decisions coming for Braves — Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Is this thing over yet? No? Then we trudge forward. — Spring training ain't over, but we can see the figurative whites of the regular season's eyes on the horizon. You folks ready? Because I sure as (hey now) know that I am.
Baseball Crank:
2008 AL East EWSL Report — The third of six division previews, using Established Win Shares Levels as a jumping-off point. Today: The AL East. Notes on the EWSL method are below the fold. — Key: + (Rookie) * (Based on one season) # (Based on two seasons) — The Hated Yankees
Dan Turkenkopf / Stealing First:
Historical Catcher Block Percentage — Ok, so not so much historical, but at least I can share 2005 and 2006. Joe Arthur clued me into the fact that the GameDay information was still available starting from 2005, so I dutifully went and grabbed the data, so now we have three years to look at.
Discussion:
Beyond the Box Score
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Reds reassign Bruce to Minors camp — Top-ranked outfield prospect will begin season in Triple-A — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Reds outfield prospect Jay Bruce got the news on Thursday he hoped he wouldn't get this spring. — Manager Dusty Baker and general manager Wayne Krivsky informed …
