Top News:
Associated Press:
First-round venues announced for WBC in 2009 — Mexico City, Tokyo, San Juan, Toronto earn the nods — TORONTO (AP) — Mexico City, San Juan, Tokyo and Toronto were selected on Monday to host first-round games during the second World Baseball Classic in 2009.
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Cubs f/x
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Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
Venues set for World Baseball Classic — Japan, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico to host first round in '09 — The first-round venues are set for the second running of the World Baseball Classic, which will begin on March 5, 2009, in Japan. — As in 2006, Tokyo Dome and Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan …
Discussion:
The Griddle
Maury Brown / The Biz of Baseball:
First Round of WBC in Japan, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico — Rounds One and Two to Feature Double-Elimination Format The entire opening round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic will be hosted outside the 50 United States, it was announced today at a World Baseball Classic, Inc. (WBCI) press conference in Tokyo.
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
No change in plan for Mendoza — Fifth starter to open season in Triple-A before April 12 debut — SURPRISE, Ariz. — Luis Mendoza has left no doubt that he belongs in the Rangers' rotation. — He'll just have to wait a few more weeks before he gets to enjoy the full benefits and privileges that go with that honor.
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T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Rangers to give Patterson Minors deal — Texas hopes former Nats pitcher can rebound at Triple-A — SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Rangers are close to signing right-handed pitcher John Patterson, who was released by the Washington Nationals earlier this week. — The Rangers have a set rotation …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Denver Post:
Rox making roster moves — Giles on trading block; Wells bound for bullpen — TUCSON — As spring training winds down, the Rockies began making significant roster moves today. — They are trying to trade veteran second baseman Marcus Giles to the injury-riddled Dodgers.
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Girardi seeks relief from numbers game — BRADENTON, Fla. - One week. Three spots. Eleven pitchers. — That will be Joe Girardi's concern over the next seven days, as the Yankees manager looks to fill out his bullpen for the start of the regular season.
Discussion:
New York Post
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Duaner stint offers no relief — PORT ST. LUCIE - Duaner Sanchez tossed a scoreless, 14-pitch inning against the Cardinals' Triple-A team Sunday while regularly hitting 91 mph with his fastball. He escaped unscathed after a leadoff double. — Despite the positive appearance …
Discussion:
New York Post
Larry Lage / Associated Press:
Tigers give 3B Cabrera 8 years, $152M — DETROIT (AP)—Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers have reached a preliminary agreement on a $152.3 million, eight-year contract, according to a person familiar with the deal. — The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the contract was not yet final.
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David Pinto / Baseball Musings:
AL West Preview — Two months ago I thought this division would be a cake walk for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (LAnaheim Angels), but now I'm not so sure. Not only do the injuries to the Angels front line pitching hurt the team, but I get the feeling people are underestimating that Seattle Mariners.
John Delcos / The LoHud Mets Blog:
Randolph announces rotation — Manager Willie Randolph just announced his first four starters: Johan Santana, Pedro Martinez, Oliver Perez and John Maine. — He said neither Orlando Hernandez nor Mike Pelfrey distinguished themselves as far as nailing down the fifth starter role …
MLB.com:
PIRATES 8, YANKEES 0 — Yankees at the plate: With most of the team's starters not making the trip south, the Yankees didn't have much going at the plate all afternoon. Hideki Matsui and Chris Woodward were the only starters to get a hit against Pirates lefty Paul Maholm.
Discussion:
Bronx Banter
Jack Curry / New York Times:
DiMaggio to Mantle to Williams to, er, Gardner? — TAMPA, Fla. — Brett Gardner envisions himself as the center fielder of the future for the Yankees. About a millisecond after Gardner was asked if he could see himself starting in center for a team that has a crowded, mostly well-paid outfield, he said, “Absolutely.”
Associated Press:
Another grand slam by Drew leads Red Sox to win over Yomiuri — TOKYO — This grand slam meant far less to J.D. Drew than his last one. — Still, his second homer in two exhibition games was a good sign that he's ready for a strong start to his second season with the Boston Red Sox beginning Tuesday night …
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