Top News:
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
RELATED:
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.
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.
Adam Rubin / Surfing the Mets:
Register might be next in line — If Duaner Sanchez isn't ready to break camp with the Mets, and it's certainly possible, it would seem that the next reliever in line would be Rule 5 pick Steven Register from the Rockies. — Basically, the Mets paid $50,000 to the Rockies to draft Register (pictured) during the winter meetings.
RELATED:
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
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.
RELATED:
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 …
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.
John Beamer / Hardball Times:
Trade review: Bobby Abreu — You folks seemed to enjoy my trade analysis of Edgar Renteria and Andy Marte a month or so back. Unsurprisingly I got a ton of e-mails asking me to look back at some other recent trades. Today I look back at the Bobby Abreu trade that moved him to the Yankees from Philadelphia in July 2006.
Discussion:
Bottom9 Baseball
Larry Lage / Associated Press:
Tigers give 3B Cabrera 8 years, $152M — DETROIT (AP)—When the Detroit Tigers landed Miguel Cabrera in a blockbuster trade, they knew it would be expensive to keep him beyond the 2009 season. — Clearly, they think he's worth it. — The Tigers and Cabrera have reached preliminary agreement …
RELATED:
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
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
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.
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 …
RELATED:
