Top News:
Joe Lavin / Joe Lavin's Humor Column:
Jose Canseco Reviewed: With Spoilers — There I was, wandering through a quaint Cambridge bookstore on Monday, when I noticed a copy of Jose Canseco's new book “Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and The Battle to Save Baseball” in their tiny sports section. That's odd, I thought.
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Deadspin:
The Excerpts From “Vindicated” About Alex Rodriguez — Ever since Joe Lavin announced he'd bought a copy of Jose Canseco's Vindicated earlier today, people — OK, some people — have been curious what EXACTLY Canseco said. After the jump, the selections from Vindicated concerning Alex Rodriguez.
Leitch / Deadspin:
Source: Canseco Accuses A-Rod Of Steroid Abuse, Wife Coveting, In New Book — In the next week, you're going to see more of Jose Canseco that you likely have much desire to see. But Canseco has a new book coming out April 1, Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and the Battle to Save Baseball …
Discussion:
Bronx Liaison, SPORTSbyBROOKS, Sliding Into Home, Bugs & Cranks, FanHouse, ShysterBall, The LoHud Yankees Blog and YanksBlog.com
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Canseco goes after A-Rod in new book — Since last summer, Jose Canseco had hinted, strongly, that he would go after Alex Rodriguez in his next book. Now it appears that baseball's unwelcome whistle-blower has followed through - but he doesn't flat-out accuse A-Rod of using illegal performance-enhancing drugs.
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Canseco's new book lacks substance — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - I asked Yankees star Alex Rodriguez last week in Tampa if he was worried about being mentioned in Jose Canseco's new book, “Vindicated.” He said, “No, not at all.” Now we know why. — We also understand why respected author Don Yaeger dropped …
Tom Haudricourt / Brewers Blog:
Brewers release Vargas — Phoenix - In a somewhat surprising move and a definite commitment toward youth, the Brewers just released veteran right-hander Claudio Vargas. — The move paves the way for two young pitchers, Manny Parra and Carlos Villanueva, to make the starting rotation, along with Ben Sheets, Jeff Suppan and Dave Bush.
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Veteran Vargas released by Brewers — Expected to compete for rotation spot, righty passed over — PHOENIX — In a surprising move on Tuesday, the Brewers released right-hander Claudio Vargas and set their starting rotation for Opening Day. — Vargas was 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA …
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Moss, Manny come up clutch — Rookie ties things up with blast, veteran drives in winning runs — TOKYO — The 24-year-old outfield prospect from Loganville, Ga., had to travel all the way to the Far East to club his first Major League homer. However, the timing was nothing short …
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ESPN.com:
Pettitte's 2008 debut pushed back — TAMPA, Fla. — Andy Pettitte will miss his first scheduled start of the regular season on April 2 against Toronto because of back spasms. — New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi expects Pettitte will start the third or fourth game instead.
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Reid Laymance / Boston Globe:
The word from DIRECTV — Here's the official word from a DIRECTV spokesman on problems this morning with NESN and ESPN2 that kept the Sox game off the air until the seventh inning: — “We experienced some temporary technical difficulties early this morning that resulted in some channels not being available to customers.
Discussion:
Center Field, Boston Herald, Fire Brand of the …, Boston Sports Media Watch, SOX & Dawgs and ShysterBall
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Adam Rubin / Surfing the Mets:
Register on waivers, likely headed elsewhere — Reliever Steven Register has been placed on waivers, two sources unaffiliated with the Mets told the Daily News. That signals that Mets officials intend to turn elsewhere - presumably to Joe Smith or Brian Stokes - if Duaner Sanchez is not ready to break camp with the team.
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Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Padres, Rays Interested In Jeremy Reed — According to John Hickey of the Seattle PI, the Padres and Rays are eyeing Mariners center fielder Jeremy Reed. Hickey notes that the Padres have renewed interest and have liked him for quite a while. And he wonders whether Rays would surrender a young pitcher.
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John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:Balentien out of mix in Mariners' outfield puzzle
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Rob Neyer / ESPN:
From Wright to Cabrera: The top 50 for five years … This winter, I made lists of the top players at each position over the next five seasons (2008 to 2012). Mistakes were made, readers were horrified and corrections were issued. With that experience to guide me, I've now combined …
MLB.com:
Cubs, outfielder Reed Johnson agree to one-year contract — Additionally, Cubs announce fifth round of roster cuts; Place right-hander Angel Guzman on 60-day disabled list — MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs today announced the club has agreed to terms with outfielder Reed Johnson on a one-year contract.
Stephen J. Dubner / Freakonomics:
Bring Your Questions for Sabermetrician Bill James — If the name Bill James doesn't mean anything to you, then you are probably not a baseball fan and have no need to read further. If, however, you are a baseball fan — ranging from fairly serious to obsessively statistical …
Discussion:
Mets by the Numbers
Detroit Free Press:
It's official: Tigers, Miguel Cabrera reach deal; saved money by doing it now — LAKELAND, Fla. — The Tigers formally announced today the seven-year contract extension through 2015 with third baseman Miguel Cabrera that prevents him from leaving as a free agent after the 2009 season.
