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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.
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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.
Brian Costello / New York Post:
JOSE CANSECO NAMES A-ROD IN STEROID BOOK — As promised, Jose Canseco included Alex Rodriguez in his new book “Vindicated,” but the steroid snitch's charges against A-RodThe-A-Rod-Gamble are flimsy at best, according to a freelance writer who saw an advance copy of the book.
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.
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 …
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Brewers Release Claudio Vargas — According to Tom Haudricourt, the Brewers have released 29 year-old starter Claudio Vargas. It's a very surprising move. The Brewers save $2.7MM with the move. Just like that, the Brewers' starting pitching surplus is pretty much gone.
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Sosa may get rotation shot — Struggles by Pelfrey, Hernandez open door for righty — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Jorge Sosa temporarily became an effective solution for a rotation problem the Mets developed in May. For five weeks, the castaway right-handed pitcher provided consistent performances …
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Ronald Blum / Yahoo! Sports:
Congress questions whether Clemens lied — The Roger Clemens vs. Brian McNamee dispute over whether the seven-time Cy Young Award winner took performance-enhancing drugs has become a feud between Republicans and Democrats. — Reprising the partisan nature of last month's Clemens-McNamee …
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.
Discussion:
Associated Press, Bleed Cubbie Blue, The Transaction Guy, MLB Fleece Factor and The Cub Reporter (TCR)
Yahoo! Sports:
Padres pick up Black's option — PEORIA, ARIZONA (TICKER) —The San Diego Padres on Tuesday exercised their 2009 contract option on manager Bud Black, who last season guided the team to its best record in nearly a decade. — Black, 50, made his managerial debut with the Padres last year and posted an 89-74 record.
Discussion:
Associated Press
Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
Manny's game-winning hit is worth a million — TOKYO - Manny Ramirez lurched toward the man holding the giant check and tried to grab it. The man elbowed him away. Ramirez took the hint for about 5 seconds, then reached out once more. There is something special about a giant check.
Discussion:
Center Field
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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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ESPN:
MLB Transactions — View by team: — TEAM — Agreed to terms with outfielder Reed Johnson, who had been with the Toronto Blue Jays, on a one-year contract; optioned outfielders Sam Fuld and Eric Patterson to Iowa of the Pacific Coast League (AAA); assigned pitcher Les Walrond …
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 …
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
Balentien out of mix in Mariners' outfield puzzle
Discussion:
MLB Rumors