Top News:
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Breaking news: Roster is set — The Yankees just reassigned or optioned these players: — INF Nick Green — RHP Scott Patterson — RHP Darrell Rasner — LHP Kei Igawa — RHP Edwar Ramirez — RHP Jose Veras — LHP Andy Pettitte was retroactively placed on the 15-day DL.
Discussion:
New York Post, Bronx Banter, Pinstripe Posts, NJ.com, WasWatching.com, The Bronx Block, Scott Proctor's Arm, My Pinstripes and Bronx Liaison
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Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
This is your team — The 2008 New York Yankees: — Lineup — Johnny Damon LF — Derek Jeter SS — Bobby Abreu RF — Alex Rodriguez 3B — Jason Giambi 1B — Jorge Posada C — Hideki Matsui DH — Robinson Cano 2B — Melky Cabrera CF — Bench — Jose Molina C
Dan Graziano / NJ.com:
I am exposed — Dave has exposed me for what I am — a two-timing fraud. The fact is, I cover both teams, equally, and I love it. I was just shamelessly pandering to both sets of fans by trying to run down the others, and for that I am deeply, profoundly sorry. — Really. Honestly. Truly.
MLB.com:
Braves claim infielder Ruben Gotay off waivers — First baseman Scott Thorman outrighted to Richmond — ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves claimed switch-hitting infielder Ruben Gotay off waivers from the New York Mets today. He will be on the team's Opening Day 25-man roster.
Discussion:
New York Post, Associated Press, The Musings and Prophecies …, Chop-n-Change, MLB Rumors, Braves Journal and Rain Delay
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Guy Curtright / MLB.com:
Braves pick up Gotay from Mets — Atlanta hopes infielder can provide hits off the bench — ATLANTA — Looking for a bat off the bench, the Braves claimed switch-hitter Ruben Gotay off waivers from the New York Mets on Friday. — Gotay, 25, batted .295 in 98 games with the Mets last season …
Joseph White / Associated Press:
White House: no input on first pitch — WASHINGTON (AP)—The White House said Friday it had no input on the decision to have Nationals manager Manny Acta catch the ceremonial first pitch from President Bush on Sunday night. Acta was picked instead of starting catcher Paul Lo Duca …
Discussion:
The Griddle
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:Acta to Catch Bush's First Pitch
Discussion:
The Biz of Baseball, Nationals Journal, We've Got Heart, Nats320, Can't Stop The Bleeding, Hot Foot, MLB.com and Capitol Punishment
Jeff Blair / Globe and Mail:
It's time — DUNEDIN, FLA. — He was not Paul Godfrey's first choice. Or his second, or third. — As J.P. Ricciardi went about his business this spring, the general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays was asked one day whether he thought his job was in jeopardy after six years without a playoff berth.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
Todd Wills / TEXAS RANGERS:
Rangers swing a trade — The Rangers have made a trade tonight, acquiring Arizona right-hander Dustin Nippert from Arizona for minor league right-hander Jose Marte. — We'll try to find out the Rangers' plans for Nippert here in a minute. — Nippert, who towers in at 6-7 …
Associated Press:
A-Rod finally plays in Miami — MIAMI (AP) — Alex Rodriguez grew up in Miami, still makes his offseason home in South Florida, even is a member of the University of Miami's board of trustees. — He is a beloved native son. — And Friday night, for the first time since he was a senior …
Justin Terranova / New York Post:
MURCER TO MISS OPENER — Bobby Murcer is still recovering from a brain biopsy and will not be ready to broadcast the Yankees' final Opening Day at Yankee Stadium for the YES Network on Monday afternoon against the Blue Jays. — Murcer told YES representatives that he is not feeling 100 percent …
Tyler Kepner / Bats:
Joe Girardi, Jedi Master — I never thought of Joe Girardi as Yoda. For one thing, he's not 900 years old. He's not green. And while Girardi may carry a baseball bat at times, I've never seen him with a cane. — But I couldn't help but think of the Jedi Master from Star Wars on Friday …
Los Angeles Times:
Things I learned from Joe about an hour ago — Stopped by the Ravine to get the early word on, well, anything that might be going on as we approach Opening Day, and did get a few nuggets of info from Joe Torre. Quotes/audio or something similar hopefully to follow, but in the meantime, here's what we know:
Discussion:
Dodger Thoughts
Associated Press:
Reds plan to cut veteran LHP Stanton — SARASOTA, Fla. (AP)—The Cincinnati Reds plan to cut 40-year-old reliever Mike Stanton. — Manager Dusty Baker and general manager Wayne Krivsky said the club discussed the plans with Stanton on Friday as they worked on final roster moves before Monday's opener.
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