Top News:
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Hughes sharp in Yanks' spring finale — Right-hander surrenders one earned run in win over Marlins — YANKEES 4, MARLINS 2 — Marlins at the plate: Hanley Ramirez swatted Phil Hughes' first pitch into right field for a single. After stealing second base, Ramirez scored on Luis Gonzalez's two-out single.
Discussion:
Bronx Liaison
RELATED:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Yankees Prospect Says He Won't Be Down Long — MIAMI — The Yankees promoted Scott Patterson to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last September, and when the season was over he went home to Pittsburgh. He was moving furniture with his father when his cellphone rang.
Charlie Nobles / MLB.com:
Jeter OK after bruising pinky finger — Injury likely won't keep shortstop from Opening Day lineup — MIAMI — Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter bruised his right pinky finger before Saturday night's game with the Marlins while trying to field a ground ball that took a bad bounce.
Discussion:
Sliding Into Home
ESPN.com:
More than 100K see BoSox-Dodgers in L.A. — LOS ANGELES — As he walked down the Los Angeles Coliseum tunnel and glanced toward the left-field screen, Boston catcher Jason Varitek smiled and said sarcastically: “Wakie's a fly ball pitcher. That's great.” — Then, in his best broadcast voice, he intoned: “Dodgers 85, Red Sox 81.”
RELATED:
Will Brinson / AOL Sports:
Dodgers - Red Sox to Get 115,000 Fans at Los Angeles Coliseum for Exhibition Game — The current reported/alleged record for most baseball fans to attend a single game is roughly around 114,000, when that many people showed up to an some sort of Olympic exhibition match between Australia …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Associated Press:
Career minor leaguer Rico Washington hits home run, secures roster spot with Cardinals — SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP)—Rico Washington celebrated making the St. Louis Cardinals opening-day roster by hitting a home run in the Cardinals' 10-3 loss to Double-A Springfield on Saturday.
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Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards Notes: Club leans toward Washington
Cards Notes: Club leans toward Washington
Discussion:
C70 At The Bat
Kelly Thesier / MLB.com:
Twins trade Dickey to Mariners — Minnesota gets Fernandez for rights to Rule 5 Draft pick — BRADENTON, Fla. — The Twins worked out a deal with the Mariners on Saturday, allowing Seattle to keep Rule 5 Draft pick R.A. Dickey in exchange for Minor League catcher Jair Fernandez.
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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Deep Inside the Big Ballyard in the Bronx — The Yankees' second baseman is named for the Brooklyn Dodgers' second baseman, the man who stole home at Yankee Stadium in the first game of the 1955 World Series. Where Jackie Robinson once slid, Robinson Canó now hits. — It is not only Canó, of course.
Discussion:
New York Times, Bats, River Ave. Blues, MY BASEBALL BIAS and It is about the money, stupid
Associated Press:
RHP Williams says he plans to retire after release by Astros — Right-hander Woody Williams was released by the Houston Astros on Saturday and said he planned to retire. — The 41-year-old Williams signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract with the Astros before last season.
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Owner: Offers made to Fielder, Braun — Attanasio indicates club trying to lock up stars long term — MILWAUKEE — The Brewers have submitted multiyear contract proposals to representatives for first baseman Prince Fielder and left fielder Ryan Braun that would “buy out” …
Richard Sandomir / New York Times:
You Can't Just Blow Up History — The wreckers will arrive at Shea Stadium soon after the Mets' final home game in late September or sometime in October. In February or March, Yankee Stadium's dismantling will begin. The old ballparks will be taken apart piece by piece over two to three months …
Associated Press:
Rockies give Scott Podsednik reserve outfield job, send Cory Sullivan to minors — DENVER (AP)—Cory Sullivan, the Colorado Rockies' best defensive outfielder, was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Saturday after he was beaten out for the fifth outfielder job by free agent Scott Podsednik.
Barry Svrluga / Nationals Journal:
Kasten: “A great night” — Of course, that's what Stan Kasten's going to say, but I believe he meant it. He described having a “huge punch list” of things to take care of, and the Nationals' staff is meeting tonight — right now — to go over stuff that went wrong tonight …
Associated Press:
Arizona sends OF Nixon to minors — PHOENIX (AP)—Trot Nixon accepted a minor league assignment from Arizona after he lost out to outfielder Alex Romero for a spot on the Diamondbacks' opening day roster. — The Diamondbacks signed Nixon to a minor league contract at the start of spring training.
saber-scouting:
PTO% At Work: Crowner Of Aces? — Through consultation of some good statistical minds, I believe that I now have a more firm understanding of what our new pitching statistic really is measuring and how it can be applied. Pitches Towards Outs measures a pitchers dominance. Yes, dominance.
Discussion:
D-Town Baseball
Murray Chass / New York Times:
Nearing 50, Franco Still Going Strong in Mexican League — Most people who lie about their age try to make themselves appear younger than they really are. It was suggested to Julio Franco, though, that he might have wanted to make himself appear older. He laughed, understanding the reason for the suggestion.