Top News:
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
A-Rod answers questions, raises more … TAMPA, Fla. — His friends told him the truth would set him free. But is that what Alex Rodriguez told Tuesday? — The truth? The whole truth? And nothing but the truth? — Ehhhhh ... it didn't feel that way.
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Ronald Blum / Associated Press:
Rodriguez says cousin injected him with substance — Buzz up! — TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—Alex Rodriguez answered one big question Tuesday, admitting his cousin repeatedly injected him with a substance from the Dominican Republic. — The New York Yankees star blamed his 2003 positive test on being young and naive.
Jim Baumbach / The Final Score:
We're live blogging the Alex Rodriguez news conference — Keep hitting refresh for the latest updates... 2:36 p.m. We're all done. A-Rod was on the dais for 32 minutes. 2:35 p.m. A-Rod just ended by saying he wants “to make the world a better place.” “I screwed up big-time.
Thomas Boswell / Washington Post:
Thomas Boswell on Alex Rodriguez's Steroid Stories — The FBI watches ESPN, too. — So, by amazing coincidence, the story Alex Rodriguez told us yesterday was exactly the kind of tale he would have to tell if he did not want a visit from anybody wearing a badge or carrying a subpoena.
Discussion:
Field of Schemes
Nick Friedell / Yahoo! Sports:
Things I learned while attending A-Rod's press conference — BLS contributor Nick Friedell was at Steinbrenner Field today for A-Rod's press conference. — The circus was supposed to be in Tampa on Tuesday afternoon, but I only saw one clown all day: His name was Alex Rodriguez.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Griffey picks Braves over Mariners — Negotiations still on-going, both sides working to finalize deal — Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Ken Griffey Jr. has chosen to sign with the Braves, according to a person close to the veteran star and familiar with the on-going negotiations.
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Jim Street / MLB.com:
Griffey denies report he chose Braves — Veteran wrestling with decision, will choose later Tuesday or Wednesday — PEORIA, Ariz. — Free-agent outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., who is being hotly pursued by the Mariners and Braves, told MLB.com that he has not reached a decision on which team he will play for next season.
John Hickey / seattlepi.com Mariners blog:
Still no word if Griffey is headed to Atlanta or Seattle — As of 6 p.m. MST, the Mariners still have no idea if they are in the hunt for Ken Griffey Jr., their former All-Star and the man they hope will be their left fielder and/or DH this season. — Neither Griffey or his agent …
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers sign Gagne to Minors deal — Reliever can become free agent if he doesn't make 40-man roster — PHOENIX — Exactly one year to the date he arrived at Maryvale Baseball Park with a $10 million contract in tow, Eric Gagne will report Wednesday as a Minor Leaguer pitching for a job.
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Gallardo likely won't start opener — Macha points to blooming righty's limited big league experience — PHOENIX — Brewers manager Ken Macha will not name his Opening Day starter until the final week of March, but he was “over 50 percent” sure on Tuesday that it will not be right-hander Yovani Gallardo.
Discussion:
Brewers Bar
JSOnline:
Gagne is back — By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel — Phoenix - I'm guessing most of you didn't see this coming because we sure didn't. — Eric Gagne is back. — The Brewers just announced that Gagne signed a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring camp.
MLB:
Arizona Diamondbacks, Conor Jackson agree on one-year contract — PHOENIX — Conor Jackson avoided a salary arbitration hearing with the Arizona Diamondbacks when he agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract worth $3.05 million. — The 26-year-old infielder and outfielder hit .300 with 12 homers and 75 RBIs in 144 games last year.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers, Hart avoid arbitration — Right fielder agrees to one-year, $3.25 million deal on eve of hearing — PHOENIX — It wasn't exactly the 11th hour, but it was getting pretty late for the Brewers and right fielder Corey Hart when they finally struck a deal.
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Tim Brown / Yahoo! Sports:
Brad Penny's escape from L.A. — Buzz up! — FORT MYERS, Fla. - Though he loved Los Angeles and in its place was subject to the softest free-agent market in years, Brad Penny is happy to be free of the Dodgers. — And though they were left to rebuild a pitching staff that could use another power arm …
Discussion:
The Fightins
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MLB:
Miguel Tejada apologizes to Houston Astros for use of PEDs — KISSIMMEE, Fla. — While Alex Rodriguez was addressing his use of performance-enhancing drugs in front of a national media contingent Tuesday, Miguel Tejada made a quiet apology to his teammates at the Houston Astros' training camp.
MLB:
Tampa Bay Rays' Scott Kazmir won't pitch in World Baseball Classic — PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Scott Kazmir will not pitch for the United States in next month's World Baseball Classic because the Tampa Bay Rays were concerned about the risk of injury to the All-Star left-hander. — Kazmir
Marc Topkin / The Heater:
Rays add 2B Adam Kennedy to spring roster — 2B Adam Kennedy was added to the Rays spring roster on a minor-league contract. — Kennedy, 33, was released last week by the Cardinals, for whom he hit .280 in 115 games last season following a horrible .217 in 87 games the year before.
