Top News:
Anthony Castrovince / CastroTurf:
Marte designated as Tribe trades for Salas — Well, you knew the Andy Marte Era would come to an end sooner or later here in camp, and it didn't take long. — The Indians traded for RHP Juan Salas today, sending Minor League INF Isaias Velasquez to the Rays. — Salas, 30, was designated for assignment by the Rays on Friday.
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Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Tribe acquires Salas, designates Marte — Deal with Rays signals end of third baseman's tenure in Cleveland — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Indians came into camp knowing Andy Marte would be the first guy off their roster, if a 40-man move was made, and they didn't take long to follow through with that plan.
Discussion:
Talking Chop
Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer:
Cleveland Indians drop Andy Marte; trade for reliever Juan Salas from Tampa Bay Rays — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Andy Marte Era in Cleveland is all but over. — The Indians designated Marte for assignment today after acquiring right-hander Juan Salas from Tampa Bay for minor league infielder Isaias Valasquez.
Discussion:
Around the Majors
Paul Newberry / Associated Press:
After Griffey: Spurned Braves try to move on — Buzz up! — KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP)—The Atlanta Braves emerged from the dugout as though it was just another spring training day. The pitchers headed to the mound. The hitters wandered in and out of the cage, taking their swings.
Discussion:
Talking Chop
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Associated Press:
Milledge gives Dunn No. 44, changes to No. 85 — VIERA, Fla. (AP) — There's a new Ocho Cinco in pro sports: Washington Nationals outfielder Lastings Milledge is switching to No. 85 after relinquishing his career-long No. 44 to new teammate Adam Dunn. — Milledge, who wore No. 44 with the Mets …
Discussion:
Mike Silva's NY Baseball …
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Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Rockies' pitcher Francis likely out for year — TUCSON — Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis expects his season to be over before it starts. Francis will undergo exploratory surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday in Denver, he said here today. — The surgery is expected to sideline him between 6-12 months …
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Associated Press:
Orioles, Roberts closing in on 4-year extension — FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Brian Roberts and the Baltimore Orioles are near agreement on a $40 million, four-year extension that could keep the second baseman with the team through the 2013 season. — Roberts tried to contain …
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Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
Orioles' Roberts confirms extension — Second baseman took physical today; deal expected to be announced tomorrow — FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Brian Roberts stamped his personal seal of approval on the new direction of the Orioles' franchise today as he waited for some medical tests …
Discussion:
MASNsports.com, The Schmuck Stops Here, MVN, Yahoo! Sports, MLB Rumors and Al's Ramblings
MLB:
George Steinbrenner, Bernie Williams appear at New York Yankees spring training — TAMPA, Fla. — A pair of familiar faces appeared Thursday at the New York Yankees' spring training camp for the first time this year: owner George Steinbrenner and outfielder Bernie Williams.
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Bobbie Dittmeier / MLB.com:
Hank rebukes talk of salary cap — Yankees co-chairman responds to Boston's suggestion of payroll limit — Hank Steinbrenner isn't so keen on a salary cap. — Not long after Red Sox owner John Henry and club president Larry Lucchino said on Wednesday that Major League Baseball …
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Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
The hard sell — The sellout streak at Fenway Park is in jeopardy
The hard sell — The sellout streak at Fenway Park is in jeopardy
Discussion:
ESPN
Buster Olney / MLB:
Sources: New York Yanks, San Diego Padres vie for Mexican pitcher — The Yankees and Padres continue to search for pitching depth, even with spring training under way, and both are in the bidding for Walter Silva, a 32-year-old right-hander who had a strong showing in the Mexican Winter League, sources said.
Todd Zolecki / MLB.com:
Utley optimistic about Opening Day — Phillies star feeling no pain in surgically repaired right hip — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Chase Utley looks around the Bright House Field clubhouse, sees players like Ryan Howard and Brett Myers at least 20 pounds lighter than last season and considers it a good sign.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves, Glavine reach agreement — Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Veteran left-hander Tom Glavine will be back with the Braves after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract that includes a $1 million base salary and up to $3.5 million in incentives, according to two people familiar with the situation.
Discussion:
Bottom9 Baseball
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Prospect sorry for withholding identity — Shortstop's real name is Lugo and he understated his age — VIERA, Fla. — Stanley King, the agent for Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo, previously thought to be Esmailyn Gonzalez, spoke to his client via telephone Wednesday night and said the Nationals prospect …
Bob Dutton / Kansas City Star:
Royals' Guillen out after removing ingrown nail himself — Royals outfielder José Guillen expects to return to full-time drills, perhaps by this weekend, after easing the pain in his right big toe by yanking out a severely ingrown nail. — The nail was only a slight irritant Monday …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Steven Goldman / Unfiltered:
Announcing the BP 2009 Book Tour — It's that time of year again, when we happy BPers don pilgrim rags and come visit your hometown. Break out the absinthe, the doilies, and hide the good silver because we're comin' over for dinner... but not a performance-enhancing dinner.
Discussion:
The Futility Infielder
Steve Gilbert / MLB.com:
Cancer scare changes Davis for better — A year later, D-backs lefty can put life, baseball in perspective — TUCSON, Ariz. — Doug Davis does not enjoy talking about himself and he most definitely would rather not discuss his emotions. — Yet, even Davis admits that things are different …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors