Top News:
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 …
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Mike Silva's NY Baseball …
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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.
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Jerry Crasnick / ESPN.com:
Willie Mays, Hank Aaron told Ken Griffey Jr. to think legacy … Ken Griffey Jr. will join Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the Hall of Fame one day. On Wednesday, the two baseball icons and Griffey's 13-year-old daughter played pivotal roles in helping him decide where he would be making the final stop in his illustrious career.
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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Yoel Adames / ESPN.com:
Primobolan, drug Alex Rodriguez used, not available for legal purchase in the Dominican Republic — SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — According to the official in charge of the agency which regulates pharmaceutical drugs in the Dominican Republic, Primobolan was not available for legal purchase …
Discussion:
iYankees
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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Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Wrapping up the day in Tampa — First a little news: — · Edwar Ramirez and Jose Veras won't be going to the WBC. They didn't even know they were on the provisional roster. — · Damaso Marte (hamstrings) won't be running for at least the rest of the week.
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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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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 …
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.
Howard Bryant / ESPN:
MLB union bears share of burden — Donald Fehr, executive director of the MLB players' association, seems to have underestimated the effect steroid use would have on the legitimacy of players' achievements. — Bud Selig, the commissioner of baseball, has begun his offensive against the Major League Baseball Players Association.
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Hardball Times
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
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.
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Bottom9 Baseball
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Braun sheds light on fashion venture — Brewers star distributes new line of hot-selling T-shirts — PHOENIX — He's a long way from New York's Fashion Week, but Ryan Braun was roaming the Brewers clubhouse this week distributing his new line of T-shirts, looking and sounding like Milwaukee's answer to Marc Jacobs.
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 …
Brad Lefton / New York Times:
New Stage for Japan's Rising Pitching Star — NAGO, Japan — On the first day of spring training here, Yu Darvish christened the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters' 2009 camp by throwing 125 pitches from a bullpen mound. That was 15 more than Carlos Zambrano of the Cubs threw to no-hit the Astros …