Top News:
Rob Bradford / Full Count:
Bay, Red Sox ‘table’ extension discussions — Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said that, after substantive conversations with outfielder Jason Bay (and his representatives) about the possibility of a contract extension this spring, the two sides have concluded that an agreement is not possible at this time.
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MLB.com:
Red Sox agree to terms with left-handed pitcher Jon Lester on five-year contract with option for 2014 — BOSTON, MA — The Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms on a five-year contract with lefthanded pitcher Jon Lester with a club option for 2014. Terms were not disclosed.
Ron Borges / Boston Herald:
Jon Lester set to ink deal — FORT MYERS - Sometime this morning, Jon Lester [stats] and the Red Sox [team stats] are expected to announce the worst kept secret of the spring - that he has signed a $30 million contract extension. — Yesterday, Lester was scratched from a scheduled start …
Adam Kilgore / Boston Globe:
Arthroscopic surgery for Lugo — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Julio Lugo will undergo arthroscopic surgery Tuesday in Boston, manager Terry Francona said. Dr. Thomas Gill will perform the operation, which will determine the significance of Lugo's injury, feared to be a torn meniscus.
Discussion:
YFSF
Adam Kilgore / Boston Globe:
Pedroia back, optimistic — FORT MYERS, Fla. - Of this we can be sure: Dustin Pedroia's lower abdominal strain has done nothing to affect his well-chronicled self-confidence. — “When you have a physique like this, when you're shredded and everything, something might happen,” he said this morning.
Adam Kilgore / Boston Globe:
Bay extension talks halted — FORT MYERS, Fla. — After recent “substantive” negotiations regarding a contract extension, the Red Sox and Jason Bay have postponed discussions for now because of the “unusual marketplace,” Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said.
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Spring Game 19: Twins at Yankees — YANKEES — Pitching today: Andy Pettitte, Phil Coke, Jose Veras. — TWINS — Span LF — Hughes 2B — Gomez CF — Kubel DH — Harris 3B — Buscher 1B — Redmond C — Winfree RF — Plouffe SS
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Padres Fan / Who's your Padre?:
Padres sign RHP Duaner Sanchez ... PEORIA, Ariz. - In their never-ending quest to solidify their bullpen, the Padres signed 29-year-old right-hander Duaner Sanchez to a Minor League contract, general manager Kevin Towers confirmed Sunday. — Sanchez was released by the New York Mets on March 10.
ESPN.com:
President Hugo Chavez rips Venezuelan fans for booing Magglio Ordonez at WBC — CARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chavez came to the defense of Magglio Ordonez on Sunday, slamming Venezuelan baseball fans who booed the major leaguer at the World Baseball Classic.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
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Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com:
Mariners claim Delgado from Marlins — Righty came in Beckett deal, spent 2008 mostly in Double-A — JUPITER, Fla. — Former Marlins right-hander Jesus Delgado was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Sunday. — Delgado, 24, made just two appearances in 2008, giving up a run in two innings of work.
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Roster cuts begin wtih Stockman — Parr among Braves moves expected to be announced Monday — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Phil Stockman's injury-plagued career with the Braves came to a close on Sunday when he was given his unconditional release. — Stockman made just one Grapefruit League appearance …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Manny slated for spring debut in left — Dodgers slugger to make first appearance in field vs. Rockies — PHOENIX — Manny Ramirez will make his Spring Training debut in left field on Sunday when the Dodgers play the Rockies at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. — Ramirez played in his first game …
Discussion:
Purple Row
John Perrotto / Baseball Prospectus:
Prospectus Q and A: Shiraz Rehman by David Laurila — Shiraz Rehman … David Laurila: What is your role with the Diamondbacks? — Shiraz Rehman: Technically, I'm the Director of Baseball Operations, so I guess that means a lot of work on arbitration, contracts and contract structuring, and some of the negotiations.
Bob Ruffolo / The Voice of Yankees Universe:
Exclusive New Yankee Stadium Photos: March 14th, 2009 — I had the pleasure of being inside the New Yankee Stadium today. All reports are certainly true, it's an absolute palace. — This is a Voice of Yankees Universe exclusive. Feel free to share this post or any of these images.
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Joe Lapointe / New York Times:
Yankees' Gardner Is Small and Speedy, With Big Shoes to Fill
Yankees' Gardner Is Small and Speedy, With Big Shoes to Fill
Discussion:
IT IS HIGH, IT IS FAR, IT IS