Top News:
John Perrotto / Unfiltered:
Astros close to signing Pedro — The Astros are on the verge of signing a potential Hall of Famer as a free agent for the second team in a week as baseball sources indicated Tuesday night that they are close to an agreement with right-hander Pedro Martinez.
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Jose de Jesus Ortiz / blogs.chron.com:
McLane's coming, Martinez isn't — I had not planned to blog again tonight, but Linda, Angel and several others among you have called or e-mailed to ask what the Astros will announce at this press conference. — Before we get to Drayton, let's address the latest rumor that hit the Internet.
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Pedro talk persists in Dodgers camp — Speculation increases the longer LA goes without fifth starter — PHOENIX — Before one of the Dominican Republic's recent World Baseball Classic games, Pedro Martinez told Tom Lasorda and scouting advisor Ralph Avila he wanted to finish his career where it started, with the Dodgers.
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated
Dick Kaegel / MLB.com:
Royals ink Ponson to Minors deal — Righty starred for Netherlands in Cinderella Classic bid — SURPRISE, Ariz. — Sidney Ponson, who pitched for the amazing Netherlands team in the World Baseball Classic, was signed Tuesday by the Royals to a Minor League contract.
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Bob Dutton / Kansas City Star:
Royals sign veteran Ponson to minor-league deal — The Royals want to see if veteran right-hander Sidney Ponson has anything left. Ponson, 32, reached agreement Tuesday with the Royals on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to big-league camp.
Jack Curry / New York Times:
9th-Inning Hit by Wright Lets U.S. Advance — MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — David Wright was three outs away from taking a 108-mile trip back to Port St. Lucie on Tuesday night because the United States was three outs away from losing to Puerto Rico. But Wright made sure that he would not need the gas money after all.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
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Jorge L. Ortiz / Associated Press:
Team USA rallies to beat Puerto Rico in World Baseball Classic — MIAMI — The USA reclaimed its standing Tuesday night in a game it invented, and in thrilling fashion no less. — Down two runs in the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic elimination game, Team USA rallied to stun Puerto Rico …
Todd Zolecki / MLB.com:
Hamels a ‘long shot’ for Opening Day — MRI turns up no damage to left elbow, ace to throw Thursday — CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies said Tuesday that Cole Hamels has no structural damage to his left elbow. — That, they said, is the good news. — But it also appears he is a long shot …
Discussion:
Blogging Baseball
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Jim Peltz / Los Angeles Times:
James Loney looks to make a bigger contribution — First baseman is drawing from the experience of a full season in the major leagues and says his goal this season is to ‘improve on everything.’ — Reporting from Phoenix — One day recently, the Dodgers' James Loney saw his name circled …
Discussion:
True Blue LA
Thomas Harding / MLB.com:
Three early long balls, late rally spark tie — Helton, Tulo, Spilborghs show power; Rox score three in ninth — ROYALS 9, ROCKIES 9 — Royals at the plate: Miguel Olivo parked a three-run homer in the fourth inning, part of a four-RBI day. He technically has four long balls this spring …
Discussion:
Purple Row
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Byrd's big spring may push Andruw out — Rangers weigh options as outfielders head in different directions — SURPRISE, Ariz. — A significant moment occurred in the third inning of the Rangers' 11-5 victory over the Indians on Tuesday. — Marlon Byrd went from first to third on David Murphy's weak single to left-center.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Project Prospect:
Top 200 Prospect List — Check out the evolution of our prospect thinking. Revisit our 2008 Top 150 and 2007 Top 100.
JSOnline:
Littleton in; Morlan out — By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel — The bid of Rule 5 draft pick Eduardo Morlan to make the Brewers' bullpen has failed, so they're going to give someone else a shot. — The Brewers have claimed right-hander Wes Littleton on waivers from Boston …
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Offseason In Review: Cincinnati Reds — By Tim Dierkes [March 17 at 11:21am CST] — Next up in our Offseason In Review series, the Reds. Here's what we wrote about them on September 26th. Changes for 2009: — Additions: Ramon Hernandez, Willy Taveras, Arthur Rhodes, Jonny Gomes …
Discussion:
ESPN
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Chris De Luca / Chicago Sun Times:
Zambrano loves the Cubs, but he's also a Sox fan — MESA, Ariz. — It's hard to believe, but Carlos Zambrano has moved to the top of the Cubs' longevity list. At 27, he is the team's elder statesman, moving into the suite formerly occupied by Kerry Wood. — Zambrano debuted with the Cubs on Aug. 20, 2001.
Discussion:
Wrigleyville23
Adam Kilgore / Boston Globe:
Lugo has surgery, Pedroia's status . . . FORT MYERS, Fla. — Julio Lugo underwent a successful right knee arthroscopy this morning in Boston. Doctors repaired a torn meniscus, which is what they expected to find. Lugo will miss 3-4 weeks, almost certainly sidelining him for Opening Day April 6, which is 20 days away.
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