Top News:
Chad Finn / Boston Globe:
Sox release Josh Bard — Josh Bard's second stint with the Red Sox was even briefer than his first. — The Red Sox announced this morning that they have placed the 30-year old catcher on unconditional release waivers. General manager Theo Epstein indicated that Bard's departure means …
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Amy K. Nelson / MLB:
Hurt Kevin Youkilis leaves Team USA, to undergo MRI — MIAMI — When it seemed as though the injury news could not get any worse for Team USA, manager Davey Johnson announced that Kevin Youkilis has left the team because of a sore left ankle on Wednesday. — Youkilis has returned to Fort Myers …
Mike McDermott / Projo Sox Blog:
Sox cut Josh Bard; Kottaras is in as backup catcher — The team has announced that they have cut catcher Josh Bard, who came into camp as the leader in the battle to back up Jason Varitek at catcher. — General Manager Theo Epstein says that the backup job “is George Kottaras's to lose.”
Jose De Jesus Ortiz / Houston Chronicle:
Boone leaves Astros for heart surgery — Infielder's career in doubt, but condition ‘not an emergency’ — KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Astros infielder Aaron Boone announced this morning that he will leave the Astros to have a bicuspid aortic valve eventually repaired.
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ESPN.com:
Aaron Boone of Houston Astros to undergo open heart surgery for valve replacement — KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Aaron Boone of the Houston Astros says he will have open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve. — Boone made the announcement Wednesday, saying he has known about his heart condition since college …
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
You can Wright it down, USA is in semis — Americans put up dramatic three-run rally in ninth to beat Puerto Rico — MIAMI — Chants of “USA! USA! USA!” rang through Dolphin Stadium as Team USA players piled on David Wright near second base. — The calendar may say March …
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Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com:
Pirates send Gorzelanny to Minors — Former staff ace optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis — BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates announced two cuts from big league camp early on Wednesday morning, then three more after the game against the Twins, and one comes as a bit of a surprise.
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Dejan Kovacevic / PBC Blog:
Pirates option Gorzelanny, Tabata to minors (updated) — BRADENTON, Fla. — In a move that narrows the starting-rotation candidates to six and with Ian Snell set to return to their exhibition rotation soon, the Pirates this morning sent down three-year starter Tom Gorzelanny two days …
MLB:
New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui won't play in field until at least June — TAMPA, Fla. — Hideki Matsui won't play in the outfield for the New York Yankees until at least interleague road games in June and will be restricted to designated hitter and pinch-hitting appearances until then.
Chico Harlan / Nationals Journal:
Nats Release Hill, Sign Beimel To One-Year, $2 Million Deal — The Nationals today released starting pitcher Shawn Hill and signed free agent left-handed relief pitcher Joe Beimel to a one-year, $2.0 million deal. Both moves can be attributed to uncertainty.
New York Post:
JOBA IS PLAN B FOR CLOSE CALL — TAMPA - If Mariano Rivera's health falters and he is unable to close, the likelihood is Joba Chamberlain would be switched into the role, multiple Yankees officials told The Post. — Rivera took a convincing step toward demonstrating full health …
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Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Andruw Jones could opt out of minor-league deal with Texas Rangers — SURPRISE, Ariz. — Center fielder Andruw Jones had a message from agent Scott Boras on his cellphone when he headed to the clubhouse Tuesday, and the five-time All-Star assumed it was to talk about his future with the Rangers.
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Kat O'Brien / Newsday:
A-Rod magazine photos make teammates wonder — In the latest issue of Details, Alex Rodriguez appears to kiss himself in a photo shoot for the magazine. (Details Magazine) — TAMPA, Fla. - Even when Alex Rodriguez is in Colorado recovering from hip surgery, he manages to grab headlines.
Kevin Goldstein / Baseball Prospectus:
Organizational Rankings, Part 2 — Last Year's Ranking: 2 — Why They Might Be Better Than This: Their Triple-A rotation, led by Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson, could be better than some big-league rotations; Michael Ynoa is the best Latin American prospect of the decade …
Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:
60 seconds with Marlins pitcher Logan Kensing — Do you have a duck fetish? — I have no fetish with ducks. My mom always said that ducks in some cultures are considered really good luck. So once a month I get a new one (from her) - rubber duck, stuffed duck, a duck. — Every month?
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Jose de Jesus Ortiz / blogs.chron.com:
Astros take call about trade (w/more notes) — • Photos from Boone news conference and Astros-Yankees game — Not long after Aaron Boone announced he would leave the team to have open-heart surgery, Astros general manager Ed Wade received a call from another team informing him they had a third baseman available.
Bart Hubbuch / Mets Blog:
Say goodnight, Freddy — PORT ST. LUCIE — We haven't spoken to Jerry Manuel yet, but it's probably safe to say Freddy Garcia won't be long for the Mets' camp. The veteran right-hander's already slim odds of winning the No. 5 starter job appeared to fly out the window here today with his disaster …
