Top News:
Sean McAdam / Boston Herald:
U.S. rallies into semis — No P.R. nightmare — MIAMI - It wasn't quite “Do you believe in miracles?” but for another Team USA on the international stage, it will do. — As David Wright's ninth-inning, bases-loaded, opposite-field single landed softly inside the foul line in right field …
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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.
Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
Red, white and blue, through and through — Buzz up! — MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - The flag traveled around the world and through the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq. Sgt. Felix Perez brought it from home as a reminder and an amulet. The flag never left his Army backpack.
Ken Davidoff / Ken Davidoff's baseball insider:
Technically, the WBC doesn't count. Therefore, David Wright is still a choking dog. — Kidding. Kidding! — Well, that was pretty damn entertaining. — Now the WBC should really take a leap this weekend, in terms of awareness. With Team USA in the mix, not to mention …
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 …
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.
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:Astros Not Close To Signing Pedro Martinez
Discussion:
Alyson's Footnotes, Hardball Times, Seven Train to Shea Mets Blog, Wrigleyville23 and Mets Fever
Chico Harlan / Nationals Journal:
Your Opening Day Starter... John Lannan — John Lannan is 24 years old. In 2008, he was a rookie. In fact, he spent the first days of that season in the minors. But given how Lannan has performed since — how the team views him as an anchor in its rotation — his latest step is no surprise.
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats tap Lannan for Opening Day start — Left-hander will square off against host Marlins on April 6 — VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals have decided that left-hander John Lannan will be their Opening Day starter against the Marlins on April 6 at Dolphin Stadium.
Discussion:
Oleanders and Morning Glories
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.
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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.
Discussion:
Sabernomics
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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
Chico Harlan / Nationals Journal:
Mike Rizzo, Briefly Noted — A few media members chatted this afternoon with acting GM Mike Rizzo. Among the topics of conversation: Trades, Matt Chico, Jordan Zimmermann. — In order... On whether he envisions any deals going down to clear the outfield logjam:
Project Prospect:
Top 200 Prospect List — Check out the evolution of our prospect thinking. Revisit our 2008 Top 150 and 2007 Top 100.
