Top News:
Craig Calcaterra / HardballTalk:
Source: Kelvim Escobar may be seriously hurt — UPDATE: Adam Rubin of the Daily News tweets: … Santana's not a doctor of course and a playing catch grip is different than a pitching-at-full-speed grip, but this, at the very least, undercuts my earlier report. Obviously I'll update with anything new that comes out.
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Brian Costa / New Jersey Online:
NY Mets ace Johan Santana says he is still the best pitcher in the NL East … PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Let the Phillies have Roy Halladay. Johan Santana said the Mets still have the best pitcher in the National League East. — When asked Thursday who the best pitcher in the division is this year …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, My Summer Family, MetsBlog.com, ESPN, The Fightins, Kranepool Society and CitiField of Dreams
Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
Kelvim Escobar Can't Grip a Baseball — According to Adam Rubin of the Daily News, Johan Santana said he recently played catch with Kelvim Escobar, and reports Escobar is unable to grip a baseball are not true. — Original Post at 11:35 am: — Yesterday, in a post to the New York Times …
Discussion:
The Real Dirty Mets Blog
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
As camp opens, lineup Girardi's top concern — Manager will use spring slate to find consistent batting order — TAMPA, Fla. — It was the first day back at the spring office, and Joe Girardi couldn't help but like what he saw. Players were showing up in shape and on time …
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Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Stark: Yankees' camp opens far differently that it did a year ago — A year after A-Rod's steroids news conference, Yankees' camp begins rather quietly — TAMPA, Fla. — The manager of the 27-time champions stationed himself Wednesday under the world-famous Steinbrenner Field big top.
Discussion:
River Avenue Blues
Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer:
Chris Antonetti to replace Mark Shapiro as Cleveland Indians GM … CLEVELAND — There will be changes at the top of the Indians organization. — GM Mark Shapiro will assume the role of club president at the conclusion of the upcoming season, according to a team release issued this morning.
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Anthony Castrovince / CastroTurf:
Shapiro to become Tribe prez, Antonetti to become GM following 2010 season — The Indians are making a big announcement today that is of little surprise. — In a front-office shakeup set to take place upon the conclusion of the 2010 season, GM Mark Shapiro will be promoted to team president …
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Thomas Harding / MLB.com:
Eager to lead Rox, Helton arrives early — Veteran will be cautious in spring to preserve his back — TUCSON, Ariz. — Spring Training hasn't changed for Todd Helton. He understands that the exhibition season is a grind, and anything that happens in games disappears once the regular season begins.
Discussion:
Inside the Colorado Rockies
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Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Helton learns vital lesson from last year — The veteran says he needs more rest this season to stay effective because he was worn down by the end of 2009. — The Denver Post — TUCSON — A year ago at this time, there was uncertainty. Todd Helton wasn't sure how his surgically repaired back was going to respond.
Weei / Full Count:
Keith Law on D&H: The 2010 Sox, the farm system, and ‘useless’ statistics — ESPN's Keith Law touched base with the Dale & Holley show on Wednesday afternoon to offer analysis on a diverse array of topics. Law examined the state of the Red Sox' farm system, headed by top prospects Casey Kelly …
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Alex Speier / Full Count:
The Fort Report: Wednesday's developments — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Technically, the reporting date for Red Sox pitchers and catchers to spring training is on Thursday, but by Wednesday, virtually all of the pitchers who are competing for major league spots this spring had arrived.
Discussion:
Boston Globe, Over the Monster, The House That Dewey Built, sox1fan.com, MLB Rumors and The Bottom Line
Andy Martino / Philly.com:
Inside the Phillies: Unlike health, faith never lets Lidge down — CLEARWATER, Fla. - Brad Lidge's defining characteristic is belief - in God, in himself, in the basic goodness of the world. He feels that all suffering happens for a reason, and will always lead to better days.
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Andrew Baggarly / Mercury News:
San Francisco Giants' Aaron Rowand puts the pedal to his mettle — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Aaron Rowand flexed the bulging knots in his calf muscles, showing off proof of a winter spent pushing pedals on a bicycle. — A stationary bike, someone asked? — “Oh, hell no!” said Rowand, laughing.
Discussion:
El Lefty Malo
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The Biz of Baseball:
THE CASE FOR RODRIGUEZ — Praver will argue that Rodriguez had an exceptional season in 2009, posting career bests in ERA (3.02), innings pitched (205.2), Hits per 9 (8.4), Walks per 9 (2.8), and WHIP (1.240). In the National League he ranked 9th in ERA, 15th in innings pitched …
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Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Stark: Goodbye offseason, hello spring training — Leaving winter in the rearview mirror, and eyeing what awaits in Florida and Arizona — We're not sure what winter looked and felt like where you live. But from where we live, in the tundra formerly known as Pennsylvania …
Discussion:
Twinkie Town
Mike DiGiovanna / LA Times Sports Blog:
Angels avoid arbitration with Erick Aybar — TEMPE, Ariz. — The Angels have avoided arbitration with Erick Aybar, signing the shortstop to a one-year, $2.05-million deal that includes an additional $100,000 in incentives if he reaches 625 plate appearances.
