Top News:
New York Post:
Jerry needs good start, badly — PORT ST. LUCIE — David Wright, Jose Reyes and now Johan Santana all have said they expect the Mets to win the World Series. The Mets are turning the page on an injury-plagued 2009 by making one bold statement after another. — That means the pressure is on Jerry Manuel like never before.
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Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Johan believes he's beast of NL East — Mets ace feeling good, plans to be on hill Opening Day — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — He paused for a moment for effect, to suggest that he actually was considering an alternative response. Then the best pitcher in the National League East spoke his two-word reply to the question on the floor.
Adam Rubin / Surfing The Mets:
Escobar: ‘weakness,’ not pain — Kelvim Escobar said he won't pick up a baseball until he's cleared by rehab coordinator Chris Correnti, who is charged with evaluating his shoulder strength. Still, Escobar expressed little concern about being ready for Opening Day, or about the rigors …
RELATED:
Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:Kelvim Escobar Can't Grip a Baseball
Discussion:
The Real Dirty Mets Blog
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Jamie McCourt doubles request for monthly support — She wants $988,845 temporary monthly support and says her estranged husband is hiding facts on assets. Court filing details Frank McCourt's plans to turn Dodgers into sports business empire. — Jamie McCourt (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats win arbitration case with Burnett — Despite result, reliever glad the process is over — VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals have won their arbitration case with reliever Sean Burnett, who will make $775,000 in 2010 instead of the $925,000 he asked for, according to a Major League source.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
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Associated Press:
Former All-Star MacDougal signs with Marlins — MIAMI (AP) — Former All-Star pitcher Mike MacDougal has signed a minor-league contract with the Florida Marlins and has been invited to spring training. — Florida pitchers and catchers report Friday to Jupiter, Fla. — MacDougal was an All-Star for Kansas City in 2003.
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Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Angels, Aybar agree to 2010 contract — Club, shortstop avoid arbitrarion, settle on $2.05 million deal — TEMPE, Ariz. — The Angels announced on Thursday that they have avoided arbitration with shortstop Erick Aybar, settling on a contract for 2010. — While the club has a policy …
Discussion:
Halos Heaven
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Dan McNeil / Chicago Tribune:
It's a mistake to count on Zambrano — It's best to take a wait-and-see attitude concerning Cubs' erratic starter — My hobbies include both wandering and wondering. In two weeks I will wander to Arizona to take a peek at this “all hands on deck” approach the Cubs are selling.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Top Pitching Prospect Hopes to Leave Behind a Season of Growing Pains — TAMPA, Fla. — Andrew Brackman traveled around Spain last October. He visited seaside towns along the Mediterranean coast. He explored the cathedrals and parks of Barcelona, his new favorite city.
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Game over? Gagne returning to LA — Franchise's greatest closer signing a Minor League deal — PHOENIX — The Dodgers and free-agent reliever Eric Gagne have tentatively agreed on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League camp, according to baseball sources …
Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER:
Detwiler out 3 months with hip injury — [UPDATE AT 4:28 P.M. — The Nats have now confirmed Detwiler's surgery and say he is scheduled to begin a throwing program in six weeks and “should be able to return to competitive pitching in three months.” The procedure was performed Monday in Vail, Colo., by Marc J. Phillippon.]
Corey Brock / MLB.com:
Padres bring Barfield back on Minors deal — Former starting second baseman to report on March 12 — PEORIA, Ariz. — In a blast from the past, San Diego has signed former Padres infielder Josh Barfield to a Minor League contract. — Barfield, who was the Padres everyday second baseman in 2006 …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
George A. King III / NY Post:
Yankees' Rivera taking career ‘a year at a time’ — TAMPA — One year at a time. — That's how Mariano Rivera is looking at the rest of a career that will eventually lead to Coopertsown. — “A year at a time and see what happens,” Rivera said this morning prior to the first workout …
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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
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated
