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.
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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Ed Chigliak / Federal Baseball:
Washington Nationals: Brian Bruney Talks Arbitration On Sirius/XM. — More photos » Reed Hoffmann - AP — Brian Bruney lost his arbitration case with the Washington Nationals and he was on the radio this afternoon to discuss the process. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann) — Browse more photos »
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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MiamiHerald.com:
Florida Marlins sign former Nationals closer Mike MacDougal — The Florida Marlins bolstered their bullpen Thursday by agreeing to a contract with former Washington Nationals closer Mike MacDougal. Agent Rex Gary said MacDougal, a right-hander, will sign a minor-league contract with an invitation to Marlins spring training.
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.
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.]
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 …
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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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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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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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
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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.
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Thomas Harding / MLB.com:Eager to lead Rox, Helton arrives early
Discussion:
Inside the Colorado Rockies
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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