Top News:
Gerry Fraley / Rangers Blog:
Sources: Rangers' Josh Hamilton has relapse with alcohol at area bar — Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, recovering from alcohol and drug addictions, had a relapse this week in his quest to remain sober. — According to individuals familiar with the episode, Hamilton drank alcohol Monday night at Sherlock's Pub & Grill in Dallas.
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Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
Josh Hamilton suffers another very public relapse — The worst part about Josh Hamilton's relapse is that he didn't care. The most famous addict in sports does not go to a bar in the town where he is best known without full knowledge that his exploits will become public in a matter of hours.
Discussion:
The Platoon Advantage, HardballTalk and Baseball Nation
Randy Galloway / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers must decide if Josh Hamilton can be trusted — Too bad that it actually matters. — Too bad that a 30-year-old ballplayer cannot pull up a stool at a Dallas bar, have a beer, and as long as he's not driving or causing trouble, have maybe more than a couple of beers.
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Foul Territory
Richard Durrett / ESPN:
Source: Josh Hamilton has relapse — Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, who has battled drug and alcohol addictions, had a relapse with alcohol this week, according to a source. — The Rangers said through a team spokesman that they are “aware of a situation but have no further comment at this time.”
Discussion:
The Yankee Analysts, Lone Star Ball and MLB.com
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats ask fans to ‘Take Back the Park’ vs. Phils — Loyal Washington-area fans can buy tickets to May 4-6 series — WASHINGTON — When it comes to the Phillies, chief operating officer Andy Feffer wants Nationals fans to fill up Nationals Park — and for a good reason.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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Adam Kilgore / Washington Post:
Details emerge on Edwin Jackson's contract — Some new details emerged today on Edwin Jackson's contract, from a person with knowledge of the deal. Jackson will make $11 million in 2012, not $10 million as had previously been widely reported, including by The Post.
Discussion:
SI Tracking Blog and MLB Rumors
ESPN:
Police: Woman extorted Brian Cashman — NEW YORK — A woman has been charged with stalking and shaking down New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. — Louise Neathway was arraigned Thursday night in Manhattan Criminal Court. Prosecutors said she extorted $6,000 from Cashman …
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Enrique Rojas / ESPN:
Source: Cuban pitching star agrees with Cubs — SANTO DOMINGO — Cuban left handed starter Gerardo Concepcion, an 18-year-old phenom who defected last June, has reached a $7 million guaranteed contract with the Chicago Cubs, a source close to the negotiation told ESPNdeportesLosAngeles.com.
Discussion:
Getting Blanked, Bleed Cubbie Blue, MLB Daily Dish, MLB Rumors, The Cub Reporter (TCR) and SI Tracking Blog
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Garza avoids arbitration, signs for $9.5 million — Instead of going into a hearing room in St. Petersburg on Friday, the Cubs and Matt Garza avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $9.5 million contract. — Garza's representatives at CAA Sports announced the deal on Twitter, and said he could also earn performance bonuses.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
David Laurila / FanGraphs Baseball:
Q&A: Brian Peterson, the Tigers Mental Edge — You probably haven't heard of him, but Brian “Pete” Peterson is an invaluable member of the Detroit Tigers organization. Working within the realm of sports psychology, and alongside Dr. George Carlo, the 58-year-old Peterson is heading …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times:
Former Cubs skipper Mike Quade has some advice for new Sox manager Robin Ventura — The Chicago White Sox held a news conference to introduce Robin Ventura as the club's 39th manager. Robin Ventura and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf met the press. Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun~Times
