Top News:
Gerry Fraley / Rangers Blog:
Rangers aware of ‘a situation’ with Josh Hamilton; wife appreciates support — Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, recovering from alcohol and drug addictions, had a relapse this week in his quest to remain sober. The Rangers have scheduled a press conference for 1 p.m. today with Josh Hamilton in attendance.
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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:
Pinstripe Alley, The Platoon Advantage, HardballTalk, Drunk Jays Fans 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:
MLB Daily Dish, Baseball Prospectus, Baseball Nation, 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, MLB.com and Lone Star Ball
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:
William World News, Nats Enquirer and 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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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:
Motor City Bengals and baseballmusings.com
Associated Press:
AP: Kotchman, Indians agree to one-year, $3 million deal — CLEVELAND (AP) - After exploring other options and coming up empty this winter, the Cleveland Indians may have finally found their new first baseman: Casey Kotchman. — The team agreed to terms Thursday night on a one-year …
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Tom Withers / Globe and Mail:
Sources: Indians, Kotchman agree to one-year deal
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
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.
Bob Dutton / Kansas City Star:
Signs point to Rex Hudler replacing Frank White on TV for Royals — Rex Hudler, a former big-league player with extensive broadcast experience, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Frank White as the analyst for Royals' telecasts on Fox Sports Kansas City.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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
