Top News:
David Lennon / Newsday:
USA (with David Wright) to play Dominican Republic (and Robinson Cano) Thursday night — MIAMI — The Subway Series won't start for another two months. In the meantime, pick your superhero. — Is it David Wright, the aptly named Captain America of the World Baseball Classic?
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus, Gaslamp Ball, MLB.com, Metsblog and Amazin' Avenue
RELATED:
Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Herrmann out for the year after elbow surgery — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Indians reliever Frank Herrmann had hoped to make a run at the Opening Day bullpen this spring. Now, the pitcher's chances of making the bullpen next spring are no longer certain. — On Wednesday, Herrmann underwent …
Discussion:
The Tribe Daily, Baseball America, Bleed Cubbie Blue, Athletics Nation and Let's Go Tribe
Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com:
SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Texas Rangers have twice tried to lock up All-Star shortstop Elvis Andrus to a long-term contract and are expected to make one more run at it this year, but people familiar with their thinking suggest that if the Rangers can't secure him to a multiyear deal they will likely trade him in “10 to 12 months.”
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus, MLB Daily Dish and MLB Rumors
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Associated Press:
Orr's Homer Leads Phillies Over Pirates — CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Pete Orr hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday. — Orr, a veteran utilityman, connected off former Phillies left-hander Mike Zagurski, hitting a long drive to right.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation and Bucs Dugout
Matt Eddy / Baseball America:
Minor League Transactions: Feb. 26-March 8 — Official minor league transactions, conveyed to us by Major League Baseball, for the period Feb. 26-March 8. — Arizona Diamondbacks — Signed: RHP Josh Booty — It's official: The Diamondbacks actually signed 37-year-old Josh Booty …
Discussion:
Phillies Nation and MLB Daily Dish
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Garza resumes throwing, targets April-May return — MESA, Ariz. — Cubs pitcher Matt Garza, sidelined with a strained left lat, will resume his throwing program Wednesday, but still was not expected to be ready for the regular season until early May. — The right-hander played catch Sunday and Monday, and so far, so good.
Discussion:
CBSSports.com, MLB Daily Dish and Lone Star Ball
Matt Gelb / Philly.com:
Phillies pitching coach: Roy Halladay is ‘fine’ — TAMPA, Fla. - One of Rich Dubee's favorite sayings is, “He's fine.” — The Phillies pitching coach will summon it in any situation - good or bad - when pressed about a particular arm. Dubee has repeated it over and over since Roy Halladay's discouraging Tuesday start.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and Philliesflow.com
Mark Polishuk / MLB Rumors:
Rangers, “Number Of Teams” Interested In Lohse — The Rangers are staying in contact with Kyle Lohse, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports. Scott Boras, Lohse's agent, didn't confirm Texas' interest but did say that he had heard from several teams about the 34-year-old right-hander.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
Associated Press:
Pelfrey Struggles for Twins in Loss to Red Sox — FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Mike Pelfrey gave up five runs in two innings as he tries to accelerate his return from Tommy John surgery, and the Minnesota Twins lost to the Boston Red Sox 7-3 Thursday. — Pelfrey had the elbow-reconstruction operation …
Discussion:
Boston Globe
Brian Costa / Wall Street Journal:
Houston School of Economics — After Years of Torpor, Houston Decides to Rebuild with Gusto — Only two players remain from the team's 2011 opening day roster: Bud Norris and Brett Wallace. — Kissimmee, Fla. — A sign along the main driveway leading into Osceola County Stadium reads …
Discussion:
Getting Blanked
Associated Press:
Manuel wants to manage Phillies beyond 2013 — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Charlie Manuel says he has no plans to retire after this season and wants to continue managing the Philadelphia Phillies. — Manuel, the franchise's all-time leader in wins, is entering the final season of his contract …
Discussion:
NY Daily News and MLB Rumors
Lee Enterprises / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Motte, Mujica test secondary pitches — • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285 — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. • For two of the Cardinals' late-inning relievers who shortened games for the club last fall, spring training offers innings they often …
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos