Contracts Should Be Winding Down

With Carlos Zambrano and Carlos Guillen both looking for contract extensions before Opening Day, both the Cubs and the Tigers have a lot of work to do. Carlos Zambrano has told reporters that an offer has been made, but according to his agent, is not what they are looking for. However, Zambrano still appears optimistic that a deal can be reached. “My agent just told me that they made an offer,” Zambrano said. “At the beginning, we talked to each other, and I said when they get to the right amount, when they get to the amount that I want, just tell me and I will sign.”’ Hendry has a history of getting deals at certain points. Two years ago he signed Aramis Ramirez on Opening Day. Hopefully some sort of announcement can be made either before the game or immediately following the game. The Carlos Guillen saga is on going, but the Tigers seem to have more time. Guillen wouldn't mind talking about a contract during the season as long as it is not a distraction. He also went on to say that he wants to play in Detroit, and would talk about a contact in the off season. Zambrano is probably looking at a deal that would give him five years worth about 85-90 million while Guillen is looking at a four to five year deal worth about 50 or 60 million dollars.

UPDATE: TIGERS SIGN CARLOS GUILLEN TO A FOUR YEAR DEAL WORTH 48 MILLION DOLLARS.

Rogers, Gagne, Furcal Oh My!

The first of many injuries in baseball have been announced today with Kenny Rogers and Eric Gagne already heading to the DL. Fortunately, it is nothing serious. The Tigers are calling Rogers' injury nothing but a tired arm while Eric Gagne is being put on it for more time. Meanwhile, Dodgers manager Grady Little plans to place Rafael Furcal on the DL because of his weak ankle, but is expected to return sometime in April. Other notable players hurt are: Chone Figgins, Jered Weaver, Bartolo Colon, Bradon Backe, Jason Repko (season), Cliff Lee, Josh Johnson, Nick Johnson, Kris Benson (season), Freddy Sanchez, Chris Denorfia (season), and Chien-Ming Wang. For a complete list of injured players, check out rotoworld's injury list.

UPDATE: KENNY ROGERS IS OUT FOR THREE MONTHS WITH A BLOOD CLOT IN HIS SHOULDER.

Former Pitcher Urbina gets 14 Years in Prison

Former major league pitcher Ugueth Urbina was sentenced to 14 years in prison for the attempted murder of five workers on his ranch. Urbina, a two time all star, was also found guilty of illegal deprivation of liberty and violating a prohibition against taking justice into his own hands during a dispute over a gun. He has one World Series ring with the Marlins in 2003 and is 30th all time in saves with 237.

Dbacks trade Julio

The Marlins finally got the closer they were looking for. Yesterday, the Diamondbacks traded closer Jorge Julio and cash to the Marlins for Yusmeiro Petit. Armando Petit who was apart of the 2005 deal involving Carlos Delgado pitched in 15 games last year with a 9.57 ERA. The Marlins beat out the Cardinals and Pirates for Julio, but were still stuck with their second choice. They eagerly pursued Armando Benitez but after Giants GM Brian Sabean told them he's not for sale, they settled for Julio. Julio will take over the closer role after the Marlins lost Joe Borowski this past off season. The Dodgers traded Elmer Dessens to the Brewers for cash and Brady Clark. Clark will probably man the role in the outfield after Jason Repko will probably have season ending surgery. Clark had a bad year last year, a year after hitting .306 with the Brewers. He holds a .278 career average. Dessens will give the Brewers even more depth this year and will give the Brew Crew a veteran in the clubhouse. "Elmer brings 10 years of major league experience to our pitching staff," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said. "His versatility as a spot starter and long reliever should allow him to play a valuable role on our pitching staff this season."

New Dodger Ace in '08?

According to two veteran baseball officials, the Dodgers may make a serious run for Dontrelle Willis this coming season and are more than willing to offer a bundle of prospects, including Matt Kemp. Although this trade would put them ahead of everyone else in the NL West, the possibility that Willis will go elsewhere simply for as much money as possible is almost guaranteed. Furthermore, the Dodgers would lose at least three of their top prospects and would probably have to summon top prospect Andy LaRoche who is probably a year away. Willis didn't have a great year last year, going about even, but he would be able to command a 16 or 17 win season with a team that has defense and solid offensive support. As of right now, I think it is a good move for the Dodgers, because they have the money and the solid team that could possibly keep Willis in a Dodgers uniform if they do in fact go with a trade.

Greetings From the Dominican Republic

I am currently enjoying spring break in the Dominican Republic. Although I will be playing some baseball, among other sports here, I will have time to update the site regularly. According to numerous reports. Andruw Jones may be off to New York, especially if the Yankees lose A-Rod. Another news report cites Orioles outfielder Corey Patterson looking to make the big bucks, especially if he puts together another great year like he did last year. Alright, that is all for now. I will try to get back to you today, but no later than tomorrow afternoon. If you have a break, enjoy, but if you don't, enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Eli

Tony La Russa Arrested for DUI

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa blew a .093 yesterday evening when cops approached his stopped vehicle in an intersection despite a green light. La Russa was supposedly asleep with the car in drive and his foot on the brake. Although released, La Russa, 62, was charged with a misdemeanor. The release states that La Russa was cooperative during his arrest, but the Cardinals are still disappointed with what has happened. "The Cardinals apologize for any embarrassment and/or distraction this reported occurrence has created towards the team and its loyal fans," the club said in its statement. La Russa will probably be forced by the team or under probation to go to some sort of A.A. meeting; However, he will not be forced out of managing any games.

Braves Reward McCann

After just two years in the big leagues, the Braves decided to lock up catcher Brian McCann to a six year deal, worth 26.8 million dollars. The deal is already looking good, especially because his price will continue to go up even if his power numbers decline. McCann hit .333 with 24 HR and 93 RBI last season for the Braves. "Atlanta is where I want to play. It's where I grew up," McCann said. "Not many people can say that. McCann could potentially be the new face of this team if the Braves decide to let not only Andruw Jones walk, but John Smoltz as well after this year. Another player on the Braves that could be seeking a contract like McCann is Jeff Francoeur, who hit .260 with 29 HR and 103 RBI.

A-Rod: No One Cares

More news from Yankees camp today saying the Yankees don't plan to offer an extension to Rodriguez, leaving him the option to either opt out, or stick with the Yankees for the next three years. However, it is still Spring Training and we haven't even seen how he will play with the renewed pressure on him in New York. From talking with Yankee correspondents, fans do not seem to care right now what he does. If they trade him, the Yankees will replace him with someone new and get something from the trade that will help them somewhere else. As of right now, we know where everyone stands: A-Rod wants to stay, Brian Cashman wants him to stay, Steinbrenner will take him, but will have no trouble replacing him if he leaves. We've known where everyone stands for over two weeks and there is no reason for it to keep coming up: "He is hungry for media coverage. After the negative coverage he got last year after the season, he continues to say what will stir the pot, which is, as of right now, the opt clause in his contract. And as long as he keeps bringing it up, the continued coverage he will get." said Yankees correspondent Michael Hirsch. "He toys with the Yankee fans which puts even more pressure on himself to do well."

Mariners to trade Ichiro?

The Mariners may consider trading Ichiro if the Mariners fall out of contention by the trade deadline. It would make sense, trading an all star to a team that is on the brink of making the playoffs, looking for that player to give them that next jump. Ichiro, who is in the final year of his contract, has hinted to be wanting to join the Red Sox, but that could change when he starts getting offers. Ichiro batted .322 with 9 HR, 49 RBI, and 49 SB last season. He has a career average of .331 with 61 HR and 359 RBI, all with the Mariners. Meanwhile, the Rockies may be looking to trade some of their pitchers. The Orioles have taken a serious interest in acquiring Josh Fogg and the Rockies may be willing. Furthermore, Byung-Hyun Kim is drawing interest from Oakland. The Rockies could land themselves a prospect or two if a deal is swung. Probably not the best prospect, but at least something for their future.

Wells Battling Type 2 Diabetes

Padres pitcher David Wells has been diagnosed with with type two diabetes. Wells has been advised to see doctors but does not expect it to effect his pitching. "Obviously, this is a concern," Wells said. "But it's beatable. And I'm going to beat it. It's going to take some lifestyle changes. And I'm already making them. Wells was 3-5 with a 4.42 ERA and 38 K last year with the Padres. Career wise he is 230-148 with a 4.07 ERA and 2,119 K with the Blue Jays, Tigers, Reds, Orioles, Yankees, White Sox, Red Sox, and Padres.

Prior Out With 'Loose Shoulder'?

According to Yahoo! Sports, Mark Prior may be forced either to the disabled list or to Triple-A to rehabilitate his shoulder. After this "rehabilitating" happens, he will then work on strengthening his shoulder in the extended minor league camp or on assignment in the minor leagues. Scouts say that the reason his chronic injuries keep reappearing is because when he was younger and as of today he is not finishing his motion, and his fastball "lacks pop and his breaking ball is not trustworthy." Friday morning around 8:30 the Cubs had him throw again and he pitched four scoreless innings. However, his fastball topped off at 89, and it was erratic. So there is still hope that he can return by May, strong, but not the same. But, the Cubs plan to keep him in the extended spring training camp for at least the first week or two of the season. In five years with the Cubs, he is 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA and 757 K. However, he has only pitched in 106 games over that span, missing most of last year, and has been faced with some rather "freakish" injuries in 2005 and 2004 forcing him out. In 2004, he flipped over Marcus Giles running to second base and in 2005 was hit in the elbow on ball hit back to the mound against the Rockies.

Clemens Won't Return Until May

Roger Clemens told ESPN.com that if he does decide to pitch, he will decide between the Red Sox, Yankees, or Astros. "From what I understand, all three teams want to see where they are as far as their rotation ... and how their pitching lines up," Clemens told the Web site. "Not a one of them wanted an April or May [deal] anyways. All three teams look good as far as their pitching staffs go. My agents will let me know if and when they call." Don't think the Astros have the best chance of signing Clemens either. Clemens says that he would sign a similiar deal to what Pettitte got with the Yankees even if Pettitte decided to stay in Houston. Clemens has pitched in Astros and Yankees camp as of late, but it is uncertain whether he has made an appearance at Red Sox camp. If he decides to come back, he will probably be looking at a one year deal, worth 12-16 million dollars. In three years with the Astros, Clemens is 38-18 with a 2.38 ERA and 505 K. In five years with the Yankees, he was 77-36 with a 4.01 ERA and with 946 K. In thirteen years with the Red Sox, he was 192-107 with a 3.16 ERA and 2590 K. However, he hasn't pitched with the Red Sox in over ten years. Career wise, he is 348-178 with a 3.10 ERA and 4604 K in twenty three years with the Red Sox (13), Blue Jays (2), Yankees (5), and Astros (3). He has pitched in ten All Star Games, and has pitched in six World Series and has collected two World Series rings, both with the Yankees.

Tigers Hope Rule 5 Campusano Comes Through

Tigers Scouts knew what they were doing when they traded for Cubs prospect Edward Campusano after the Brewers took him in the Rule 5 Draft. However, all they can hope for now is that he comes through. Campusano is 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA through 8 IP with 8 H, 9 K, and 3 BB this spring. He has also give up 4 runs, all earned. However, coaches are extremely impressed by his command and potential to throw the ball hard and for strikes. They can only hope that he continues to have the success he has been having throughout this spring. In four minor league seasons (none above Double-A) he is 7-10, through 157.2 IP with a 3.32 ERA and 161 K.

Sosa Makes Rangers

Sammy Sosa will endure his second stint with the Rangers starting in April. Ron Washington told non roster invitee Sammy Sosa that he will be on the Opening Day roster. There hasn't been an official announcement and he hasn't been moved onto the 40-man roster, but Adam Katz and GM Jon Daniels plan to announcement in the next couple of days. They aren't expecting a thirty home run season, but they are expecting 400 at bats and a veteran bat off the bench. "...his performance is going to dictate what he gets," Washington said of Sosa earning an everyday job. "If he performs, we're going to have to find him at-bats. If he starts to slack off a little bit, then we may have to come back with a platoon." Sosa started his career with the Rangers back in 1989. He has hit 588 home runs and has a career average of .274 with the Rangers, White Sox, and Cubs.

Kerry Wood Out Again

The Cubs announced today that Kerry Wood is sidelined indefinitely with what the Cubs are calling triceps strain. The Cubs are also saying he is day to day but who knows what that means with Kerry Wood. "He had a little strain in his triceps on the posterior, on the bottom, and not where he was cut [during surgery]," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. "We'll give him a couple days and let Mark [O'Neal, Cubs athletic trainer] work on him. I'm not anticipating any long-term difficulty. He'll skip the next couple days." Hopefully it isn't anything serious, but with Kerry Wood out and Mark Prior heading for the minors, what's the saying again; "it's deja vu all over again."

Cardinals Falling

Now that Spring Training has hit nearly mid season, the Cardinals, already weak in depth, have lost four of their main starters: David Eckstein, Adam Kennedy, Jim Edmonds, and Juan Encarnacion. Eckstein came out of the first game with a strained oblique muscle. Adam Kennedy has yet to play his first game with the Cardinals because of a ribcage strain. And Jim Edmonds and Juan Encarnacion are recovering from surgeries and are taking it slow strides to coming back. However, Kennedy and Eckstein have returned but are still being treated with care while Tony La Russa hopes to have Edmonds and Encarnacion back sometime this week. However, they are expected to spend time on the disabled list. Although it is only Spring Training, you'd hate to see Jim Edmonds trying to find his form in April, especially after not only the Cubs and Astros got better, but the Brewers as well. Although there pitching is not what it was as of last year, they still have great power in Pujols, Rolen, and Duncan, and Chris Carpenter is a very solid, dependable pitcher. Don't count the Cardinals out yet because they still hold great power, decent pitching, and an excellent coaching staff.

Woodward to Cubs?

Many reporters around the spring training are coming across this trade tidbit and immediately pushing it aside. However, according to Ken Rosenthal, David O'Brien, and now a third source, who requested to remain anonymous because the trade is still very far away. A Cubs scout has recently scouted Chris Woodward and a couple other middle infielders on the Braves in hopes of swinging a deal for another utility infielder to provide even more depth, especially versus lefties. The scout suggested the reason to acquire this infielder was to provide backup for Ryan Theriot at second base versus lefties, because they plan to play Mark DeRosa in right field versus lefties. The reason being is because Jacque Jones' lack of ability to hit lefty pitchers. Lou Piniella has always had depth on his roster, and is pushing GM Jim Hendry to acquire more. Speaking of Jim Hendry, he plans to meet with Carlos Zambrano's agents either tomorrow or Saturday to discuss a five year deal, probably in the ballpark of 90 million dollars.

Matthews: I have never taken HGH

What did you expect him to say? "You got me." Yes this could be a mistake, but it took sixteen days for him just to make a statement. When the statement was made, the Angels front office was able to finally relax. "As long as this stuff's accurate and is what it is. As long as nothing else pops out, we're fine," Stoneman said. Matthews was suspected to have bought HGH over the Internet during the 2004 season, when it wasn't one of the illegal drugs banned by MLB's joint drug policy. Matthews, who signed a 50 million dollar deal this off season with the Angels, hit .313 with 19 HR and 79 RBI.

New Project

Derrek Lee started a project last off season to help fight LCA across the world. The foundation is called Project 3000 and I was impressed by the immediate response of sports stars around the league. As of today, I have had about 270,000 people come to the site. So starting April 1st and ending May 1st, how ever many people come to the site, I will add that number to 270,000 and donate one dollar for every 1000 people that have come. So if 300,000 people come, that's 300 dollars. I hope you will all continue coming to the site and if you want to donate money yourself, check the side column for further information. Spread the word any way you can!

Eli

O's Reach Extension with Roberts

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Orioles and Brian Roberts have reached an agreement on a two year extension worth 14.3 million dollars that will keep him with the Orioles through 2009. However, the contract has a limited no trade clause so he could be traded before the contract is up. "I said all along that it wasn't like I was losing sleep over it, but I am happy," said Roberts, 29. "I am excited that I will be here for the next three years. I am very grateful and I feel blessed that the organization would do this. I am excited with the group of guys that we have signed for the next three years. Hopefully, we can do something good for this city and this organization." Roberts batted .286 with 10 HR, 55 RBI, and 36 SB. Since 2001, Roberts has hit .280 with 40 HR, 250 RBI, and 136 SB, all with the Orioles.

Benitez to Beantown? Lieber to Chicago?

After Armando Benitez pitched a scoreless inning on Sunday for the Giants, teams have started to inquire about his services. The Marlins have been interested, but talks will only continue if the Giants pay for most of his contract. Now, the Red Sox, who have an extremely weak bullpen, are interested. And the only way to keep their interest up is to keep playing him. Scouts clocked Benitez in the high 80s and low 90s; however, one scout noticed his lower half didn't seem totally right during his delivery. Benitez says he expects to be ready for Opening Day, wherever he is. "I've heard the rumors," Benitez said. "That's all right. I can't think about that. I just have to get myself ready. I know what I can do. When I'm healthy, there aren't too many people who can do what I do." Benitez, who went 4-2 with a 3.52 ERA and 17 SV, was often booed at AT&T Park and the Giants would probably have to either cover most of the salary to receive anything for him, or take a minor leaguer or two and allow the Red Sox to absorb the salary. Meanwhile, Jon Lieber appears to be the odd man out in the bullpen, with Garcia, Eaton, Moyer, Myers, and Hamels filling the spots. It would make sense for the Phillies to trade him not only to dump the 7.5 million he is owed, but because he is 36, and had his first losing record since 2002, which could show signs of aging. His velocity has slowed down as well, but he is throwing strikes and getting ground balls. The White Sox, who has recently inquired about Aaron Rowand, would try to snag Jon Lieber in the trade. Not only are the Phillies looking to trade both, but the White Sox appear more than willing to absorb the cash and offer a package of players, major and minor leaguers to acquire both. They have a very weak outfield with Brian Anderson in center, Podsednik in left, and Dye in right and it would make sense to replace Anderson with Rowand, and push Floyd to the 'pen to make room for the veteran Lieber. Phil Rogers suggests that the White Sox trade Mike MacDougal, Rob Mackowiak, and Josh Fields, along with another prospect for the pair of Phillies. Other teams that are interested in Lieber are the Cardinals, Astros, and Giants.

Rockies Release Lopez

The Rockies announced today that they have released catcher Javy Lopez. Lopez, who was the odd man out behind Chris Iannetta, who is having a great spring, and Yorvit Torrealba. Lopez signed a one year deal worth 1 million dollars in the off season; however, not that he has been released, he does not think he will go anywhere else as a backup. "I don't think I'll go anywhere else as a backup. The way I feel, I can easily be an everyday catcher. If I'm not an everyday catcher, I'd rather not play this year or retire." Lopez batted .251 with 8 HR and 35 RBI with the Orioles and Red Sox.

Cleveland Indians Shortstop Jose Reyes?

No, it could have been though. An official involved in discussions that sent Roberto Alomar, Danny Peoples, and Mike Bacsik to the Mets for Earl Snyder, Billy Traber, Matt Lawton, Alex Escobar, and Jerrod Riggan said that the Mets made low-A prospect Jose Reyes available. However, the Indians felt they did not have enough information on him and were content with taking Alex Escobar. All Indians fans can do now is scratch their heads. Why didn't they do it? Many Cubs fans will recall the trade that sent Dontrelle Willis, Jose Cueto, Julian Taveras, and Ryan Jorgensen to the Marlins for Antionio Alfonseca and Matt Clement. Now Alfonseca is fighting for a spot with the Phillies and Matt Clement is recovering from injury. Or when the Astros trade what they thought was a washed up prospect in Curt Schilling to the Phillies for Jason Grimsley. Curt Schilling is still successfully pitching and has a World Series title while Jason Grimsley is the subject of many steroid talks. All you can really say is "if they only knew".

NEW POLL
LAST WEEK'S WINNER: JACQUE JONES

Jeromy Burnitz Retires

Jeromy Burnitz has decided to announce his retirement, his agent told ESPN. Burnitz has hit 315 career home runs with a .253 AVG with the Mets, Indians, Brewers, Dodgers, Rockies, Cubs, and Pirates. His agent Howard Simon said of the past two seasons that Burnitz was ready to go out and do it again. Burnitz was handed his worst season of his career hitting .230 with 16 HR and 49 RBI with the Pirates in 2006. His best year came with the Brewers in 1998 when he hit .263 with 38 HR and 125 RBI. He had one All Star appearance in 1999; but never made it into the post season.

Indians Lose Lee til May

The Cleveland Indians announced that Cliff Lee will be out for til May due to an abdomen strain. "The reality is I can't pitch until mid-April," Lee said after being scratched from a scheduled throwing session when he felt discomfort during training-room exercises Sunday morning. Lee, who went 14-11 with a 4.40 ERA last season, will be replaced by Fausto Carmona for the time being.

Nationals Renew Zimmerman's Contract

The Nationals announced today that they have renewed Ryan Zimmerman's contract for the 2007 season. Zimmerman, who batted .287 with 20 HR and 110 RBI, finished second in the voting for Rookie of the Year behind Hanley Ramirez and will make 400,000 next season. However, he is not eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season. Jim Bowden said he hopes to continue contract discussions with the third basemen to keep him with the organization for years to come. "The kid is happy, and he knows he's going to be the face of the franchise for years to come," Nationals manager Manny Acta said.

Braves Sign Redman

The Braves announced today that they have signed pitcher Mark Redman to a minor league contract and announced that he will start Saturday's game against the Blue Jays. "It's a great pick-up," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "We're thin." Redman, who went 11-10 with a 5.71 ERA for the Royals last year, was selected to the All Star Game in Pittsburgh. However, he was asking for too much during the off season and no one was interested. "I think we got lucky that there was a guy around like that," Cox said. "You know that every team is looking for starting pitching. There's going to be one or two guys not make the rotation somewhere that's going to be available." Redman will make $750,000 if he's placed on the 40-man roster. Redman's contract also allows him to make an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses, based on the amount of starts he makes at the Major League level.

Spring Training Day 21

Transactions
- Mets sign Wil Cordero to a minor league contract

Controversies
- Angels willing to void Matthews contract?
- Maddux (speaking of Cubs): "I let it go."
- Darren Holmes linked to HGH
- Phillies/Cubs coach John Vukovich died
- Steinbrenner speaks with Clemens about future
- Former Cub Gene Oliver remembered

Injuries
- Mark Kotsay out for first three months
- Mike Hampton out for first two months
- Cardinals Josh Kinney out for season

Rumors
- Zambrano extension talks back on

Game Highlights
- Check out the Offical Scorecard

Highlights from Spring Training

A's Lose Kotsay

The Oakland A's announced that Mark Kotsay will be out for three months recovering from surgery on a herniated disc. Kotsay first injured his back running into the outfield wall while with the San Diego Padres in 2003. "Mark has been battling this for a couple years, and it's become more frequent," A's general manger Billy Beane said. "He was a zealot in following his off season therapy but when there was a relapse in the first week of spring training, it was time to take more aggressive action." In 129 games, Kotsay hit .275 with 7 HR and 59 RBI.

Angels Looking to Void Matthews Contract?

According to one major league source, the Angels are considering voiding Gary Matthews' contract if he doesn't come clean about the allegations against him that he took Human Growth Hormones. The Angels are frustrated by the amount of coverage this is getting even though there is hardly any information; still, the Angels are expected to take action. "We want as much information as Gary can provide, but he can't or won't tell us anything," Mead said. "There is a sense of frustration here because of the lack of information. Everyone understands this is a legal issue but there is a sense of frustration. We feel like this is hanging over our heads." The Angels and MLB don't think Matthews has a legitimate reason to stay silent."There's no reason for him not to say something," the source said. "If he had a prescription (for HGH) and he took it before it was banned (2005), then he doesn't have to worry about anyone punishing him." It is possible the Angels will void his contract and rework a similar contract with an opt clause if he is indited, similar to the clause the Giants gave Barry Bonds.

Hampton Sidelined Again

Braves pitcher Mike Hampton is injured yet again taking practice swings. Hampton, who's made 12 starts in the past two years, will miss the start of the season for what coaches are calling, a left oblique strain. The Braves expect him to be out for at least the first two months. "I was pretty upset about it yesterday," Hampton said Thursday. "Then I went through a little time of sulking, and now, well, there is nothing you can do about it now except just try to get it healed up and get it better. I guess the only silver lining is that my elbow gets a little more time to rest." Career wise, Hampton is 138-101 with a 3.97 ERA.

Spring Training Day 19

Transactions
- White Sox give Vazquez extension

Controversies
- Rocker, Bell linked to steroids
- Belliard linked to extortion

Injuries
- Piazza out after getting HBP
- Delgado out (stiff neck)
- Freddy Sanchez: mild MCL sprain


Rumors
- Orioles near two year extension with Roberts
- Lieber to Toronto?
- Morneau's agent to meet with Twins?

Game Highlights
- Check out the Official Scorecard

Highlights from Spring Training

103.1, And It Was All Worth It

New Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka is drawing so much more attention after he blanked the Marlins in his second successful start. Matsuzaka allowed two hits, walked one and struck out three against the Florida Marlins. The right-hander also threw 47 pitches, 31 for strikes. "My readiness for the season is difficult to judge from the outside," Matsuzaka said through a translator. "I'm probably 40 to 50 percent there." When he made his debut against Boston College, he gave up one hit over two innings, and had three strike outs.

See Matsuzaka Projection...

White Sox Give Vazquez Extension

The White Sox and Javier Vazquez have agreed to a three year deal, worth 34.5 million dollars. At the beginning of this off season, many people thought he was the White Sox pitcher on the way out. However, Vazquez, who was 11-12 with a 4.84 ERA and 184 K in his first year with the White Sox.

So Far So Good

Although Mark Prior got shelled by the Mariners through 1.1 innings, there has been no report of any stiffness or injuries. Prior gave up 4 hits, 3 runs, all earned, and 2 walks. Yes not what you would liked to see from Mark Prior, but at least he is not reporting any injuries. On a good note, Kerry Wood pitched 1 inning, giving up 0 hits, runs, and walks. He did have 1 strikeout. The Cubs hope Kerry Wood will fill in as a reliever this season while Mark Prior will be the full time starter or a spot starter. Also a good sign from Cubs camp, Ted Lilly pitched 2 innings giving up just one hit, and Cubs prospect Felix Pie is 3-5 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored.

Spring Training Day 17

Transactions
- No Transactions to report

Controversies
- Santana: I will test market if deal isn't done soon
- Mets Wright willing to give up position for A-Rod



Injuries
- Justin Duchscherer is sidelined with tendinitis in his elbow
- Roberto Novoa out because of tightness in his shoulder
- Rafael Furcal out with sore shoulder
- Mark Grudzielanek out for four to six weeks

Rumors
- Todd Helton to Boston?

Game Highlights
Check out the Official Scorecard

Highlights from Spring Training