We Sacrifice for You!

post from Baseball Musings on 31 March 2008 04:22:00 PM. © Baseball Musings

Jimmy Rollins doubles to lead off the first for the Phillies. Victorino his a sacrifice bunt to move him to third, and Utley hits a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 1-0 lead over Washington. I hope Rollins...

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Opening Day Extra Innings Overflow Thread

post from Royals Review on 31 March 2008 04:18:43 PM. © Royals Review

Over 1,000 comments, huh? Talk about setting the tone for the next 161 games. Now lets get a win and move into first place.

I'm amazed. Well done everyone.

Seriously though, I think we may crash the network if we keep this thread going. Post new comments here.

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http://www.royalsreview.com/2008/3/31/388286/opening-day-extra-innings

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Reds designate LH Mike Stanton for minors (AP)

post from MLB News Blog on 31 March 2008 04:16:23 PM. © MLB News Blog

Left-handed reliever Mike Stanton was designated for assignment to the minors on Monday, an expensive move by the Cincinnati Reds to upgrade their bullpen. Before their opener against Arizona, the Reds completed their roster with several other anticipated moves. They put right-hander Matt Belisle, catcher David Ross and shortstop Alex Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled [...]

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http://mlbnewsblog.com/2008/03/31/reds-designate-lh-mike-stanton-for-minors-ap/

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Reds wear jerseys as tribute to Nuxhall (AP)

post from MLB News Blog on 31 March 2008 04:13:10 PM. © MLB News Blog

The Reds paid tribute to former player and broadcaster Joe Nuxhall by wearing special jerseys before their season opener Monday. Coaches and players donned jerseys that had Nuxhall’s No. 41 and his name on the back. All but starting pitcher Aaron Harang switched into their regular jerseys for the game.Read the full story.

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http://mlbnewsblog.com/2008/03/31/reds-wear-jerseys-as-tribute-to-nuxhall-ap/

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Orioles sign IF Cintron (PA SportsTicker)

post from MLB News Blog on 31 March 2008 04:10:40 PM. © MLB News Blog

The Baltimore Orioles signed infielder Alex Cintron to a minor-league contract Monday.Read the full story.

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http://mlbnewsblog.com/2008/03/31/orioles-sign-if-cintron-pa-sportsticker/

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More Game Underway

post from Baseball Musings on 31 March 2008 04:09:00 PM. © Baseball Musings

Aaron Harang just threw the first pitch in the DBacks-Reds game. They've also started play in Cleveland and Baltimore. Update: Jim Thome greets Sabathia with a two-run homer. Cabrera drew a one-out walk to set up the blast....

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DeJesus leaves with sprained ankle (PA
SportsTicker)

post from MLB News Blog on 31 March 2008 04:04:15 PM. © MLB News Blog

Kansas City Royals center fielder David DeJesus left Monday’s game in Detroit in the third inning after aggravating his sprained right ankle.Read the full story.

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ker/

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Playing in a Fog

post from Baseball Musings on 31 March 2008 04:03:00 PM. © Baseball Musings

The game in underway at Wrigley, but it's tough to see the batter from the centerfield camera due to the fog....

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Ironclad Signature Showcase & Real Baseball
Display; March, 8th, 2008 at BWI...

post from Oriole Post - Baltimore Orioles Analysis & News; The World of Baseball and Beyond on 31 March 2008 04:03:00 PM. © Oriole Post - Baltimore Orioles Analysis & News; The World of Baseball and Beyond

Signature Showcase; March 8th - BWI

The rainy Saturday morning, when many prefer to stay in their pajamas, brought baseball fans of all ages and loyalties together at the BWI Hilton Hotel.

The Signature Showcase, presented by MAB Celebrity Services and Ironclad Authentics, was an event including autographs from a number of former pro athletes and a variety of vendors promoting teams, new products, or selling items. Attending players included Bill and Cal Ripken, Reggie Jackson and many more. A full list, in order of appearance, is included below.

The Orioles, Redskins, Reds, and Yankees are some of the teams that were represented. However, the star of the day was Cal Ripken Jr. He signed autographs for hundreds of people for two hours, stopping occasionally to pose of pictures and shake hands. Ripken made it a point to take time with each seeking person. He was polite, kind, gracious for each item (including an old chair from Memorial Stadium) he autographed, and was enjoying the time to catch up with a few old friends.

The other highlighted player was Reggie Jackson, a former Yankee. In the past, Jackson had portrayed a dislike for the city of Baltimore. On Saturday he was nothing but smiles as he signed balls, pictures, bats, and other memorabilia and chatted casually with other players and the personnel.

The inviting firm, Maroon PR, led by Bonnie Shenahan, was promoting Cal Ripken?s Real Baseball. Real Baseball is an online video game which has been compared to fantasy ball. This free program allows a person to pick players for a team and then use the ?characters? to compete against friends or other teams. For more information or getting started yourself check out www.playrealbaseball.com.

The event was well planned and a great place for a fan to meet his/her favorite player, make memories, and collect memorabilia. Pictures of the event will be incoming shortly.

Attending Players:
Billy Ripken
Benny Ayala
Jim Palmer
Dick Hall
Curt Mutton
Cal Ripken Jr.
Tony Perez
Brooks Robinson
Johnny Bench
Davey Johnson
Don Buford
Reggie Jackson
Cesar Geronimo
Eddie Murray
Dave Concepcion
Harmon Killebrew
Ernie Banks
Mike Cuellar
Dave Leonhard
Joe Morgan
Frank Robinson
Andy Etchenbarren
Merv Rettenmund
Mike Devereaux
Boog Powell
Ed Watt
Earl Weaver
Clay Dalrymple
Paul Blair
Pete Richert

Guest Writer - Amanda

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http://oriolepost.blogspot.com/2008/03/ironclad-signature-showcase-real.html

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Braves Minor League Rosters Getting Set

Richmond (Triple-A)
For their last year in Richmond, the R-Braves looks like they will have a good team. I don?t believe the roster has been completely set yet, but the rotation will consist of Jo-Jo Reyes, Charlie Morton, Buddy Carlyle, Ryan Drese, and will likely be joined later by Chuck James.

Clint Sammons will get bumped up to triple-A as their catcher, and Brent Lillibridge and Brandon Jones will anchor the offense. Scott Thorman, Josh Anderson, and Joe Borchard will be readily available backups in case of major league injuries rounding out the roster.

Mississippi (Double-A)
The biggest name at Mississippi will be the organization?s top prospect, Jordan Schafer. Joining him will be the newest addition to the organization, pitcher Todd Redmond, who was recently acquired from the Pirates in exchange for Tyler Yates.

Mississippi will get a bunch of players they are familiar with as 15 players return from last year. Among the notables who are returning are Kala Ka?aihue, Van Pope, Diory Hernandez, Carl Loadenthal, James Parr, and Michael Nix. Some of the brightest relief talent will also reside in Pearle, with closer Sung Ki Jung being backed up by Kris Medlen.

The reason for all the returning players seems to be due in part to many poor performances from several guys last year, but it probably also has a lot to do with the glut of talent and major league backups that is sitting at triple-A.

A link to the PDF with all the roster information can be found here.

Myrtle Beach (Hi-A)
Moving down the organizational ladder to hi-A Myrtle Beach finds even more talent taking the field. The starting staff will be highlighted by Tommy Hanson; perhaps the organization?s top pitching prospect.

High draft picks from last year, Travis Jones and Brandon Hicks, will help make up the Pelican?s infield along with spring standout Tyler Flowers. The outfield will have speedsters Gorkys Hernandez and Quentin Davis, as well as the power of Jon Mark Owings -- one of the nicest guys in the organization.

Rome (Low-A)
The deepest talent pool of the Braves minor league system will likely reside at Rome. We?ll get to see how real the top pitching talent in the organization is as top prospects Jeff Locke, Steve Evarts, Chad Rodgers, Jose Ortegano, and Edgar Osuna make up the rotation. Eric Barrett will also be interesting to watch as will Benino Pruneda who can throw 100 mph.

On the offensive side of the ball some of the brightest power hitting prospects in the organization will fill out the middle of the Rome lineup. The Braves top draft picks the last two years, Jason Heyward and Cody Johnson, will patrol the corner outfield positions, and Freddie Freeman will hold down first base with Adam Coe across the diamond at third base. I?m already thinking about which weekends I want to head up to Rome to watch these kids play.

Some notables who were left off of any roster are Julio Teheran, Cory Gearrin, Josh Morris, Steve Kent, Cory Rasmus, Jon Gilmore, and Cole Rohrbough. I?m a little surprised about Rohrbough being left off of any roster -- makes me think that either they haven?t made a decision about him yet or he?s injured. Most of the other guys are rehabbing from injuries or will stay in the instructional league until short season ball starts later this summer.