Around the Horn - 3/31

Nice try kid. They kept ya out of school for nothing.

Plenty of opening days did go off today, and last night. How about Ryan Zimmerman of the Nationals breaking in the new ball park with a walk off home run last night against the Braves.

It only took the Tigers Miguel Cabrera two at-bats to hit his first American League home run. Justin Verlander only allowed 1 hit through 5 innings, then blew a 3-0 lead. The game is now in extra innings.

The White Sox Mark Buehrle must be looking for a do over. The Indians tagged him for 7 runs in just 2 2-3 innings. Jim Thome has smacked a pair of 2-run homers off of C.C. Sabathia. Thome had been 0-11 against him entering the game.

Around the Horn - 3/31

Nice try kid. They kept ya out of school for nothing.

Plenty of opening days did go off today, and last night. How about Ryan Zimmerman of the Nationals breaking in the new ball park with a walk off home run last night against the Braves.

It only took the Tigers Miguel Cabrera two at-bats to hit his first American League home run. Justin Verlander only allowed 1 hit through 5 innings, then blew a 3-0 lead. The game is now in extra innings.

The White Sox Mark Buehrle must be looking for a do over. The Indians tagged him for 7 runs in just 2 2-3 innings. Jim Thome has smacked a pair of 2-run homers off of C.C. Sabathia. Thome had been 0-11 against him entering the game.

Around the Horn - 3/24

Some crucial injuries have hit late in spring training. Tigers five-tool man Curtis Granderson was hit in the right hand by a pitch from the Phils' Travis Blackley. Granderson suffered a broken finger and is expected to miss 3 weeks. Brandon Inge will take his place in centerfield for the time being.

The good news for the Blue Jays is that Scott Rolen's balky shoulder isn't bothering him. The bad news is that he broke the tip of his middle finger on his throwing hand during a fielding drill yesterday. Rolen could miss 4-5 weeks. Super sub Marco Scutaro will fill in for now.

Brewers left-hander Chris Capuano got some very bad news. He's got a torn UCL in his left shoulder, which means he'll most likely need a second Tommy John surgery.

A sore shoulder will keep the Braves' John Smoltz on the DL to start the season, but he could make his first start on April 6.

While Granderson may be bummed, his new teammate Miguel Cabrera is all smiles. The all-star slugger has reached preliminary agreement with the Tigers on a 7-yr extension worth $152 million.

John Patterson, released by the Washington Nationals last week, has agreed to a deal with the Texas Rangers. Imagine that, the Rangers making a good move with pitching.

Shannon Stewart has won the starting left field job for the Blue Jays, which means hard nosed, fan favorite, Reed Johnson is out of a job. The Blue Jays released him over the weekend.

The Twins are close to signing closer Joe Nathan to a 4-year extension. Nathan's agent is meeting with club officials today.

Around the Horn - 3/24

Some crucial injuries have hit late in spring training. Tigers five-tool man Curtis Granderson was hit in the right hand by a pitch from the Phils' Travis Blackley. Granderson suffered a broken finger and is expected to miss 3 weeks. Brandon Inge will take his place in centerfield for the time being.

The good news for the Blue Jays is that Scott Rolen's balky shoulder isn't bothering him. The bad news is that he broke the tip of his middle finger on his throwing hand during a fielding drill yesterday. Rolen could miss 4-5 weeks. Super sub Marco Scutaro will fill in for now.

Brewers left-hander Chris Capuano got some very bad news. He's got a torn UCL in his left shoulder, which means he'll most likely need a second Tommy John surgery.

A sore shoulder will keep the Braves' John Smoltz on the DL to start the season, but he could make his first start on April 6.

While Granderson may be bummed, his new teammate Miguel Cabrera is all smiles. The all-star slugger has reached preliminary agreement with the Tigers on a 7-yr extension worth $152 million.

John Patterson, released by the Washington Nationals last week, has agreed to a deal with the Texas Rangers. Imagine that, the Rangers making a good move with pitching.

Shannon Stewart has won the starting left field job for the Blue Jays, which means hard nosed, fan favorite, Reed Johnson is out of a job. The Blue Jays released him over the weekend.

The Twins are close to signing closer Joe Nathan to a 4-year extension. Nathan's agent is meeting with club officials today.

Around the Horn - 3/10

The annual spring training aches and pains are starting to kick in. Red Sox ace Josh Beckett left his last start after 1 pitch due to back spasms. Teammate Coco Crisp has been limited by a sore groin.

The Rockies' Luis Vizcaino returned to the mound on Sunday after missing time with a sore elbow (another victim of Torre overuse?).

The Marlins' Scott Olsen played catcher on Saturday after missing time with a sore shoulder.

The Phillies' Brad Lidge is working his way back from knee surgery. He threw 25 pitches today.

Texas Rangers pitcher Brandon McCarthy got bad news; he'll be out 4-6 weeks with severe inflammation in his forearm. The Rangers also signed Sidney Ponson to a minor league deal this weekend. What could they be thinking?

Jordan Tata of the Detroit Tigers violated the Kevin Brown-Julian Taverez rule; do not punch hard objects. Tata broke a knuckle after getting upset at 3 straight rough outings. He also has a sore shoulder too boot.

Do not adjust your monitor: Ichiro Suzuki really is 0-14 this spring.

Around the Horn - 3/10

The annual spring training aches and pains are starting to kick in. Red Sox ace Josh Beckett left his last start after 1 pitch due to back spasms. Teammate Coco Crisp has been limited by a sore groin.

The Rockies' Luis Vizcaino returned to the mound on Sunday after missing time with a sore elbow (another victim of Torre overuse?).

The Marlins' Scott Olsen played catcher on Saturday after missing time with a sore shoulder.

The Phillies' Brad Lidge is working his way back from knee surgery. He threw 25 pitches today.

Texas Rangers pitcher Brandon McCarthy got bad news; he'll be out 4-6 weeks with severe inflammation in his forearm. The Rangers also signed Sidney Ponson to a minor league deal this weekend. What could they be thinking?

Jordan Tata of the Detroit Tigers violated the Kevin Brown-Julian Taverez rule; do not punch hard objects. Tata broke a knuckle after getting upset at 3 straight rough outings. He also has a sore shoulder too boot.

Do not adjust your monitor: Ichiro Suzuki really is 0-14 this spring.

Around the Horn - 3/6

Serious news out of Cardinals' camp. Team doctor George Paletta says Albert Pujols has a high grade tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The tear seems to have also caused bone spurs, inflammation and arthritis in the joint. Pujols will need Tommy John surgery if and when the ligament finally gives out.

Rondell White earned the nickname RonDL because of his frequent inactivity due to injuries. Well, pretty soon Moises Alou may be known as Moises DLou. The Mets left fielder didn't even wait until the regular season to make his 1st trip to the disabled list this year. Alou is set to undergo hernia surgery and is out 4-6 weeks. The Mets HAVE to be looking for a right-handed bat.

Bartolo Colon had his 2nd positive bullpen throwing session and is on track to make his first spring start for Boston March 15.

When will the Rays finally cut bait with Rocco Baldelli? Baldelli was too sore to DH today after playing last on Tuesday. Is there such a thing as a hamstring transplant?

According to SI's Jon Heyman, the White Sox and Giants continue to discuss a Joe Crede deal, but so far can't agree on the players involved.

According to a source of Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, White Sox 1st Baseman Paul Konerko can still be had in a trade.

The Mets' Johan Santana bounced back from a rocky 1st outing with a solid 3 inning performance on Wednesday. The ace left-hander allowed a run on 2 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 4.

Around the Horn - 3/6

Serious news out of Cardinals' camp. Team doctor George Paletta says Albert Pujols has a high grade tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The tear seems to have also caused bone spurs, inflammation and arthritis in the joint. Pujols will need Tommy John surgery if and when the ligament finally gives out.

Rondell White earned the nickname RonDL because of his frequent inactivity due to injuries. Well, pretty soon Moises Alou may be known as Moises DLou. The Mets left fielder didn't even wait until the regular season to make his 1st trip to the disabled list this year. Alou is set to undergo hernia surgery and is out 4-6 weeks. The Mets HAVE to be looking for a right-handed bat.

Bartolo Colon had his 2nd positive bullpen throwing session and is on track to make his first spring start for Boston March 15.

When will the Rays finally cut bait with Rocco Baldelli? Baldelli was too sore to DH today after playing last on Tuesday. Is there such a thing as a hamstring transplant?

According to SI's Jon Heyman, the White Sox and Giants continue to discuss a Joe Crede deal, but so far can't agree on the players involved.

According to a source of Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, White Sox 1st Baseman Paul Konerko can still be had in a trade.

The Mets' Johan Santana bounced back from a rocky 1st outing with a solid 3 inning performance on Wednesday. The ace left-hander allowed a run on 2 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 4.

Around the Horn - 3/3

Jon Heyman is reporting that talks are heating up again concerning a Brian Roberts deal between the Orioles and Cubs.

The Giants' Noah Lowery had a Monday to forget today, walking 9 batters in just over an inning pitched. Choke on that Chris Russo.

Alfsono Soriano is expected to miss about a week of action with a fractured finger.

Has any team had as many collisions over the years as the Mets? We don't even want to think about the Mike Cameron-Carlos Beltran disaster in '05. This time it was 2nd Baseman Marlon Anderson and right fielder Ryan Church this past Saturday. Church ended up with a Grade 2 concussion.

The Mets also have to be holding their breaths concerning Carlos Delgado. The big 1st Baseman missed a lot of time last season due to a hip flexor problem. He was aching again this spring, but an MRI showed an impingement and he's listed as day-to-day.

Andrew Miller's Marlins debut was definitely not a memorable one. The highly touted prospect, acquired in the Miguel Cabrera deal, walked 5 batters in 3 innings.

The Nats Elijah Dukes hit his 1st HR of the spring and didn't attack or impregnate anyone after the game...though it's still early.

The A's Bobby Crosby homered in both weekend games, but in typical Bobby Crosby fashion, had back spasms today.

Our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery go out to Phillies coach and former big league speedster Davey Lopes who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The Red Sox Bartolo Colon was clocked at 90 mph in his Monday bullpen session. Colon threw 42 pitches that were a combination of fastballs and changeups.

Around the Horn - 3/3

Jon Heyman is reporting that talks are heating up again concerning a Brian Roberts deal between the Orioles and Cubs.

The Giants' Noah Lowery had a Monday to forget today, walking 9 batters in just over an inning pitched. Choke on that Chris Russo.

Alfsono Soriano is expected to miss about a week of action with a fractured finger.

Has any team had as many collisions over the years as the Mets? We don't even want to think about the Mike Cameron-Carlos Beltran disaster in '05. This time it was 2nd Baseman Marlon Anderson and right fielder Ryan Church this past Saturday. Church ended up with a Grade 2 concussion.

The Mets also have to be holding their breaths concerning Carlos Delgado. The big 1st Baseman missed a lot of time last season due to a hip flexor problem. He was aching again this spring, but an MRI showed an impingement and he's listed as day-to-day.

Andrew Miller's Marlins debut was definitely not a memorable one. The highly touted prospect, acquired in the Miguel Cabrera deal, walked 5 batters in 3 innings.

The Nats Elijah Dukes hit his 1st HR of the spring and didn't attack or impregnate anyone after the game...though it's still early.

The A's Bobby Crosby homered in both weekend games, but in typical Bobby Crosby fashion, had back spasms today.

Our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery go out to Phillies coach and former big league speedster Davey Lopes who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The Red Sox Bartolo Colon was clocked at 90 mph in his Monday bullpen session. Colon threw 42 pitches that were a combination of fastballs and changeups.

Around the Horn - 2/28

Mark DeRosa had minor surgery to repair an irregular heart beat and should be back with the Cubbies on Monday.

With no good offers in sight, veteran Shawn Green has decided to call it a career. The 15-year veteran hit the 328 home runs and posted a .283 lifetime average.

Cardinals utility man Scott Spiezio is, quite frankly, in deep shit. The Irvine, CA police department has issued an arrest warrant for Spiezio on 6 counts, from an incident on December 30th. Spiezio, who is already on baseball's restricted list due to a substance abuse problem, is wanted for DUI, hit and run, aggravated assault, and assault and battery. The Cardinals' quickly released him as soon as the news hit.

With no one breaking down his door, Freddy Garcia is going to wait until his arm is in better shape before signing with anyone. Garcia and his reps are counting on the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, and others having renewed interest when Garcia can prove to them that he's healthy.

Around the Horn - 2/28

Mark DeRosa had minor surgery to repair an irregular heart beat and should be back with the Cubbies on Monday.

With no good offers in sight, veteran Shawn Green has decided to call it a career. The 15-year veteran hit the 328 home runs and posted a .283 lifetime average.

Cardinals utility man Scott Spiezio is, quite frankly, in deep shit. The Irvine, CA police department has issued an arrest warrant for Spiezio on 6 counts, from an incident on December 30th. Spiezio, who is already on baseball's restricted list due to a substance abuse problem, is wanted for DUI, hit and run, aggravated assault, and assault and battery. The Cardinals' quickly released him as soon as the news hit.

With no one breaking down his door, Freddy Garcia is going to wait until his arm is in better shape before signing with anyone. Garcia and his reps are counting on the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, and others having renewed interest when Garcia can prove to them that he's healthy.

Around the Horn - 2/26

Bartolo Colon tried on his new Red Sox duds and took the mound today. His freshly signed contract will earn him $7 million if Colon makes the team out of spring training and takes the hill for 30 starts. The most amazing thing about all this is how out of shape Colon looks. You'd think a guy coming back from an arm injury and trying to get a contract would get into better shape. This dude is a serious candidate for a mansierre or bro.

The Giants will be without Omar Vizquel for 4-5 week due to surgery on his sore left knee.

Brett Boone says alcohol was one of the contributing factors in stepping away from the game 2 yeas ago. It got the to the point where Boonie was having 12-15 beers after each game.

The Rays have to be sweating right now after Scott Kazmir complained about elbow pain. Kazmir, who said it felt like a hyperextension, will go for an MRI.

The San Fran Chronicle reports that former Met Mike Piazza may hang up the cleats if he doesn't find work before the end of spring training.

Around the Horn - 2/26

Bartolo Colon tried on his new Red Sox duds and took the mound today. His freshly signed contract will earn him $7 million if Colon makes the team out of spring training and takes the hill for 30 starts. The most amazing thing about all this is how out of shape Colon looks. You'd think a guy coming back from an arm injury and trying to get a contract would get into better shape. This dude is a serious candidate for a mansierre or bro.

The Giants will be without Omar Vizquel for 4-5 week due to surgery on his sore left knee.

Brett Boone says alcohol was one of the contributing factors in stepping away from the game 2 yeas ago. It got the to the point where Boonie was having 12-15 beers after each game.

The Rays have to be sweating right now after Scott Kazmir complained about elbow pain. Kazmir, who said it felt like a hyperextension, will go for an MRI.

The San Fran Chronicle reports that former Met Mike Piazza may hang up the cleats if he doesn't find work before the end of spring training.

Around the Horn - 2/25

With Curt Schilling ailing, the Red Sox have reportedly turned to another veteran, also dealing with arm issues. According to ESPN, the Sox have agreed to terms on a minor league deal with former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon. There is no guaranteed money for Colon, who nearly signed with the Mets last week before they backed off.

The Red Sox also announced they are keeping their manager for at least 3 more years. Terry Francona agreed to a 3-year, $12 million extension.

Brad Lidge will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and is expected to miss the start of the Phillies' regular season. It's an early blow to the defending NL East champs, who acquired Lidge so they could move Brett Myers back to the starting rotation.

The Cubs Mark DeRosa had to be taken off the field on a stretcher Saturday due to an irregular heartbeat. He was feeling better on Sunday and was released from an area hospital. DeRosa will see a cardiologist today to determine when he can resume baseball activities.

The Blue Jays are bringing Shannon Stewart back to Toronto with a minor deal that will turn into $1.5 million if he makes the team. Stewart, who turns 34 today, played for the Jays from 1995-2003.

Tony LaRussa has selected Adam Wainwright to be the Cardinals opening day starter. In his comeback attempt, the Tigers Matt Mantei threw to hitters for the first time in 2 years.

Around the Horn - 2/25

With Curt Schilling ailing, the Red Sox have reportedly turned to another veteran, also dealing with arm issues. According to ESPN, the Sox have agreed to terms on a minor league deal with former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon. There is no guaranteed money for Colon, who nearly signed with the Mets last week before they backed off.

The Red Sox also announced they are keeping their manager for at least 3 more years. Terry Francona agreed to a 3-year, $12 million extension.

Brad Lidge will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and is expected to miss the start of the Phillies' regular season. It's an early blow to the defending NL East champs, who acquired Lidge so they could move Brett Myers back to the starting rotation.

The Cubs Mark DeRosa had to be taken off the field on a stretcher Saturday due to an irregular heartbeat. He was feeling better on Sunday and was released from an area hospital. DeRosa will see a cardiologist today to determine when he can resume baseball activities.

The Blue Jays are bringing Shannon Stewart back to Toronto with a minor deal that will turn into $1.5 million if he makes the team. Stewart, who turns 34 today, played for the Jays from 1995-2003.

Tony LaRussa has selected Adam Wainwright to be the Cardinals opening day starter. In his comeback attempt, the Tigers Matt Mantei threw to hitters for the first time in 2 years.

Around the Horn

The mouth that roared, Curt Schilling reported to Red Sox camp yesterday, and quickly threw management under the team bus. Schitbag is upset that the team is forcing him to choose rehab over surgery on his balky shoulder.

"I don't have any choice. If their course of action doesn't work I don't pitch this year, and I may never pitch again," Schilling said. "I have to mentally get behind it and do everything I can do to make it work."

Schilling had earlier sent this email to the AP.- "When you understand the depths of the different diagnosis, the incredible variations in potential treatments and timetables you should be able to understand to some degree why I might be upset at being forced to take this course of action," Schilling said. "That being said, that process is over and right now I am focused on trying to find out as quickly as possible whether or not this course of action will work."

Miguel Tejada reported to his new team, the Houston Astros today, but refused to comment on being named in the Mitchell Report. Tejada's attorneys advised him to keep a lid on things. The FBI has already launched an investigation to determine if Tejada lied during an interview in 2005.

Odalis Perez has reportedly joined the free-for-all to make the Nationals pitching staff, by inking a minor league deal.

The Angels can't find this to be good news. Vlad Guerrero is still bothered by elbow problems that forced him to DH down the stretch of last season.

Lou Piniella has made Bobby Howry the front-runner to be the Cubs new closer. Last year's closer, Ryan Dempster, was moved back to the starting rotation.



Ownership is now 5-0 in arbitration cases after defeating Mark Loretta.

Talk about a sophomore jinx. Hunter Pence has gotten off to a rough start in '08, suffering cuts to his hands and knees after walking into a sliding glass door.

Ian Kinsler has joined the recent group of young players to receive long-term contracts. The Rangers and Kinsler agreed to a 5-yr, $22 million deal.

Andy Pettitte wasn't the only one offering up apologies yesterday. Eric Gagne said his sorrys for being a distraction to his new Milwaukee Brewers club.

In what has to be a simple case of nepotism, the Nationals have inked Brett Boone to a minor league deal. The 39-yr old hasn't played in a major league game in over 2-1/2 years. His younger brother Aaron is also in Nats camp and his Dad, Bob, is an assistant to GM Jim Bowden.

Around the Horn

The mouth that roared, Curt Schilling reported to Red Sox camp yesterday, and quickly threw management under the team bus. Schitbag is upset that the team is forcing him to choose rehab over surgery on his balky shoulder.

"I don't have any choice. If their course of action doesn't work I don't pitch this year, and I may never pitch again," Schilling said. "I have to mentally get behind it and do everything I can do to make it work."

Schilling had earlier sent this email to the AP.- "When you understand the depths of the different diagnosis, the incredible variations in potential treatments and timetables you should be able to understand to some degree why I might be upset at being forced to take this course of action," Schilling said. "That being said, that process is over and right now I am focused on trying to find out as quickly as possible whether or not this course of action will work."

Miguel Tejada reported to his new team, the Houston Astros today, but refused to comment on being named in the Mitchell Report. Tejada's attorneys advised him to keep a lid on things. The FBI has already launched an investigation to determine if Tejada lied during an interview in 2005.

Odalis Perez has reportedly joined the free-for-all to make the Nationals pitching staff, by inking a minor league deal.

The Angels can't find this to be good news. Vlad Guerrero is still bothered by elbow problems that forced him to DH down the stretch of last season.

Lou Piniella has made Bobby Howry the front-runner to be the Cubs new closer. Last year's closer, Ryan Dempster, was moved back to the starting rotation.



Ownership is now 5-0 in arbitration cases after defeating Mark Loretta.

Talk about a sophomore jinx. Hunter Pence has gotten off to a rough start in '08, suffering cuts to his hands and knees after walking into a sliding glass door.

Ian Kinsler has joined the recent group of young players to receive long-term contracts. The Rangers and Kinsler agreed to a 5-yr, $22 million deal.

Andy Pettitte wasn't the only one offering up apologies yesterday. Eric Gagne said his sorrys for being a distraction to his new Milwaukee Brewers club.

In what has to be a simple case of nepotism, the Nationals have inked Brett Boone to a minor league deal. The 39-yr old hasn't played in a major league game in over 2-1/2 years. His younger brother Aaron is also in Nats camp and his Dad, Bob, is an assistant to GM Jim Bowden.

Around the Horn

Around the Horn - our recap of what's going around major league baseball - is back. In case you missed it, Carlos Beltran took a pre-emptive strike at the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins, by saying the Mets were the team to beat this year. Rollins of course made that proclomation about the Phillies last season, and thanks to a monumental Mets collapse, he was right when it came to the NL East crown. It's also highly unusual for Beltran to speak louder than a whisper.

K-Rod is quite upset with the Angels over his pending arbitration case. After seeing the deal Mariano Rivera got, K-Rod wants a big multi-year deal of his own. But so far Angels management has not been forthcoming. So while K-Rod may not be planning his exist from Anaheim/LA/that area, he was clearly upset when asked if he thought he might be elsewhere next season.

"Yeah, probably. Probably," he said. "If they wanted me here, they would have done something a long time ago. But, in the meantime, I have to put that out of my head. I can't be thinking they don't want me here or anything like that. Just do my job."

The Marlins have taken a hit already. Anibel Sanchez has been shut down after complaining of discomfort in his surgically repaired shoulder. And the Cardinals are being very cautious with Albert Pujols who is complaining of elbow pain in his right arm.

Around the Horn

Around the Horn - our recap of what's going around major league baseball - is back. In case you missed it, Carlos Beltran took a pre-emptive strike at the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins, by saying the Mets were the team to beat this year. Rollins of course made that proclomation about the Phillies last season, and thanks to a monumental Mets collapse, he was right when it came to the NL East crown. It's also highly unusual for Beltran to speak louder than a whisper.

K-Rod is quite upset with the Angels over his pending arbitration case. After seeing the deal Mariano Rivera got, K-Rod wants a big multi-year deal of his own. But so far Angels management has not been forthcoming. So while K-Rod may not be planning his exist from Anaheim/LA/that area, he was clearly upset when asked if he thought he might be elsewhere next season.

"Yeah, probably. Probably," he said. "If they wanted me here, they would have done something a long time ago. But, in the meantime, I have to put that out of my head. I can't be thinking they don't want me here or anything like that. Just do my job."

The Marlins have taken a hit already. Anibel Sanchez has been shut down after complaining of discomfort in his surgically repaired shoulder. And the Cardinals are being very cautious with Albert Pujols who is complaining of elbow pain in his right arm.