MLB News Blog

Pitcher Carlos Zambrano extended his deadline to reach a contract extension with the Chicago Cubs beyond opening day, a sign the sides are nearing agreement. Zambrano and the Cubs are thought to be discussing a five-year deal worth about $80 million. He had said he didn’t want to negotiate past Monday’s opener against the Reds.
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Terry Francona sat in the dugout at Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium on a warm, sunny Sunday and expressed the feelings of most baseball fans. “Opening day is 24 hours away,” the Boston Red Sox manager said. “If you’re not optimistic, you’re crazy. But I think we have a legitimate reason to be optimistic.
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As usual, the Boston Red Sox spent lots of money on the free-agent market this offseason. In a change from past years, so did the Kansas City Royals.
The Red Sox and Royals get to see the first returns on their winter investments when they begin a season-opening three-game series Monday at Kauffman Stadium.
After going 23-35 […]

The Minnesota Twins have AL MVP Justin Morneau, Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana and batting champ Joe Mauer. All that, however, wasn’t enough to prevent a quick exit from the playoffs.
Santana looks to take his first step toward a third Cy Young in four seasons Monday night when the Twins open the season against […]

When Manny Acta managed winter ball in the Dominican Republic, he would put a phrase of the day on the lineup sheet to inspire his players. He’s got his message picked out for his major league managing debut with the Washington Nationals, though he’ll say it to his team instead of writing it: “Don’t leave […]

The scene at last year’s opener was something to behold. Two jets roared above U.S. Cellular Field, and the Chicago White Sox unveiled a large banner commemorating the 2005 World Series victory — the city’s first since 1917. Then, they opened the season in grand style, beating the Cleveland Indians 10-4 in a game that […]

Aaron Cook didn’t always dream of taking the mound on opening day like he will Monday when the Colorado Rockies face the Arizona Diamondbacks. For a while there, all he hoped for was to see his wife and play with his two young kids again. Cook’s world started spinning on a warm summer night at […]

Some high-profile newcomers will be in uniform when the Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals meet on opening day Monday.
Right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, who cost Boston more than $100 million and will have about 125 Japanese media chronicling his every move, will make his much-anticipated American debut on Thursday.
Gil Meche, whose five-year, $55 million free-agent […]

It’s a direct challenge to opening-day starter Ben Sheets, but it applies to the entire Milwaukee Brewers team this season: Time to turn potential into the reality of a playoff run. Sheets seems healthy going into the season opener against Derek Lowe and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday. And if the Brewers are to […]

Sunny skies with temperatures approaching 60 degrees were expected Monday in the Motor City, where the Detroit Tigers open a season as defending AL champions for the first time since 1985.
Even if it rained and was almost freezing, a feel-good vibe likely would engulf Comerica Park anyway.
The Tigers revitalized a baseball town with their shocking […]