Saturday, March 7, 2009

MLB Roundup Mar. 7

The WBC started on Thursday with Japan beating China 4-0 in front of 43,428. Japanese Major Leaguers Ichiro Suzuki, Kosuke Fukudome, and Kenji Johjima all went without a hit in the opener. On Friday Korea took care of Chinese Taipei 9-0 and China beat Chinese Taipei as well 4-1. In a game that has already wrapped up today, Japan jumped out to an 8-2 lead after two innings and mercy-ruled Korea 14-2. Daisuke Matsuzaka got the win with 4.0 IP in which he gave up four hits, two runs and struck out one. Ichiro broke out in a big way with a three hit performance and three runs to boot. Fukudome tallied a hit and Johjima went 3-4 with three runs and a HR. On the schedule for the rest of the weekend is the Netherlands taking on the Dominican Republic as this is being written, Canada taking on the United States in Toronto (2:00PM Eastern on ESPN), Panama and Puerto Rico from Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan (5:00 PM Eastern on ESPN), and Italy vs Venezuela at 8:00 Eastern.

Big news coming out of the New York Yankees camp of course is the hip of Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod flew to Denver on Wednesday to get his hip checked out and it was revealed that he may need surgery for a torn labrum. There is a chance however that he could play the whole season and get surgery if needed after the season. A-Rod and the Yankees are waiting now to see how this plays out and are not moving to replace Rodriguez at third yet.

Last time I posted it wasn't official but it is now, Manny Ramirez came to a contract agreement with the LA Dodgers. The deal was 2 years worth $45 million. It was the same as the previous offer from the Dodgers but Manny and agent Scott Boras weren't happy with the way the money was distributed so this one I can only assume has those issues worked out.

Lots of other little things going on but I don't have enough to say about them so I'll just end this with the spring training schedule for today.

Cactus League
Royals v Indians
Cubs v Brewers
White Sox v Rangers
Mariners v Dodgers
Athletics v Padres
Rockies v Giants
Angels v Diamondbacks

Grapefruit League
Pirates v Twins
Reds v Blue Jays
Cardinals v Astros
Tigers v Phillies
Orioles v Marlins
Red Sox v Rays
Nationals v Mets
Braves v Yankees

zack.blbb@gmail.com
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