MLB

03/26/2008 -- During its annual Media Open House today, the San Francisco Giants announced plans for the 2008 50th Anniversary season with a preview of the ballpark's new group suites and enhanced View Level amenities.

The San Francisco Giants also announced that for the first time ever, it will open the ballpark for fans to watch the season opener on the scoreboard on March 31. The Giants and FSN Bay Area will open the ballpark and invite fans to come out and watch the season opener of the San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers from Los Angeles on the scoreboard to celebrate the season opener and the re-launch of the network as Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.    » read more »

Four alternative parking plans announced for Coliseum game

LOS ANGELES, 03/26/2008 -- The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum have designed numerous parking options for the March 29 game it was announced today. With an expected crowd of 115,000, the club has put an emphasis on Coliseum accessibility.

The Los Angeles Dodgers urge fans to abide by the following transportation recommendations: Carpool, exit the freeways early, arrive as early as possible, and allow extra time for congestion.

Dodger Stadium:    » read more »

Additionally, Chicago Cubs announce fifth round of roster cuts; Place right-hander Angel Guzman on 60-day disabled list

MESA, Ariz., 03/25/2008 -- The Chicago Cubs today announced the club has agreed to terms with outfielder Reed Johnson on a one-year contract. Johnson, who will wear uniform number 13, is scheduled to be in the Cubs line-up for this afternoon's game against San Francisco in Scottsdale.

Additionally, the club today announced its fifth round of roster cuts.

The Chicago Cubs optioned outfielders Sam Fuld and Eric Patterson to Triple-A Iowa and assigned left-handed pitcher Les Walrond and infielders Micah Hoffpauir and Casey McGehee to Minor League camp.    » read more »

Starters Chris Carpenter, Mark Mulder, Matt Clement and Joel Piniero on list

JUPITER, Fla., 03/25/2008 -- The St. Louis Cardinals today announced that they have placed seven players on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21.

Included on the list are pitchers Chris Carpenter (right elbow), Mark Mulder (left shoulder), Matt Clement (right shoulder), Joel Pineiro (right shoulder), Tyler Johnson (left shoulder) and Josh Kinney (right elbow) and outfielder Juan Encarnacion (left orbital fracture).

Following today's transactions, the St. Louis Cardinals have 31 players remaining in camp:
- 16 pitchers,
- two catchers,
- seven infielders, and
- six outfielders.

Source: MLB

03/26/2008, MILWAUKEE -- In a move that is certain to shake the worldwide meat industry, The Milwaukee Brewers today announced that the Klement's World Famous Sausage Race has been moved forward half an inning, from the end of the sixth inning to the middle of the same frame.

The change in schedule was collectively bargained by the Racing Sausages in their annual negotiations with the Milwaukee Brewers. The move was requested by the Sausages in order to run while hot, not later in the game after they have cooled down. The Sausages also believe that this change will allow them to generate more excitement for the home team as the Milwaukee Brewers - not the opposition - prepare to bat in their half of the inning.    » read more »

Baseball Hall of Famer to be in Rome, Georgia on April 3

03/25/2008, ROME, Ga. -- In keeping with the tradition of historic Opening Night guests, the Rome Braves announce that baseball legend and Hall of Fame member Bruce Sutter will throw out the ceremonial first pitch April 3 just before Rome opens the 2008 season.

"We are honored to have a Hall of Famer, former Brave and Cardinal great Bruce Sutter joining us for our Opening Day festivities," says Rome general manager Michael Dunn.    » read more »

03/25/2008 -- The New York Yankees announced today that the team will wear a special patch on their 2008 uniforms commemorating the final season of Yankee Stadium. In addition, the team will also don a patch in honor of the 2008 All-Star Game that will take place at Yankee Stadium on July 15, 2008. It is the first time the club's uniforms will be adorned with a patch for a full season since 2003, when the New York Yankees wore a patch commemorating the 100th anniversary of the franchise.

The "Yankee Stadium-The Final Season" patch will feature the main entrance of the original Stadium as it was prior to renovation in 1976. A "1923-2008" notation along the top of the patch recognizes the lifetime of the Stadium since its original Opening Day on April 18, 1923.    » read more »

03/26/2008, FORT MYERS -- The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have reassigned catcher Drew Butera to Minor League camp.

Drew Butera batted .176 (3-for-17) with two RBI in 11 spring games with the Twins.

The Minnesota Twins now have 28 (two non-roster) players in camp:

- 13 pitchers,
- three catchers (one non-roster),
- six infielders, and
- six outfielders (one non-roster).

Source: MLB

03/26/2008, KANSAS CITY -- The Kansas City Royals have acquired right-handed pitcher Ramon Ramirez from the Colorado Rockies for a player to be named. To make room for Ramon Ramirez on the 40-man roster, the Kansas City Royals have designated left-handed pitcher Jorge De La Rosa for assignment.    » read more »

03/25/2008, Surprise, Ariz. -- The Texas Rangers announced on Tuesday the following transactions for the team's Spring Training roster:

Optioned to Minor League camp:
RHP Frank Francisco

Reassigned to Minor League camp:
RHP Eric Hurley

With these moves, the Texas Rangers now have 35 players on the Spring Training roster, including five non-roster invitees. That figure does not include pitchers Omar Beltre and Alexi Ogando, who remain on the club's restricted list due to visa issues in the Dominican Republic.

Source: MLB

Over 35 current and former Orioles to sign autographs for fans

03/25/2008 -- The kickoff to Baltimore the Orioles' 2008 season begins this Saturday, March 29, at Camden Yards with Baltimore Orioles FanFest, a day-long celebration of baseball. Fans will have the opportunity to watch the team work out on the field, get autographs from their favorite current and former Orioles players, participate in Fan Forums throughout the day and pose for photos with the 1983 World Series trophy at the event, which will be held from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the ballpark.    » read more »

National singing contest for trip to 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium

03/26/2008 -- A lucky and talented Seattle Mariners fan could find him or herself leading the crowd at the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium in the classic baseball anthem Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

During the opening week of the upcoming season, baseball fans across the country will have the chance to qualify for that honor in a contest celebrating the 100th Anniversary of one of America's most well known and well-loved songs.    » read more »

National Guard Corporal and Progressive Insurance employee Andre Hampton to be live via satellite from Kuwait as his mom, Kim Shockley, tosses ceremonial first pitch on his behalf

CLEVELAND, 03/25/2008 -- The Cleveland Indians today announced pregame festivities for Opening Day 2008 at Progressive Field on Monday, March 31 vs. Chicago White Sox at 3:05 p.m.    » read more »

Free postgame BBQ, All-Time Al Lang Team, Air Force fly-over to highlight Progress Energy Park finale

ST. PETERSBURG, 03/26/2008 -- The Tampa Bay Rays will celebrate 83 years of waterfront baseball on Friday, March 28 in the final game to be held at Progress Energy Park, home of Al Lang Field. Festivities planned include a MacDill Air Force fly-over, a presentation of the All-Time Al Lang Team, tributes to former St. Petersburg pro teams that called the field home, a free postgame barbecue for all fans in attendance, and numerous giveaways.    » read more »

Grand prize winner to perform historic song at the 2008 All-Star Game

03/26/2008 -- Major League Baseball and Baby Ruth are searching for the most talented performance of the popular baseball anthem "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." The search, which will be conducted through a contest sponsored by Baby Ruth, celebrates the song's 100 anniversary and supports the League's 2008 Opening Week initiative. One lucky winner will receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead the beloved song during the Seventh Inning Stretch of the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, the final season at the historic stadium.    » read more »